Serving 131 students in grades 9-12, Southwest Open Charter School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Colorado for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≤20% (which is lower than the Colorado state average of 33%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is <50% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 13:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 53% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Colorado state average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 131 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 13:1
- Minority Enrollment: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 11-19% (Btm 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: <50% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Southwest Open Charter School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Southwest Open Charter School's student population of 131 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 10 teachers has grown by 11% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
131 students
Total Classroom Teachers
10 teachers
Year Founded
1986
School Rankings
Southwest Open Charter School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,748 schools in Colorado (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Southwest Open Charter School is 0.66, which is more 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
#926 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≤20%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
15:1
American Indian
28%
1%
Hispanic
20%
37%
White
47%
49%
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
11-19%
82%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)77.9%
33.6%
Eligible for Free Lunch
76%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southwest Open Charter School's ranking?
Southwest Open Charter School is ranked #926 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 33% CO state average), while <50% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Southwest Open Charter School?
The graduation rate of Southwest Open Charter School is 11-19%, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Southwest Open Charter School?
131 students attend Southwest Open Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of Southwest Open Charter School students are White, 28% of students are American Indian, 20% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Southwest Open Charter School?
Southwest Open Charter School has a student ration of 13:1, which is lower than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Southwest Open Charter School offer ?
Southwest Open Charter School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Southwest Open Charter School part of?
Southwest Open Charter School is part of Montezuma-Cortez School District No. Re-1.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I always believe innovation that best fit student ability to learn should be the standard, and SW Open High School is such a school. It does not fit all students, but those that need alternative method of learning.
Review Southwest Open Charter School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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