For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 1,537 students in Salida, CO.
The top-ranked public schools in Salida, CO are Crest Academy, Salida High School and Longfellow Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Salida, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in Salida have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Salida, CO (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 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 7%
Rank: #22.
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: #33.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 West 7th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Gr: K-4 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #44.
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: #55.
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 | 186 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #66.
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 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: n/an/a
516 Teller Ave
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5237
Gr: PK | 74 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Salida, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in Salida, CO include Crest Academy, Salida High School and Longfellow Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Salida?
7 public schools are located in Salida.
What is the racial composition of students in Salida?
Salida public schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.