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Average

#772 of 1,815 schools in CO

Top 43% in state

Sierra Grande K-12 School

School · Sierra Grande School District No. R-30

17523 EAST HIGHWAY 160, Blanca, CO 81123

Enrollment

302

Student-Teacher

15.9:1

Score

6.7

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Colorado schools

#28 of 130

School environment

8.7 / 10

Exceptional

About Sierra Grande K-12 School

Sierra Grande K-12 School is a regular public school located in the remote rural area of Blanca, Colorado. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, the school has an enrollment of 302 students and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 15.9:1, with 19 full-time equivalent teachers on staff. While Sierra Grande K-12 School’s academic performance currently ranks in the lower half among Colorado schools (at #1320 out of 1831), it is focusing on providing a supportive learning environment for its diverse student body.

The school’s ELA and reading proficiency stands at 26% above average, while math proficiency reaches 19%. With room for academic growth, Sierra Grande K-12 School continues to emphasize student development and community support. Set against the backdrop of Costilla County's rural landscape, Sierra Grande K-12 School is deeply rooted in its local community.

The school’s setting offers a unique environment where students are part of a tight-knit neighborhood that values education and personal growth.

What Parents Should Know

Located in a rural area, Sierra Grande K-12 School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress7.0Very Good25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data4
Annual Change+0.04 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2025
TrendStable
Academics4.9Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency15.4%
Reading/ELA Proficiency24.4%
Math vs. State Avg-20.7 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-20.5 pts
Overall Proficiency20%
Expected (poverty-adj.)21%
vs. Expected-1.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile31th
College Readiness6.6Above Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.7Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio15.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,490

Sierra Grande K-12 School — Students at Sierra Grande K-12 School score 20% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 21%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

81.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores CO CMAS (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 19.4%
School
State
38.1%
ELA Proficiency 26.0%
School
State
45.5%

Based on 16 test records from CO state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
22%
ELA
27%
2021*
Math
7.5%
ELA
32%
2022
Math
12%
2025
Math
23.6%
ELA
25%

* 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: 7.0/10.

How Sierra Grande K-12 School Compares

See how Sierra Grande K-12 School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.7/10
58th percentile in CO
Academic
4.9/10
4.9/10
Growth
7.0/10
Above average
Environment
8.7/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
82%
Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
19 teachers

Location

17523 EAST HIGHWAY 160, Blanca, CO 81123

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Sierra Grande K-12 School may also want to explore other schools in the area. Manassa Elementary School (rated 8.7/10, 31.9 miles away, in nearby Manassa), which scores notably higher. Another option is Sangre de Cristo Elementary School (rated 8.3/10, 28.8 miles away, in nearby Mosca), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Sangre de Cristo Undivided High School (rated 7.0/10, 28.8 miles away, in nearby Mosca), with a very similar rating. For more schools in Blanca, see our Blanca schools guide .

Nearby Schools

17 within 31.9 mi
School Distance Rating
Centennial School San Luis 15.5 mi 5.6
TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL Alamosa 23.4 mi
Alamosa Elementary School 3-5 Alamosa 23.6 mi 4.6
Alamosa Elementary School K-2 Alamosa 23.7 mi 6.5
Ortega Middle School Alamosa 23.8 mi 5.3
Alamosa Online Alamosa 23.9 mi
Alamosa Alternative Education School Alamosa 23.9 mi
SUNSHINE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Alamosa 24.3 mi
Alamosa High School Alamosa 24.3 mi 6.7
La Veta Elementary School La Veta 25.1 mi 4.6
La Veta Junior-Senior High School La Veta 25.1 mi 5.7
Gardner Valley School Gardner 29.0 mi 5.9
Sanford Elementary School Sanford 27.6 mi 6.8
Sanford Junior/Senior High School Sanford 27.6 mi 4.9
Sangre de Cristo Elementary School Mosca 28.8 mi 8.3
Sangre de Cristo Undivided High School Mosca 28.8 mi 7.0
Manassa Elementary School Manassa 31.9 mi 8.7

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 81123 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$37,173

Median Home Value

$123,800

Population

726

College Educated

17.4%

Homeownership

81.8%

Poverty Rate

22.3%

Median Age

48.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Sierra Grande K-12 School has a median household income of $37,173. It is a community where 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $123,800. The area has a poverty rate of 22.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Holly School Holly, CO 6.5
MILE HIGH ACADEMY Highlands Ranch, CO 6.9
SHINING MOUNTAIN WALDORF SCHOOL Boulder, CO 6.9
FRONT RANGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Littleton, CO 7.0
Hoehne Schools Hoehne, CO 6.4
PSD Global Academy Fort Collins, CO 6.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Sierra Grande K-12 School

What grades does Sierra Grande K-12 School serve?

Sierra Grande K-12 School serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Sierra Grande K-12 School?

Sierra Grande K-12 School has an enrollment of approximately 302 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Sierra Grande K-12 School?

The student-teacher ratio at Sierra Grande K-12 School is 15.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Sierra Grande K-12 School rank in CO?

Sierra Grande K-12 School is ranked #772 out of 1,815 schools in CO.

What is Sierra Grande K-12 School's MySchoolScout rating?

Sierra Grande K-12 School has a composite rating of 6.7 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 Sierra Grande K-12 School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Sierra Grande K-12 School has 19.4% math proficiency and 26.0% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Sierra Grande K-12 School a charter school?

No, Sierra Grande K-12 School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Sierra Grande K-12 School a Title I school?

No, Sierra Grande K-12 School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Sierra Grande K-12 School?

81.8% of students at Sierra Grande K-12 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
302
Student-Teacher Ratio
15.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
19
Free/Reduced Lunch
81.8%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Costilla County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

Sierra Grande School District No. R-30
District Enrollment
302
Schools in District
1
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,862
District Rank
#1 of 1

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 methodology

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