- Mesa Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 359 students
- Kemper Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 339 students
- Lewis-Arriola Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 125 students
- Beech Street Preschool — Grades PK–PK · 70 students
- Montezuma-Cortez Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 505 students
- Montezuma-Cortez High School — Grades 9–12 · 598 students
- Southwest Open Charter School — Grades 9–12 · 131 students
- Children's Kiva Montessori School — Grades K–8 · 130 students
- Battle Rock Charter School — Grades K–6 · 88 students
- Pleasant View Charter School — Grades K–6 · 35 students
| Metric | Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 2,449 | 3,700 | ↓ Smaller than avg |
| Number of Schools | 10 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 (this district) | 3/10 | 28th | 2,449 |
| School District 27J | 4/10 | 39th | 22,713 |
| School District 49 | 8/10 | 71st | 24,517 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 rated districts in CO → 28th percentile → 3/10.
Source: Colorado Dept. of Education CMAS, all grades Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025. Full methodology →
About Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 serves zip code 81327, covering Lewis, Colorado with grades K–12. Whether you’re researching a move, evaluating a home purchase, or preparing to enroll a child, the sections below give you a complete picture of this district’s resources, size, and what its rating means for your family.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 2/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Colorado’s CMAS assessments (2025 school year). 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.
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Colorado benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 81327
Children in zip code 81327 are assigned to Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 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 81327, 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 Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. 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 Lewis
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 serves zip code 81327, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 81327. 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 Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 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 81327.
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 Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81327 data.