Top Durango Schools in 2024

March 14, 2024by Kim Rodgers0

Durango Schools

Discover the Best Durango Schools

When considering a move to a new city, one of the top priorities for many families is the quality of education and childcare available. Durango, Colorado, known for its stunning views and vibrant community, also hosts a variety of exceptional educational institutions. This guide provides an overview of what Durango has to offer for families prioritizing educational opportunities in their home search.

Public Schools: A Strong Foundation for Learning

Durango School District 9-R serves as the cornerstone of public education in the area, offering a comprehensive K-12 education that focuses on academic excellence, creativity, and community engagement. The district is home to several elementary schools, including Park Elementary, known for its innovative approach to learning and strong parental involvement. Durango High School offers a rigorous curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, making it a standout option for secondary education in the region.

Durango, Colorado, is served by the Durango School District 9-R, which includes a variety of public schools ranging from elementary to high school levels. Each school in the district is committed to providing a high-quality education to prepare students for success in both academic and life endeavors. Below is a list of the public schools within Durango, CO, along with brief descriptions of each:

Durango Schools

1. Durango High School:

As the primary high school in the district, Durango High School offers a comprehensive education with a wide array of academic and extracurricular options. It’s known for its strong Advanced Placement (AP) program, competitive sports teams, and vibrant arts community. The school prides itself on fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive.

2. Animas High School:

Animas High School in Durango, Colorado, is a charter school known for its innovative approach to education, focusing on preparing students for college and the future beyond. Offering a curriculum grounded in project-based learning, the school emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. Students at Animas High School engage in a rigorous academic program that is both challenging and supportive, with opportunities for in-depth research, collaborative projects, and community involvement. The school prides itself on a strong sense of community and student empowerment, encouraging students to take ownership of their education and pursue their passions. Animas High School, with its small class sizes and dedicated faculty, commits to fostering an environment that enables every student to thrive and reach their full potential.

3. Escalante Middle School:

Serving students in grades 6-8, Escalante Middle School focuses on creating a bridge between elementary and high school. The school emphasizes project-based learning and student engagement, aiming to develop critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. It offers a variety of clubs and sports to cater to diverse interests.

4. Miller Middle School:

Another middle school in the district, Miller Middle School is committed to academic excellence and social-emotional learning. With a strong focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, Miller provides a dynamic learning environment. It encourages students to explore their interests and prepares them for future challenges.

5. Animas Valley Elementary School:

This school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Animas Valley Elementary emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating academic, social, and emotional learning. The school is known for its community involvement and outdoor education programs.

6. Florida Mesa Elementary School:

Specializing in fostering a love for learning among its students, Florida Mesa Elementary offers a comprehensive curriculum with a focus on literacy and numeracy. The school also prioritizes environmental education, taking advantage of its beautiful surroundings to teach students about nature and sustainability.

7. Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School:

As a smaller school in the district, Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary provides a tight-knit community atmosphere for its students. It focuses on personalized learning, ensuring that each student receives the support and resources they need to succeed. The school also offers unique outdoor and experiential learning opportunities.

8. Needham Elementary School:

Known for its dedicated staff and strong parent involvement, Needham Elementary School offers a supportive and enriching educational experience for its students. The school emphasizes project-based learning and has a variety of after-school programs and clubs to extend learning beyond the classroom.

9. Park Elementary School:

Park Elementary is committed to creating lifelong learners through a curriculum that emphasizes inquiry and exploration. The school fosters a culture of respect and responsibility, preparing students to be active participants in their community. It also offers a Spanish immersion program for interested students.

10. Riverview Elementary School:

Riverview Elementary prides itself on its diverse and dynamic learning community. The school offers a broad curriculum with a strong emphasis on arts and technology integration. It maintains a positive school culture and provides a wide array of extracurricular and enrichment programs.

