For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public middle schools serving 759 students in Chaffee County, CO.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Chaffee County High 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 middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the Colorado public middle school average of 30%), and reading proficiency score of 55% (versus the 43% statewide average). Middle schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Colorado public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public middle school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Chaffee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Crest Academy
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
220 12th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Gr: 5-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Chaffee County High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
613 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 7-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Salida Montessori Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1040 I Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
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:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 Milford Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
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:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
549 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Gr: 5-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
613 East Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
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 middle schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Chaffee County High School and Salida Montessori Charter School.
How many public middle schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
5 public middle schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public middle schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public middle schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Preventing Suicide in Schools: 2026 Guide for Educators
Learn updated 2026 strategies for preventing suicide in schools, including warning signs, intervention plans, and school-wide mental health support.
The Impact of Social Media on Students (2026 Update)
Explore the impact of social media on students in 2026, including academic, mental health, and safety insights for parents and educators.
Building a Summer Reading Plan That Keeps Kids Engaged
Learn how to build a summer reading plan that keeps kids engaged, motivated, and improving literacy skills throughout the break.