Mesa Ridge High School is a school in Widefield School District 3, a school district in El Paso County, Colorado. The school is zoned to receive students from Fountain, and the Colorado Springs suburbs of Security and Widefield. Mesa Ridge opened in 1997. The first graduating class commenced in 2000.
Serving 1,255 students in grades 9-12, Mesa Ridge High 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 49% (which is higher than the Colorado state average of 45%).
The student:teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Colorado state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,255 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 84% (Top 50% in CO)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 49% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 18% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mesa Ridge High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Mesa Ridge High School's student population of 1,255 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 69 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,255 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
69 teachers
Year Founded
1997
Colors
Black, Purple
School Calendar
School Rankings
Mesa Ridge High 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 Mesa Ridge High School is 0.71, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.62. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#966 out of 1748 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20%
33%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
45%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)18%
29%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
2%
3%
Hispanic
32%
36%
Black
11%
5%
White
41%
50%
Hawaiian
2%
n/a
Two or more races
11%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
84%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
36%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
7%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Grizzly
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mesa Ridge High School's ranking?
Mesa Ridge High School is ranked #966 out of 1,748 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Colorado.
What schools are Mesa Ridge High School often compared to?
Mesa Ridge High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Widefield High School by visitors of our site.
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 49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% CO state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mesa Ridge High School?
The graduation rate of Mesa Ridge High School is 84%, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 82%.
How many students attend Mesa Ridge High School?
1,255 students attend Mesa Ridge High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
41% of Mesa Ridge High School students are White, 32% of students are Hispanic, 11% of students are Black, 11% of students are Two or more races, 2% of students are Asian, 2% of students are Hawaiian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Mesa Ridge High School?
Mesa Ridge High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 15:1.
What grades does Mesa Ridge High School offer ?
Mesa Ridge High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mesa Ridge High School part of?
Mesa Ridge High School is part of School District No. 3 In The County Of El Paso And State Of.
In what neighborhood is Mesa Ridge High School located?
Mesa Ridge High School is located in the Fountain Valley neighborhood of Colorado Springs, CO. There are 14 other public schools located in Fountain Valley.
School Reviews
5 3/14/2023
Recommend!
Review Mesa Ridge High 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
The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.
Florida Governor Calls for More Funding for State鈥檚 Public School System
Florida Governor Rick Scott has introduced a state budget for next year that pumps one billion more dollars into the public school system. We鈥檒l look at his reasons for the increase and the responses to the proposal.
Can Your Child鈥檚 School Meet the National Standards?
The article discusses the challenges public schools face in meeting national educational standards. It examines current performance trends, identifies key issues affecting student achievement, and explores potential solutions for improving academic outcomes across U.S. public schools.
