For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,592 students in Chaffee County, CO.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO are Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Chaffee County, CO public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the Colorado public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 43% statewide average). Elementary schools in Chaffee County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary school average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Chaffee County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Crest Academy
(Math: 60-69% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
220 12th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-2977
Gr: 5-8 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #22.
Longfellow Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
425 West 7th Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5260
Gr: K-4 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Salida Montessori Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1040 I Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-4887
Gr: PK-8 | 151 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Salida Middle School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 Milford Street
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 530-5300
Gr: 5-8 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #55.
Buena Vista Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
549 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7060
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #66.
Avery/parsons Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7020
Gr: K-5 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Chaffee County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Arrowhead Learning Center (Closed 2010)
Special Education School
P O Box 1199
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4675
Gr: 5-12 | 22 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
613 East Main St
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 3-12 | 7 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in Chaffee County, CO include Crest Academy, Longfellow Elementary School and Salida Montessori Charter School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty?
6 public elementary schools are located in Chaffeeunty.
What is the racial composition of students in Chaffeeunty?
Chaffeeunty public elementary schools minority enrollment is 19% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public elementary schools average of 50% (majority Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in Chaffeeunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in Chaffeeunty include: Avery/parsons Elementary School vs. Longfellow Elementary School, Longfellow Elementary School vs. Avery/parsons Elementary School
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