Otero County Schools & Education
Otero County, Colorado
School Score
28/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
85.7%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
85.7%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,624
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,447
School Score
28/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#42
of 63 counties (1 = best)
Explore Otero County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Otero County, Colorado
A Diverse Network of Local Districts
Otero County operates 15 public schools across six different districts, serving 3,038 students. This network includes seven elementary schools and six high schools, emphasizing localized control for its various communities.
Outperforming State Averages in Graduation
Otero County boasts an 85.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 83.1%. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,624 and results in a school score of 50.5.
La Junta Schools Lead District Growth
East Otero School District No. R1 is the largest district, serving 1,355 students. All 15 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools are currently active in the area.
Intimate Learning in Town Settings
Nine schools are located in towns while six are rural, offering an average school size of 203 students. La Junta Jr/Sr High School is the largest in the county, yet it remains relatively small with 539 students.
High-Achieving Schools in Otero County
If graduation rates are your top priority, Otero County's performance makes it a standout choice in the region. Explore housing options in La Junta or Rocky Ford to join these successful school communities.
School Overview
Total Schools
15
in Otero County
Total Enrollment
3,038
students
School Districts
6
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
6 School Districts in Otero County
East Otero School District No. R1
Rocky Ford School District No. R2
Fowler School District No. R4J
Swink School District No. 33 in the county of Otero and St
Cheraw School District No. 31 in the county of Otero and S
Manzanola Joint District No. 3J of the counties of Otero a
15 Public Schools in Otero County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Junta Jr/Sr High School | East Otero School District No. R1 | 7–12 | High | 539 |
| La Junta Intermediate School | East Otero School District No. R1 | 3–6 | Primary | 407 |
| La Junta Primary School | East Otero School District No. R1 | KG–2 | Primary | 291 |
| Rocky Ford Junior/Senior High School | Rocky Ford School District No. R2 | 7–12 | High | 285 |
| Cheraw School | Cheraw School District No. 31 in the county of Otero and S | PK–12 | Other | 227 |
| Jefferson Intermediate School | Rocky Ford School District No. R2 | 3–6 | Primary | 199 |
| Fowler Elementary School | Fowler School District No. R4J | KG–6 | Primary | 180 |
| Swink Elementary School | Swink School District No. 33 in the county of Otero and St | KG–6 | Primary | 180 |
| Washington Primary School | Rocky Ford School District No. R2 | PK–2 | Primary | 148 |
| Swink Junior-Senior High School | Swink School District No. 33 in the county of Otero and St | 7–12 | High | 134 |
| Tiger Trades Academy | East Otero School District No. R1 | 5–12 | Alternative | 118 |
| Manzanola Junior-Senior High School | Manzanola Joint District No. 3J of the counties of Otero a | 6–12 | High | 108 |
| Fowler High School | Fowler School District No. R4J | 9–12 | High | 104 |
| Fowler Junior High School | Fowler School District No. R4J | 7–8 | Middle | 63 |
| Manzanola Elementary School | Manzanola Joint District No. 3J of the counties of Otero a | PK–5 | Primary | 55 |
Swink School District No. 33 in the county of Otero and St
Swink School District No. 33 in the county of Otero and St
Manzanola Joint District No. 3J of the counties of Otero a
Manzanola Joint District No. 3J of the counties of Otero a
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,624
State avg $7,447
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in Otero County filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in Otero County
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Otero County, Colorado — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Otero County, Colorado?
Otero County operates 15 public schools across six different districts, serving 3,038 students. This network includes seven elementary schools and six high schools, emphasizing localized control for its various communities.
How do schools in Otero County perform academically?
Otero County boasts an 85.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the Colorado state average of 83.1%. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,624 and results in a school score of 50.5.
What are the major school districts in Otero County, Colorado?
East Otero School District No. R1 is the largest district, serving 1,355 students. All 15 schools in the county are traditional public institutions, as no charter schools are currently active in the area.
What is the school experience like in Otero County?
Nine schools are located in towns while six are rural, offering an average school size of 203 students. La Junta Jr/Sr High School is the largest in the county, yet it remains relatively small with 539 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in Otero County, Colorado?
If graduation rates are your top priority, Otero County's performance makes it a standout choice in the region. Explore housing options in La Junta or Rocky Ford to join these successful school communities.
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.