Mesa County Schools & Education
Mesa County, Colorado
School Score
7/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
76.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
76.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$5,677
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,447
School Score
7/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#60
of 63 counties (1 = best)
Explore Mesa County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Mesa County, Colorado
West Slope Education Hub
Mesa County manages a large network of 55 public schools serving 22,204 students across three districts. This includes 29 elementary schools and 18 combined middle and high schools, making it a regional education leader.
Opportunity for Growth
The county faces challenges with a 76.5% graduation rate and a per-pupil expenditure of $5,677. Despite these lower figures compared to state averages, the county maintains a diverse school score of 43.6 across its many campuses.
Mesa County Valley District 51
District 51 is the primary education provider, overseeing 47 schools and over 20,000 students. Charter schools like Caprock Academy offer additional choice, representing about 9% of the county's educational landscape.
City Energy and Suburban Reach
Students attend a mix of city (24) and suburban (23) schools, with an average school size of 419 students. Central High School is the largest campus in the county, currently enrolling ,1613 students.
Live Near Grand Junction Schools
Grand Junction and Fruita offer a wide array of suburban and urban school options for home buyers. The variety of charter, alternative, and traditional schools makes this county a versatile choice for families of all types.
School Overview
Total Schools
55
in Mesa County
Total Enrollment
22,204
students
School Districts
3
districts
Charter Schools
5
9% of total
School Type Breakdown
3 School Districts in Mesa County
Mesa County Valley School District No. 51
Plateau Valley School District No. 50 in the county of Mesa
De Beque Joint District No. 49 of the counties of Mesa and
55 Public Schools in Mesa County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central High School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 9–12 | High | 1,613 |
| Grand Junction High School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 9–12 | High | 1,522 |
| Fruita Monument High School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 10–12 | High | 1,304 |
| Palisade High School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 9–12 | High | 1,125 |
| Caprock Academy | State Charter School Institute | KG–12 | Charter | 899 |
| Fruita 8/9 School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 8–9 | Other | 704 |
| Mount Garfield Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 581 |
| Redlands Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 538 |
| Grand Mesa Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 511 |
| Grand River Academy | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | KG–12 | Other | 508 |
| Fruita Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–7 | Middle | 496 |
| Independence Academy | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | PK–8 | Charter | 485 |
| Rocky Mountain Elementary School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | PK–5 | Primary | 469 |
| Orchard Mesa Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 465 |
| Appleton Elementary School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | PK–5 | Primary | 453 |
| Bookcliff Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 449 |
| Thunder Mountain Elementary School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | PK–5 | Primary | 443 |
| Pear Park Elementary School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | PK–5 | Primary | 441 |
| East Middle School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | 6–8 | Middle | 427 |
| Juniper Ridge Community School | Mesa County Valley School District No. 51 | KG–8 | Charter | 419 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$5,677
State avg $7,447
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Mesa County, Colorado — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Mesa County, Colorado?
Mesa County manages a large network of 55 public schools serving 22,204 students across three districts. This includes 29 elementary schools and 18 combined middle and high schools, making it a regional education leader.
How do schools in Mesa County perform academically?
The county faces challenges with a 76.5% graduation rate and a per-pupil expenditure of $5,677. Despite these lower figures compared to state averages, the county maintains a diverse school score of 43.6 across its many campuses.
What are the major school districts in Mesa County, Colorado?
District 51 is the primary education provider, overseeing 47 schools and over 20,000 students. Charter schools like Caprock Academy offer additional choice, representing about 9% of the county's educational landscape.
What is the school experience like in Mesa County?
Students attend a mix of city (24) and suburban (23) schools, with an average school size of 419 students. Central High School is the largest campus in the county, currently enrolling ,1613 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Mesa County, Colorado?
Grand Junction and Fruita offer a wide array of suburban and urban school options for home buyers. The variety of charter, alternative, and traditional schools makes this county a versatile choice for families of all types.
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.