For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,625 students in 81650, CO (there are 1 private school, serving 59 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in 81650, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO are Wamsley Elementary School, Graham Mesa Elementary School and Highland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 81650 have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 81650, CO have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best 81650, CO Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wamsley Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
225 East 30th Street
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7950
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7950
Gr: PK-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Graham Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1575 Farmstead Parkway
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7500
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7500
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 East 7th Street
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-6800
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-6800
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #44.
Rifle Middle School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
753 Railroad
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7900
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7900
Gr: 6-8 | 552 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO include Wamsley Elementary School, Graham Mesa Elementary School and Highland Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 81650?
5 public schools are located in 81650.
What percentage of students in 81650 go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in 81650 are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 81650?
81650 public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
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.