Serving 134 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 12:1 is lower than the Colorado state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Colorado state average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative school / Charter School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 134 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- 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 134 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 22% over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
134 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
School Calendar
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 0.61, which is less 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
#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
12:1
15:1
American Indian
21%
1%
Asian
n/a
3%
Hispanic
22%
36%
Black
n/a
5%
White
55%
50%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
2%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
11-19%
82%
Eligible for Free Lunch
75%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CO Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
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?
134 students attend Southwest Open Charter School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Southwest Open Charter School students are White, 22% of students are Hispanic, 21% of students are American Indian, and 2% 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 12:1, 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 7/27/2012
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:
- 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.