Education Public School System | Crested Butte + Gunnison Colorado

Public schools in Gunnison County

Highly ranked Colorado schools

Small class sizes at the public schools in Gunnison and Crested Butte facilitate an environment where students receive individualized attention. Students in Gunnison County Watershed District schools achieve high graduation rates and above-average test scores. With options to take honors, Advanced Placement and concurrent enrollment classes, students receive a top-notch education that prepares them for life after high school. Western Colorado University is one of 14 public four-year universities in the state and serves as a bastion of academia in the region. 

Unique school-sponsored mountain sports programs add enrichment to the educational experience for K-12 students across the Gunnison Valley. Plus, summer camps and alternative education opportunities abound, with many of them focusing on outdoor recreation.

Gunnison Watershed District

The public school district that serves the Gunnison Valley is the Gunnison Watershed School District. It serves about 2,000 students and encompasses six schools.

  • Lake Preschool and Kindergarten
  • Gunnison Elementary School (PK-5)
  • Gunnison Middle School (PK-8)
  • Gunnison High School (9-12)
  • Crested Butte Community School (K-12)
  • Marble Charter School (K-10)

Bond-funded capital improvements

In late 2022, county voters approved a $95 million bond to fund capital improvements at all district campuses. Construction projects began in summer 2024 with projected completion in mid-2026. Priorities of the project are to improve safety, ease overcrowding and perform general maintenance.

Learn more

U.S. News Rankings

U.S. News and World Report scores high schools based on test scores, AP program participation rates and graduation rates. View rankings for the Gunnison Valley high schools by clicking the buttons below.

Crested Butte Community School
Gunnison High School

Ski for PE

Through the Ski for PE program, students take ski lessons at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Crested Butte Nordic for six weeks each winter. With support from local businesses and nonprofits, the program is available at low or no cost to all Gunnison Watershed District students.

Daycare and preschool

Daycare and preschool programs are available in Gunnison and Crested Butte. To learn more, view a list of licensed early childcare providers compiled by the Gunnison-Hinsdale Early Childhood Council. Space is limited.

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income working families with childcare expenses. Some Gunnison County childcare providers accept the program.

Extracurricular Opportunities for K-12 students

In addition to outstanding public schools, growing up in the Gunnison Valley offers a variety of different extracurricular experiences for kids. Some programs are run through the schools, and others are operated by nonprofits or other community organizations. The proximity of public lands, trails and other outdoor amenities make these unique programs possible.

Sports

The Gunnison and Crested Butte communities field an array of school-sponsored sports, including soccer, cross country, track, basketball, volleyball, swimming, wrestling and others. Gunnison High School even offers club mountain biking and climbing teams.

Programming through the Crested Butte Mountain Resort Mountain Sports Team, Crested Butte Devo, West Elk Soccer and West Elk Hockey supplements school sports offerings.

Summer programs and kids camps

Western Colorado University

Mountain sports

Team sports and recreation

Arts

Libraries

STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math

Partnerships with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum offer scientific and historical learning opportunities. 

Western Colorado University concurrent enrollment

Take discounted college courses in high school

Western’s concurrent enrollment (CE) program allows students to take college courses while still in high school. The program allows students to accelerate their college schedule and reduce the cost of their college degree. Courses are taught by high school teachers approved as Western adjunct faculty. Students who successfully complete a CE course receive both high school and college credit.

Explore concurrent enrollment

Public parks and free things to do

Explore open spaces and third places with children and teens in Crested Butte and Gunnison.

Alpenglow in Crested Butte, a free summer concert series held on a lawn under Crested Butte Mountain

Crested Butte

ioof park gunnison

Gunnison

Museums and Educational EXPERIENCES FOR KIDS

Immerse your child in art, science or history through a local lens.

More insight into the Gunnison Valley community

Visit the pages linked below to learn more about the community values of the Gunnison Valley.

Downtown Crested Butte, Colorado

Cost of living

Road near Crested Butte, Colorado in summer.

Infrastructure

Houses in Crested Butte, Colorado

Housing

Road near Crested Butte, Colorado in summer.

Workforce

More about economic development in the Gunnison Valley

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