- Hotchkiss Elementary School — 5.9 mi · Grades PK–8 · 297 students
- North Fork High School — 7.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 265 students
- Paonia K-8 — 8.3 mi · Grades PK–8 · 247 students
- North Fork School of Integrated Studies — 8.3 mi · Grades PK–6 · 112 students
- Cedaredge Middle School — 9.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 154 students
- Cedaredge High School — 9.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 280 students
- Cedaredge Elementary School — 9.6 mi · Grades PK–5 · 346 students
- North Fork Montessori @ Crawford — 14.5 mi · Grades PK–6 · 120 students
| Metric | Delta County School District 50J | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,592 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 18 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,627/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 17% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 7/10 — Good | — | Above average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta County School District 50J (this district) | 7/10 | 66th | 4,592 |
| Plateau Valley School District 50 | 7/10 | 67th | 314 |
| Montrose County School District RE-1J | 5/10 | 45th | 6,029 |
| Mesa County Valley School District 51 | 7/10 | 68th | 20,762 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 rated districts in CO → 66th percentile → 7/10.
Source: Colorado Dept. of Education CMAS, all grades Met/Exceeded Expectations, 2025. Full methodology →
About Delta County School District 50J
Delta County School District 50J serves zip code 81419, covering Hotchkiss, Colorado with grades Pre-K–12th. 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 7/10 Rating
With a rating of 7/10 (above average), Delta County School District 50J ranks among Colorado’s above average-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 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.
Delta County School District 50J earns an above-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates stronger than most other districts in Colorado. Above-average districts generally show solid and consistent academic results across their schools. Families considering this area will find a district with meaningful academic strengths. Research the specific schools assigned to your address — even above-average districts have variation between individual buildings.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 81419
Children in zip code 81419 are assigned to Delta County School District 50J for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 81419, 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 Delta County School District 50J 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 Hotchkiss
For families considering a purchase in the Hotchkiss area, district assignment matters financially. Because Delta County School District 50J serves zip code 81419, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 81419. 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 Delta County School District 50J 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 81419.
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 and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Delta County School District 50J before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81419 data.