Average
#771 of 1,815 schools in CO
Top 42% in state
Cottonwood Elementary School
Elementary School · Montrose County School District Re-1J
P O BOX 10000, Montrose, CO 81402
Enrollment
412
Student-Teacher
18.7:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Enrollment
412
Student-Teacher
18.7:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Colorado schools
#771 of 1,815
In Montrose
#2 of 11
public schools
In district
#2 of 13
Montrose County School District Re-1J
Equity
8.4 / 10
Excellent
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Cottonwood Elementary School
Elementary School in Montrose · grades Kindergarten – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Vista Charter School
1.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Columbine Middle School
1.8 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Cottonwood Elementary School
Cottonwood Elementary School is a public elementary school in Montrose, CO, part of Montrose County School District Re-1J. Cottonwood Elementary School serves approximately 412 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-5th, and has a 18.7:1 student-teacher ratio. Cottonwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #771 of 1,815 schools in CO.
Structured state assessment records for Cottonwood Elementary School show 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- District avg 4.9
- CO avg 6.3
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cottonwood Elementary School — Students at Cottonwood Elementary School score 51% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 42%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
41%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)
Based on 35 test records from CO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.6/10.
How Cottonwood Elementary School Compares
See how Cottonwood Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
P O BOX 10000, Montrose, CO 81402
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cottonwood Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Ridgway Elementary School (rated 8.8/10, 20.8 miles away, in nearby Ridgway), which scores notably higher. Another option is POPE JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY (rated 6.5/10, 2.4 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Olathe Elementary School (rated 5.5/10, 13.3 miles away, in nearby Olathe), a more accessible option. For more schools in Montrose, see our Montrose schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 22.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vista Charter School Montrose | 1.6 mi | 4.3 |
| Columbine Middle School Montrose | 1.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Pomona Elementary School Montrose | 2.0 mi | 4.0 |
| Early Childhood Center Montrose | 1.9 mi | 3.2 |
| Outer Range Montrose | 2.0 mi | — |
| Montrose High School Montrose | 2.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Black Canyon High School Montrose | 2.2 mi | — |
| Centennial Middle School Montrose | 2.5 mi | 6.0 |
| POPE JOHN PAUL II ACADEMY Montrose | 2.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Northside Elementary School Montrose | 3.0 mi | 4.8 |
| Peak Virtual Academy Montrose | 3.0 mi | 7.6 |
| Johnson Elementary School Montrose | 3.5 mi | 3.7 |
| Oak Grove Elementary School Montrose | 3.9 mi | 4.9 |
| Olathe Middle/High School Olathe | 12.9 mi | 6.2 |
| Olathe Elementary School Olathe | 13.3 mi | 5.5 |
| Ridgway High School Ridgway | 20.2 mi | 7.5 |
| Ridgway Middle School Ridgway | 20.2 mi | 8.9 |
| Ridgway Elementary School Ridgway | 20.8 mi | 8.8 |
| Delta High School Delta | 22.1 mi | 7.0 |
| Grand Mesa Choice Academy Delta | 22.4 mi | 4.3 |
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Charles Hay World School Englewood, CO | 6.7 |
| Charles M. Schenck (CMS) Community School Denver, CO | 6.7 |
| Dillon Valley Elementary School Dillon, CO | 6.7 |
| Haaff Elementary School Pueblo, CO | 6.7 |
| Haskin Elementary School Center, CO | 6.7 |
| Jordahl Elementary School Fountain, CO | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cottonwood Elementary School
What grades does Cottonwood Elementary School serve?
Cottonwood Elementary School serves students in grades Kindergarten through 5th.
How many students attend Cottonwood Elementary School?
Cottonwood Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 412 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood Elementary School is 18.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cottonwood Elementary School rank in CO?
Cottonwood Elementary School ranks #771 of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Cottonwood Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Cottonwood Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cottonwood Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Cottonwood Elementary School has 54% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 61% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Cottonwood Elementary School a charter school?
No, Cottonwood Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cottonwood Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Cottonwood Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cottonwood Elementary School?
41.0% of students at Cottonwood Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 5th
- Enrollment
- 412
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 18.7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 22
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 41.0%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Montrose County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 18.9%
- Phone
- (970) 249-2539
Resources & Links
District
Montrose County School District Re-1J- District Enrollment
- 6,029
- Schools in District
- 15
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,857
- District Rank
- #2 of 13
Other Schools in This District
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