11. Sunnyside Elementary School:

Sunnyside Elementary School provides a close-knit learning environment with a focus on individual growth and community values. Located in a more rural setting, the school incorporates outdoor learning and environmental stewardship into its curriculum.

These schools collectively contribute to the educational landscape of Durango, CO. Each one offering a variety of programs and approaches to meet the needs of its diverse student population.

Private Schools: Tailored Educational Experiences

For families seeking more tailored educational experiences, Durango hosts several private schools that cater to diverse learning needs and philosophies. St. Columba School is a popular choice, providing a faith-based education with a strong emphasis on moral development and academic excellence from pre-K through eighth grade. Another notable institution, The Liberty School, specializes in educating gifted children and those with dyslexia, offering personalized learning plans to meet each student’s unique needs.

Durango is home to several private schools that offer a variety of programs tailored to different ages and learning styles. These institutions provide alternatives to the public school system, catering to families seeking specialized or faith-based education for their children. Below is a list of private schools in Durango, including the grades they serve and a brief description of each:

1. St. Columba School:

Grades: Preschool – 8 – St. Columba School is a Catholic school dedicated to fostering a faith-based educational environment. It emphasizes moral development, academic excellence, and community service. The school is renowned for its supportive community and its dedication to developing well-rounded individuals.

2. The Liberty School:

Grades: 1-8 – The Liberty School specializes in education for gifted students and those with dyslexia or other learning differences. With a focus on individualized learning plans, the school aims to empower students by leveraging their strengths and addressing their unique learning needs.

3. Durango Early Learning Center:

Grades: Preschool – Though primarily a preschool, Durango Early Learning Center offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for early childhood education. It focuses on play-based learning, encouraging children to explore and grow through a variety of hands-on activities and social interaction.

4. Columbine Christian School:

Grades: Kindergarten – 8 – Columbine Christian School provides a Christ-centered education, emphasizing spiritual growth alongside academic learning. The school offers a close-knit community where students receive personalized attention, fostering a love of learning and strong moral values.

5. Mountain Middle School:

Grades: 4-8 – Mountain Middle School focuses on project-based learning within a technology-rich environment. It aims to develop critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills in its students, preparing them for success in high school and beyond.

6. The Juniper School:

Grades: K-5 – The Juniper School in Durango, Colorado, is a public charter school that offers an innovative and engaging educational experience for students. Focused on fostering a love of learning, The Juniper School embraces a hands-on, experiential learning model that integrates academic subjects with the arts, technology, and environmental studies. This approach aims to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility in its students. The school prioritizes small class sizes to ensure personalized attention for each student, aiming to meet the unique needs and interests of every child. As a community-focused institution, The Juniper School also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and community engagement in the educational process, making it a collaborative and inclusive environment for all its students.

These private Durango schools, reflect the community’s commitment to offering diverse educational options to meet the varied needs and preferences of its families. Whether parents are looking for faith-based education, specialized learning programs, or innovative teaching approaches, Durango’s private schools provide valuable alternatives to the public education system.

Outdoor and Experimental Learning Opportunities

What sets Durango apart is its emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning, leveraging its unique natural environment. Many local schools incorporate outdoor education into their curriculum, offering students hands-on experiences that foster a love of nature.

Choosing the Right School for Your Family

Selecting the right school is a personal decision that depends on your child’s needs, interests, and learning style. Durango’s diverse educational landscape means there’s something for everyone, from public schools with strong community ties to private institutions offering specialized programs. When considering a move to Durango, visiting schools, meeting with educators, and connecting with local parents can provide valuable insights to help you make the best choice for your family.

Durango, Colorado, is not just a beautiful place to call home; it’s a community deeply committed to providing high-quality education and childcare. Whether you’re drawn to the inclusive environment of the public Durango schools, the personalized approach of private education, or the nurturing setting of local daycare centers, Durango offers a supportive backdrop for your child’s educational journey. For homebuyers prioritizing educational opportunities, Durango stands out as a city that values and invests in the future of its youngest residents.

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