Serving 394 students in grades Kindergarten-5, Cottonwood Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 51% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 29% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 394 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 29%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in CO
- Math Proficiency: 45% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 51% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Overview
Cottonwood Elementary School's student population of 394 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
394 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
Colors
Blue and Gold
School Motto
Inspire • Learn • Grow
School Rankings
Cottonwood Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Cottonwood Elementary School is 0.44, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#564 out of 1748 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
51%
45%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
Hispanic
24%
37%
Black
1%
5%
White
71%
49%
Two or more races
4%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19.8%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cottonwood Elementary School's ranking?
Cottonwood Elementary School is ranked #564 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are Cottonwood Elementary School often compared to?
Cottonwood Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Oak Grove Elementary School, Johnson Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while 51% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary School?
394 students attend Cottonwood Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
71% of Cottonwood Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Cottonwood Elementary School?
Cottonwood Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Cottonwood Elementary School offer ?
Cottonwood Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Kindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Cottonwood Elementary School part of?
Cottonwood Elementary School is part of Montrose County School District Re-1j.
School Reviews
Review Cottonwood Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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.
