For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,434 students in Montrose County, CO.
The top-ranked public high schools in Montrose County, CO are Peak Virtual Academy, Montrose High School and Nucla High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Montrose County, CO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 23% (versus the Colorado public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 53% statewide average). High schools in Montrose County have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public high schools.
Montrose County, CO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 78%, which is less than the Colorado average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Olathe Middle/high School, with 90-94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Colorado or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Montrose County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Peak Virtual Academy
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
526 N. 6th Street
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-7726
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-7726
Gr: K-12 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Montrose High School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
600 South Selig Avenue
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6636
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-6636
Gr: 9-12 | 1,275 student Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Nucla High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
225 West 4th Street
Nucla, CO 81424
(970) 864-7350
Nucla, CO 81424
(970) 864-7350
Gr: 9-12 | 63 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Olathe Middle/high School
(Math: 9% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
410 Highway 50 Business Loop
Olathe, CO 81425
(970) 252-7950
Olathe, CO 81425
(970) 252-7950
Gr: 6-12 | 497 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
Vista Charter School
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 21-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1810 St. Mary Drive
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-4470
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-4470
Gr: 9-12 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 35:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: n/an/a
Black Canyon High School
Alternative School
126 South 5th Street
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 964-8597
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 964-8597
Gr: 9-12 | 118 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
930 Colorado Ave
Montrose, CO 81403
(970) 249-7726
Montrose, CO 81403
(970) 249-7726
Gr: PK-12 | 83 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Montrose County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
141 West Main Street
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2204
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2204
Gr: PK-6 | 162 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
P O Box 400
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2204
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2204
Gr: 6-8 | 65 students Minority enrollment: 15%
Paradox Valley Charter School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
21501 6 Mile Road
Paradox, CO 81429
(970) 859-7236
Paradox, CO 81429
(970) 859-7236
Gr: PK-12 | 18 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Passage Charter School (Closed 2018)
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
703 South 9th Street
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 249-1472
Montrose, CO 81401
(970) 249-1472
Gr: 9-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Vista Adult High School (Closed 2005)
Alternative School
P O Box 10,000
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2944
Montrose, CO 81402
(970) 249-2944
Gr: 9-12 | 102 students Minority enrollment: 40%
West End Charter Learning Center (Closed 2006)
Alternative School
Charter School
Charter School
P O Box 190
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2290
Naturita, CO 81422
(970) 865-2290
Gr: 7-12 | 6 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in Montrose County, CO?
The top-ranked public high schools in Montrose County, CO include Peak Virtual Academy, Montrose High School and Nucla High School.
How many public high schools are located in Montroseunty?
7 public high schools are located in Montroseunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Montroseunty?
Montroseunty public high schools minority enrollment is 43% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Montroseunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Montroseunty include: Olathe Middle/high School vs. Montrose High School, Vista Charter School vs. Montrose High School, Peak Virtual Academy vs. Montrose High School
Recent Articles
Charter Schools vs Public Schools 2025: Key Differences & Trends
Explore updated 2025 insights comparing charter schools vs public schools, enrollment, academic outcomes, funding, and real-world examples for families and educators.
Are Public Schools Ready for the 21st Century? 2025 Update
Explore 2025 insights on whether public schools are ready for the 21st century, covering performance, technology, equity, funding, and future-ready learning.
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide
A parent-focused guide to the public school open house and enrollment season, with expert questions, timelines, and decision tips.