Calhan District No. RJ1

Calhan District No. RJ1 is a small rural Colorado district with two schools—Calhan Secondary School (grades 6–12) and Calhan Elementary School (grades PK–5)—serving roughly 414 students. Overall, the district ranks 75th out of 115 Colorado districts with a 2-star rating, placing it in the bottom third statewide, yet it shows several genuine strengths in attendance, graduation, and specific subject areas.

When comparing the two schools, Calhan Secondary School is the stronger overall performer. Its 94.4% graduation rate outpaces the state by nearly 9 points, and its 11th-grade science proficiency (47.8%) is almost double the state average. The school also posts strong 10th-grade PSAT scores (70% reading/writing, 52% math) and benefits from a low 9.4-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Meanwhile, Calhan Elementary School has excellent attendance—only 10.6% chronic absenteeism versus 28.4% statewide—and a standout 4th-grade ELA proficiency of 60.9%, well above the state’s 47%. However, the elementary school saw a dramatic academic decline in 2025–26, with ELA and math proficiency dropping sharply and its ranking falling from the 52nd to the 22nd percentile.

Math is the clearest district-wide weakness, with both schools scoring well below state averages in nearly every grade level. Science tells a split story: early grades lag, but 11th grade excels. Because each school is small, with roughly 200 students spread across many grade levels, year-to-year swings can reflect different cohorts as much as real changes in instructional quality. Still, parents should note the bright spots: low chronic absenteeism at both schools, strong high school completion, and solid secondary performance in science and PSAT 10—while keeping an eye on math and the elementary grades as areas needing attention.