For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public schools serving 925 students in 81211, CO (there are 2 private schools, serving 98 private students). 91% of all K-12 students in 81211, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 81211, CO are Chaffee County High School, Buena Vista High School and Buena Vista Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 81211 have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 81211, CO have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best 81211, CO Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Chaffee County High School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
613 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-4064
Gr: 7-12 | 15 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #22.
Buena Vista High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
559 Railroad
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-7100
Gr: 9-12 | 256 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #33.
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 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #44.
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 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: n/an/a
516 East Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Buena Vista, CO 81211
(719) 395-5270
Gr: PK | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 60:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 81211, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in 81211, CO include Chaffee County High School, Buena Vista High School and Buena Vista Middle School.
How many public schools are located in 81211?
5 public schools are located in 81211.
What percentage of students in 81211 go to public school?
91% of all K-12 students in 81211 are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 81211?
81211 public schools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.