Custer County Schools & Education
Custer County, Colorado
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
53/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
90.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$7,606
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,447
School Score
53/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#11
of 63 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Custer County
School Verdict
Custer County performs at an average level with a school score of 53/100 and a solid graduation rate of 90.0%.
Funding Context
At $7,606 per pupil, Custer County operates with limited funding, which may constrain staffing, materials, and extracurricular offerings.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Custer County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 47% above the Colorado average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 6.9 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 2% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Custer County, Colorado
A Consolidated Mountain Education
Custer County manages three public schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—serving 354 students. All schools operate under a single consolidated district, ensuring a seamless transition for students as they age. This traditional system contains no charter schools, focusing all community efforts on the district campuses.
Top-Tier Graduation and Investment
The county achieves an outstanding 90% graduation rate, surpassing both state (83.1%) and national (87%) benchmarks. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,606, which is higher than the Colorado state average. A school score of 54.8 places Custer County significantly ahead of the state median of 50.2.
One District, One Mission
Custer County School District Consolidate 1 is the sole provider for the county's 354 students. The district centralizes all resources into its three-school campus located in Westcliffe. This arrangement fosters a strong sense of school spirit and community identity for all residents.
The Heart of a Rural Community
The three schools are rural and intimate, with an average school size of 118 students. Custer County Elementary is the largest school with 165 students, while Custer Middle School is the smallest with 75. Learning here feels personal, with small cohorts that move together through every grade level.
Excellent Outcomes in Westcliffe
Custer County is a premier destination for homebuyers who want high-performing schools in a majestic rural setting. The 90% graduation rate is a testament to the district’s quality and the community’s support. Look for homes in the Wet Mountain Valley to give your children an academic edge.
School Overview
Total Schools
3
in Custer County
Total Enrollment
354
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Custer County
Custer County School District Consolidate 1
3 Public Schools in Custer County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custer County Elementary School | Custer County School District Consolidate 1 | PK–5 | Primary | 165 |
| Custer County High School | Custer County School District Consolidate 1 | 9–12 | High | 114 |
| Custer Middle School | Custer County School District Consolidate 1 | 6–8 | Middle | 75 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$7,606
State avg $7,447
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Custer County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Custer County?
How much does Custer County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Custer County, Colorado — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Custer County, Colorado?
Custer County manages three public schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—serving 354 students. All schools operate under a single consolidated district, ensuring a seamless transition for students as they age. This traditional system contains no charter schools, focusing all community efforts on the district campuses.
How do schools in Custer County perform academically?
The county achieves an outstanding 90% graduation rate, surpassing both state (83.1%) and national (87%) benchmarks. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,606, which is higher than the Colorado state average. A school score of 54.8 places Custer County significantly ahead of the state median of 50.2.
What are the major school districts in Custer County, Colorado?
Custer County School District Consolidate 1 is the sole provider for the county's 354 students. The district centralizes all resources into its three-school campus located in Westcliffe. This arrangement fosters a strong sense of school spirit and community identity for all residents.
What is the school experience like in Custer County?
The three schools are rural and intimate, with an average school size of 118 students. Custer County Elementary is the largest school with 165 students, while Custer Middle School is the smallest with 75. Learning here feels personal, with small cohorts that move together through every grade level.
How can I find homes near good schools in Custer County, Colorado?
Custer County is a premier destination for homebuyers who want high-performing schools in a majestic rural setting. The 90% graduation rate is a testament to the district’s quality and the community’s support. Look for homes in the Wet Mountain Valley to give your children an academic edge.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.