For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public schools serving 2,625 students in 81650, CO (there are 1 private school, serving 59 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in 81650, CO are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO are Wamsley Elementary School, Graham Mesa Elementary School and Highland Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 81650 have an average math proficiency score of 17% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 31% (versus the 45% statewide average). Schools in 81650, CO have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Colorado public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).
Best 81650, CO Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wamsley Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
225 East 30th Street
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7950
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7950
Gr: PK-5 | 420 students Student-teacher ratio: 26:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #22.
Graham Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1575 Farmstead Parkway
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7500
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7500
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Highland Elementary School
(Math: 18% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1500 East 7th Street
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-6800
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-6800
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #44.
Rifle Middle School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
753 Railroad
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7900
Rifle, CO 81650
(970) 665-7900
Gr: 6-8 | 552 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in 81650, CO include Wamsley Elementary School, Graham Mesa Elementary School and Highland Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 81650?
5 public schools are located in 81650.
What percentage of students in 81650 go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in 81650 are educated in public schools (compared to the CO state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 81650?
81650 public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more 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.