For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public high schools serving 725 students in Chaffee County, CO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Chaffee County, CO are Salida High School, Chaffee County High School and Horizons Exploratory Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Colorado public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 67% (versus the 53% statewide average). High schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Colorado public high schools.
Chaffee County, CO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 86%, which is more than the Colorado average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Buena Vista High School, with ≥95% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Colorado or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Chaffee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Salida High School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
26 Jones Avenue
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5400
Gr: 9-12 | 409 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
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 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #33.
Horizons Exploratory Academy
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
310 E 9th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5252
Gr: 9-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Buena Vista High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
559 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Gr: 9-12 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Chaffee County, CO include Salida High School, Chaffee County High School and Horizons Exploratory Academy.
How many public high schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
4 public high schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public high schools minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Chaffeeunty include: Salida High School vs. Buena Vista High School, Buena Vista High School vs. Salida High School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.