- Early Childhood Center — Grades PK–PK · 162 students
- Centennial Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 540 students
- Columbine Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 491 students
- Johnson Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 531 students
- Montrose High School — Grades 9–12 · 1279 students
- Northside Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 327 students
- Oak Grove Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 374 students
- Olathe Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 424 students
- Olathe Middle/High School — Grades 6–12 · 499 students
- Pomona Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 335 students
- Cottonwood Elementary School — Grades K–5 · 394 students
- Vista Charter School — Grades 9–12 · 188 students
- Peak Virtual Academy — Grades K–12 · 262 students
- Black Canyon High School — Grades 9–12 · 100 students
- Outer Range — Grades PK–12 · 71 students
- Rodger Quist Middle Montrose — Grades 6–8 · 855 students
- Otho E Stuart Middle Montrose — Grades 6–8 · 794 students
- Prairie View Middle Montrose — Grades 6–8 · 679 students
- Overland Trail Middle Montrose — Grades 6–8 · 581 students
- Vikan Middle Montrose — Grades 6–8 · 528 students
- Prairie View High Montrose — Grades 9–12 · 1,809 students
- Riverdale Ridge High Montrose — Grades 9–12 · 1,784 students
- Brighton High Montrose — Grades 9–12 · 1,733 students
- Eagle Ridge Academy — Grades 9–12 · 593 students
- The STEAD Montrose — Grades 9–12 · 421 students
- Colorado Connections @ 27J — Grades K–12 · 2,042 students
- Bromley East Charter Montrose — Grades PK–8 · 1,214 students
- Foundations Academy — Grades K–8 · 763 students
- Landmark Academy at Reunion — Grades K–8 · 758 students
- Discovery Magnet Montrose — Grades K–8 · 692 students
- Belle Creek Charter Montrose — Grades K–8 · 519 students
- Northeast Elementary Montrose — 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 | Montrose County Montrose District RE-1J | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 6,029 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 15 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 5/10 — Average | — | Near average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose County School District RE-1J (this district) | NR | — | 6,029 |
| School District 27J | 4/10 | 39th | 22,713 |
| School District 49 | 8/10 | 71st | 24,517 |
About Montrose County School District RE-1J
Zip code 81401 in Montrose, Colorado is served by Montrose County School District RE-1J for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Montrose County School District RE-1J’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Colorado spend approximately $11,000 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), below the national average (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
At 15 schools serving grades K–12, Montrose County School District RE-1J qualifies as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 6,029 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 5/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates Montrose County School District RE-1J 5 out of 10 — average among Colorado public school districts. 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.
Montrose County School District RE-1J falls near the middle of Colorado on state assessment results, with reading and math proficiency close to the state median. Average-rated districts provide foundational public education, and many families find they deliver solid day-to-day learning — particularly when parents stay engaged. If you're considering this area, look beyond the overall rating: visit schools, talk to current parents, and research the specific school your child would attend. Average districts often have individual schools that significantly outperform the district mean.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 81401
Children in zip code 81401 are assigned to Montrose County School District RE-1J 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 81401, 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 Montrose County School District RE-1J 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 Montrose
For families considering a purchase in the Montrose area, district assignment matters financially. Because Montrose County School District RE-1J serves zip code 81401, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 81401. 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 Montrose County School District RE-1J 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 81401.
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 Montrose County School District RE-1J before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 81401 data.