ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï - Established 2003

Best Chaffee County Public Elementary Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,592 students in Chaffee County, CO.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Colorado public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Elementary Schools in Chaffee County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Crest Academy
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
220 12th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Gr: 5-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
425 West 7th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Gr: K-4 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Salida Montessori Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1040 I Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Gr: PK-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Salida Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
520 Milford Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Gr: 5-8 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
Buena Vista Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
549 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Avery/parsons Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Gr: K-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in Chaffee County, CO

Chaffee County Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
Arrowhead Learning Center (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
P O Box 1199
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Gr: 5-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Buena Vista Online Academy (Closed 2014)
613 East Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 3-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
6 public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public elementary schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (CO):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: