- Beech Street Preschool — Grades PK–PK · 70 students
- Montezuma-Cortez Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 505 students
- Kemper Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 339 students
- Lewis-Arriola Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 125 students
- Mesa Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 359 students
- Montezuma-Cortez High School — Grades 9–12 · 598 students
- Pleasant View Charter School — Grades K–6 · 35 students
- Battle Rock Charter School — Grades K–6 · 88 students
- Southwest Open Charter School — Grades 9–12 · 131 students
- Children's Kiva Montessori School — Grades K–8 · 130 students
- Rodger Quist Middle Lewis — Grades 6–8 · 855 students
- Otho E Stuart Middle Lewis — Grades 6–8 · 794 students
- Prairie View Middle Lewis — Grades 6–8 · 679 students
- Overland Trail Middle Lewis — Grades 6–8 · 581 students
- Vikan Middle Lewis — Grades 6–8 · 528 students
- Prairie View High Lewis — Grades 9–12 · 1,809 students
- Riverdale Ridge High Lewis — Grades 9–12 · 1,784 students
- Brighton High Lewis — Grades 9–12 · 1,733 students
- Eagle Ridge Academy — Grades 9–12 · 593 students
- The STEAD Lewis — Grades 9–12 · 421 students
- Colorado Connections @ 27J — Grades K–12 · 2,042 students
- Bromley East Charter Lewis — Grades PK–8 · 1,214 students
- Foundations Academy — Grades K–8 · 763 students
- Landmark Academy at Reunion — Grades K–8 · 758 students
- Discovery Magnet Lewis — Grades K–8 · 692 students
- Belle Creek Charter Lewis — Grades K–8 · 519 students
- Northeast Elementary Lewis — 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 | Montezuma-Cortez Lewis District RE-1 | 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 | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Near average |
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.
Funding and Resources
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $11,000 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
With 10 schools, Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 operates as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 2,449 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 3/10 Rating
Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 3/10, placing it in the below average tier. 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.
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.