Very Good
#313 of 1,815 schools in CO
Top 17% in state
Salida Montessori Charter School
Elementary School · State Charter School Institute
1040 I STREET, Salida, CO 81201
Enrollment
151
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Enrollment
151
Student-Teacher
11.6:1
Score
7.8
Grades
Pre-K – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Salida
#4 of 7
public schools
Colorado elementary schools
#245 of 1,006
In district
#3 of 39
State Charter School Institute
Academic growth
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Salida Montessori Charter School
Salida Montessori Charter School is a charter school located in the charming town of Salida, Colorado. With an enrollment of 151 students from pre-K through eighth grade, the school offers a unique Montessori education approach tailored to each child's individual needs. The student-teacher ratio of 11.6:1 ensures that students receive personalized attention and support.
Salida Montessori Charter School places a strong emphasis on community engagement and hands-on learning experiences. Despite its small size, the school boasts a dedicated team of 13 full-time equivalent teachers who are committed to fostering a nurturing environment for every student. The school’s MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 reflects its solid academic performance, particularly in English Language Arts (ELA) where 61% of students meet or exceed proficiency standards.
In math, the school is focusing on areas with room for improvement, as only 28% of students are proficient. Salida Montessori Charter School is situated in a remote town surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. This setting provides a rich backdrop for experiential learning activities that complement traditional classroom instruction.
The school’s commitment to holistic education makes it a welcoming place for families seeking a supportive community environment.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 151 students, Salida Montessori Charter School is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
Salida Montessori Charter School is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Salida Montessori Charter School — Students at Salida Montessori Charter School score 47% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.2%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)
Based on 15 test records from CO state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 8.7/10.
How Salida Montessori Charter School Compares
See how Salida Montessori Charter School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 24.5% (2019) to 33.67% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 54.5% (2019) to 60.82% (2025).
Location
1040 I STREET, Salida, CO 81201
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Salida Montessori Charter School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Longfellow Elementary School (rated 8.5/10, 0.2 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Avery/Parsons Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 22.7 miles away, in nearby Buena Vista), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Cotopaxi Elementary School (rated 6.1/10, 20.0 miles away, in nearby Cotopaxi), a more accessible option. For more schools in Salida, see our Salida schools guide .
Nearby Schools
17 within 30.2 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Longfellow Elementary School Salida | 0.2 mi | 8.5 |
| Horizons Exploratory Academy Salida | 0.4 mi | 8.3 |
| Salida High School Salida | 0.5 mi | 5.5 |
| Salida Middle School Salida | 0.5 mi | 8.4 |
| Salida Early Childhood Center Salida | 0.6 mi | 7.3 |
| Crest Academy Salida | 1.1 mi | 7.8 |
| Buena Vista High School Buena Vista | 22.2 mi | 5.2 |
| Buena Vista Middle School Buena Vista | 22.2 mi | 7.3 |
| DARREN PATTERSON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Buena Vista | 22.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Chaffee County High School Buena Vista | 22.6 mi | — |
| Avery/Parsons Elementary School Buena Vista | 22.7 mi | 6.9 |
| The Grove BVSD's Early Learning Program Buena Vista | 22.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Cotopaxi Elementary School Cotopaxi | 20.0 mi | 6.1 |
| Cotopaxi Junior-Senior High School Cotopaxi | 20.0 mi | 5.2 |
| THE LINK SCHOOL Buena Vista | 27.2 mi | — |
| Mountain Valley School Saguache | 31.6 mi | 7.8 |
| Guffey Charter School Guffey | 30.2 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 81201 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$70,850
Median Home Value
$631,700
Median Rent
$1,614/mo
Population
9,561
College Educated
52.1%
Homeownership
68.6%
Avg Commute
18.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.3%
Median Age
46.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Salida Montessori Charter School has a median household income of $70,850. It is a well-educated community where 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $631,700, with a median rent of $1,614/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.3%. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Gilcrest Elementary School Gilcrest, CO | 7.8 |
| Larkspur Elementary School Larkspur, CO | 7.8 |
| ST THERESE CATHOLIC SCHOOL Pueblo, CO | 7.8 |
| Sherrelwood Elementary School Denver, CO | 7.8 |
| Steamboat Montessori Steamboat Springs, CO | 7.8 |
| Wm E Bishop Elementary School Englewood, CO | 7.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Salida Montessori Charter School
What grades does Salida Montessori Charter School serve?
Salida Montessori Charter School serves students in grades Pre-K through 8th.
How many students attend Salida Montessori Charter School?
Salida Montessori Charter School has an enrollment of approximately 151 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Salida Montessori Charter School?
The student-teacher ratio at Salida Montessori Charter School is 11.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Salida Montessori Charter School rank in CO?
Salida Montessori Charter School is ranked #313 out of 1,815 schools in CO.
What is Salida Montessori Charter School's MySchoolScout rating?
Salida Montessori Charter School has a composite rating of 7.8 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Salida Montessori Charter School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Salida Montessori Charter School has 27.7% math proficiency and 61.4% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Salida Montessori Charter School a charter school?
Yes, Salida Montessori Charter School is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Salida Montessori Charter School a Title I school?
No, Salida Montessori Charter School is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 8th
- Enrollment
- 151
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 13
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Town
- County
- Chaffee County
- Phone
- (719) 539-4887
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
State Charter School Institute- District Enrollment
- 19,593
- Schools in District
- 44
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,197
- District Rank
- #3 of 39
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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