The top reported proficiency rate is 61% in English language arts. The lowest is 46% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Telluride Intermediate School
Telluride Intermediate School is a regular public school serving grades three through six in the Telluride School District No. R‑1, located in the historic box canyon town of Telluride, Colorado. Because it covers only the upper elementary and early middle school years, there is no high school graduation rate to report, and the school sits outside that particular measure.
On state assessments, the school’s results present a mixed but largely positive picture. In English language arts, a majority of students scored at the proficient level. In math, just under half of students reached proficiency, a softer spot that a parent may want to explore further with the school. In the grade‑five science assessment, slightly more than half of students scored proficient. When the school’s overall proficiency across tested subjects is compared to other districts in San Miguel County, it ranks among the strongest in that small group.
The student body is moderate in size for its grade band. Roughly three‑quarters of students are White, and about one‑quarter are Hispanic. The share of students who qualify for free or reduced‑price lunch is modest. Data on students with individualized education programs and English learners was not available; a parent interested in those specific supports should ask the school directly. The school is not a charter or magnet school, and Title I status is not reported.
The community surrounding the school is an important part of its context. Telluride is a compact former mining town that reinvented itself as a destination for skiing and summer festivals. The town is known for its Victorian architecture, walkable main street, free bus loop, and a gondola that connects to Mountain Village. The economy is heavily driven by tourism and hospitality. Housing costs are very high, reflecting the desirability and limited buildable land in the canyon. A family considering this school would be entering a tight, expensive housing market, and the school’s composition may reflect that economic profile.
The school is part of the Telluride School District No. R‑1, which publicly reported a period of notable growth in per‑student revenue and spending, with both figures well above state medians. That suggests the district has substantial financial resources available per child, a factor that may support programs and facilities, though the specific course offerings, staffing ratios, and class sizes at the intermediate school were not part of the available data.
Several areas that can help a family understand the daily experience at this school are missing from the data set. There is no information on discipline rates, chronic absenteeism, or staffing. These are meaningful gaps; a parent should likely ask the school directly about school climate and teacher experience. Similarly, no data on civil rights outcomes or special population counts was provided.
For a family that values a tight‑knit mountain community, strong literacy outcomes, and a school that draws from a relatively affluent and recreation‑oriented town, Telluride Intermediate School fits that profile. The math scores are a point to watch, but the overall academic picture is solid, and the district’s financial capacity suggests room for continued investment. The missing data on student support services and school climate means a thorough visit and conversation with school staff would be wise.
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