Upper Rio Grande School District C-7, CO

Original Research by School Decision on Upper Rio Grande School District C-7

Upper Rio Grande School District C-7 serves a small, rural student population from kindergarten through twelfth grade in Rio Grande County, Colorado. The district operates two schools: an elementary school and a combined junior/senior high school. With a modest total enrollment, the district’s size means that students move through a relatively close-knit school system from their first day of kindergarten through high school graduation.

Academically, the district’s performance on Colorado’s state assessments places it in a mixed position relative to other districts in the county. Overall proficiency across tested subjects and grades sits above the midpoint among Rio Grande County’s districts<span class="ref">(1)</span>. On the most recent round of state testing, about one in five students scored at proficient or above in math, and roughly one in three did so in English language arts. In science, proficiency rates for elementary and middle school grades were somewhat higher. These results suggest that while a core of students meets grade-level expectations, a majority do not—a pattern that mirrors many rural districts with similar demographics. The district’s participation rates on the tests were high, so the results reflect nearly all eligible students.

Chronic absenteeism, however, is a notable concern. Among Rio Grande County’s districts, Upper Rio Grande falls in the bottom quartile for chronic absenteeism, meaning a larger share of students are missing significant amounts of school. This is a metric that parents may want to discuss with the district, as attendance patterns can affect academic progress and school culture.

The student body is predominantly Hispanic and white, with small numbers of Native American, Asian, and multiracial students. Information about the share of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, as well as counts of students with disabilities and English learners, was not available in the data provided. A parent seeking a full picture of student supports should ask the district directly about these populations.

The district’s financial profile shows per-pupil current spending in the upper range among its county peers. That may reflect the higher costs of delivering education in a small, rural setting. No graduation rate data were available, so it is not possible to assess how many students finish high school within four years. Since the district serves high school grades, this is a gap a family would want to investigate further.

The housing market in the communities served by the district is generally affordable compared to statewide and national benchmarks. Home values in the towns that make up the district—primarily Del Norte and a portion of Monte Vista—are well below Colorado’s overall median. Annual appreciation has been modest, and the area’s housing stock is priced in a way that may appeal to families looking for lower-cost living. Rents, though not available at the district level, have been rising nationally; local rental costs would need to be checked separately.

No specific parent-relevant changes—such as recent referendums, tax shifts, curriculum overhauls, or boundary adjustments—were found in publicly reported material about the district. That does not mean nothing is happening, only that the available record did not surface clear, lasting changes. A parent exploring the district should check the district’s own website and local news for any current initiatives or upcoming votes.

In summary, Upper Rio Grande School District C-7 provides a small, rural K-12 pathway with a student body that reflects the region’s Hispanic and white communities. Academic proficiency is above the county median but still low in absolute terms, and chronic absenteeism is a soft spot worth asking about. The district spends relatively generously per student, and the surrounding housing market is modestly priced. For a family that values a small, integrated K-12 experience and is prepared to engage with the school about attendance and academic support, this district offers a straightforward option in a quiet part of the San Luis Valley.

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District Context

Officially reported figures, 2024-25.

Enrollment

371

Grades

KG–12

Schools

Student body

Hispanic 56%

White 42%

Asian 0%

Two+ 2%

Am. Indian / AK Native 1%

By economic status

Percent proficient by grade, as reported

Economically disadvantaged

Not disadvantaged

ELA

Gr 6

16%

50%

Gr 38

13%

46%

Math

Gr 38

12%

30%

Schools in this District

2 schools are officially reported under this district.

Del Norte Elementary School

Del Norte High Jr./Sr. High School

Academic Performance

Percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, by grade.

Mathematics

1 grade reported

22%

Grades 3-8

English Language Arts

1 grade reported

32%

Grades 3-8

Science

2 grades reported

33%

Grade 5

39%

Grade 8

Social Studies

2 grades reported

21%

Grade 4

Grade 7

Housing & Real Estate

Data as of April 2026 | District-weighted from constituent ZIP codes

Home Values

Typical home value$362,163

Year-over-year change+2.3%

Range across 3 ZIP codes$273K to $450K

vs. state typical0.67x

vs. national typical0.98x

Home value trend (12 months)

ZIP code home values (3 ZIP codes)

ZIP	City	Value	YoY	Weight
81132	Del Norte	$301K	+2.4%	54.7%
81154	Del Norte	$450K	+2.1%	41.7%
81144	Monte Vista	$273K	+2.1%	3.5%

Affordability

Est. monthly mortgage (20% down at 6.48%)$1,827/mo

Home price / national median income4.3x

Comparison

State typical home value$543,271 (-2.4% YoY)

National typical home value$368,198 (+0.6% YoY)

State ZHVI trend (12 months)

National ZHVI trend (12 months)

Economic Context

30-year fixed mortgage rate6.48%

National unemployment rate4.3%

National median household income$83,730

CPI: Rent of shelter (index)447.05

30-year fixed mortgage rate (12 months)

National unemployment rate (12 months)

National median household income (12 months)

CPI: Rent of shelter (index) (12 months)

Sources: Zillow Home Value Index and Zillow Observed Rent Index (Zillow Group), Realtor.com via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED)

Data Currently Unavailable

Civil Rights Data (CRDC)

This profile is derived exclusively from publicly available federal and state datasets. It may not reflect the most current information available. We encourage parents and families to supplement this data with information published directly on the school’s website, which may include more recent figures, additional programs, or updated enrollment data.