Cheyenne County School District No. Re-5

Cheyenne County School District No. Re-5 serves about 174 students in the small, rural community of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, through just two schools: Cheyenne Wells Elementary School (grades PK–6) and Cheyenne Wells Junior/High School (grades 7–12). Despite its tiny size, the district earns a 4-star rating and ranks in the top quarter of Colorado districts.

Both schools share some notable strengths. Chronic absenteeism is remarkably low at about 7% — far below the state average of 28.4% — which suggests students are consistently showing up and engaging. The elementary school stands out for its exceptionally small class sizes, with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, giving young learners plenty of individual attention. It also serves a majority low-income population (53% free/reduced lunch) yet maintains that strong attendance. The junior/high school posts a solid graduation rate of 92.3%, well above the state norm. However, the biggest contrast between the two schools is academic performance at the secondary level. While 83% of 9th graders at Cheyenne Wells Junior/High School are proficient in reading and writing — well above the state’s 66% — only 22% are proficient in math, a significant weakness compared to the state’s 40%. This creates a sharp divide between strong ELA skills and struggling math achievement.

Looking at history, the junior/high school was once an elite institution, ranking 6th in Colorado in 2008–2009, but it has since settled into the middle of the pack (55th percentile). The elementary school has shown gradual improvement over the years, moving from the 27th percentile in 2010–2011 to the 43rd percentile the following year. For parents, the district offers a safe, tightly connected environment with excellent attendance and small elementary classes, but the secondary math gap is the key area to watch. Overall, these schools are performing above expectations for their size and demographics, with the elementary school providing a strong foundation and the high school excelling in literacy while needing more support in mathematics.