Summary:
Dolores County School District Re-2j is a small, rural district in southwestern Colorado that contains just one high school — Dove Creek High School — which serves 138 students in grades 6–12.
As the only high school in the district, Dove Creek High School is both the highest- and lowest-performing school in this category, but it stands out as a relative bright spot: it has earned a consistent 3-star rating for three straight years, ranking in the 59th–66th percentile statewide, while the district itself ranks in the 3rd percentile. The school's graduation rate sits at 88.2%, above the state's 85.6%, and its dropout rate of just 0.8% is half the statewide rate of 1.6%. Chronic absenteeism is also strong at 16.1%, far better than the district's 22.9% and the state's 28.4%. These non-academic outcomes are notable given that 60.14% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Academically, the picture is mixed. High school reading and writing scores are competitive with or above state averages — 72% proficient on the SAT and 67% on PSAT 9, compared to 62% and 66% statewide, respectively. However, CMAS ELA proficiency across all grades is just 12% versus the state's 44.7%, and PSAT 10 math proficiency is 28% compared to the state's 36%. The low CMAS score likely reflects the fact that CMAS tests include younger students in the 6–12 grade span, while SAT and PSAT results reflect the older high school population. With only 138 students, year-to-year fluctuations in rankings and proficiency rates should be expected given the small sample size. Overall, Dove Creek High School appears to keep students engaged and on track, with strong graduation and attendance outcomes, even as math and CMAS proficiency remain areas for growth.
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