- Salida Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 327 students
- Longfellow Elementary School — Grades K–4 · 449 students
- Salida High School — Grades 9–12 · 409 students
- Horizons Exploratory Academy — Grades 9–12 · 32 students
- Crest Academy — Grades 5–8 · 60 students
- Salida Early Childhood Center — Grades PK–PK · 74 students
- Rodger Quist Middle Poncha Springs — Grades 6–8 · 855 students
- Otho E Stuart Middle Poncha Springs — Grades 6–8 · 794 students
- Prairie View Middle Poncha Springs — Grades 6–8 · 679 students
- Overland Trail Middle Poncha Springs — Grades 6–8 · 581 students
- Vikan Middle Poncha Springs — Grades 6–8 · 528 students
- Prairie View High Poncha Springs — Grades 9–12 · 1,809 students
- Riverdale Ridge High Poncha Springs — Grades 9–12 · 1,784 students
- Brighton High Poncha Springs — Grades 9–12 · 1,733 students
- Eagle Ridge Academy — Grades 9–12 · 593 students
- The STEAD Poncha Springs — Grades 9–12 · 421 students
- Colorado Connections @ 27J — Grades K–12 · 2,042 students
- Bromley East Charter Poncha Springs — Grades PK–8 · 1,214 students
- Foundations Academy — Grades K–8 · 763 students
- Landmark Academy at Reunion — Grades K–8 · 758 students
- Discovery Magnet Poncha Springs — Grades K–8 · 692 students
- Belle Creek Charter Poncha Springs — Grades K–8 · 519 students
- Northeast Elementary Poncha Springs — Grades PK–6 · 470 students
- 27J Online Academy — Grades 6–12 · 336 students
- Innovations & Options — Grades 6–12 · 235 students
- Prairie Vista Youth Services Center — Grades 4–12 · 32 students
| Metric | Salida Poncha Springs District R-32 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 29 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 10/10 — Excellent | — | Near average |
About Salida School District R-32
Families in zip code 81242 (Poncha Springs, Colorado) are assigned to Salida School District R-32 for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, Salida School District R-32 spends approximately $11,000 per student per year, placing it near the Colorado state average of approximately $11,000 and below the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Below-average funding can mean larger class sizes, fewer elective offerings, and limited extracurricular programs. Families with specialized needs should verify specific program availability directly with the district. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
At 6 schools serving grades K–12, Salida School District R-32 qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 1,327 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 10/10 Rating
With a rating of 10/10 (top-tier), Salida School District R-32 ranks among Colorado’s top-tier-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Colorado is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Salida School District R-32 ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Colorado on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 81242 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 81242
Children in zip code 81242 are assigned to Salida School District R-32 for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 81242, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Salida School District R-32 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Colorado districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Poncha Springs
For families considering a purchase in the Poncha Springs area, district assignment matters financially. Because Salida School District R-32 serves zip code 81242, homes in and around zip code 81242 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Colorado, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Salida School District R-32 programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 81242.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Salida School District R-32 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81242 data.