Skip to content
There is power in diversity

Public, Private and Individual Learning

There is power in diversity

With our quality education, you can make roots here

Today’s parents want educational choices. Diversity in education also promotes greater student and community success. That’s why La Plata County offers quality options from the time your child leaves for his or her first day of school to the day he or she proudly wears a cap and gown.

Pre-school and Childcare Centers

From Montessori education to faith-based children’s centers to our public school’s early childhood development offerings and private preschools, La Plata County has diverse programs to jumpstart your child’s future.

K-5

PUBLIC EDUCATION

As part of their educational experiences, our kids get to explore the area’s amazing cultural sites. You can find them at Mesa Verde studying the lives of Ancestral Pueblo people or Crow Canyon Archeological Center digging for artifacts.

FAITH-BASED EDUCATION

Many of the area’s religious organizations offer an educational component as part of their mission with classes that continue through the 8th grade. Most opportunities are provided regardless of religious affiliation.

Middle School Public Education

For parents and kids alike, the transition into middle school can seem scary. But with highly certified teachers, outstanding sports opportunities, exciting extra-circular activities and academic excellence, middle school in La Plata County can be a rewarding experience for everyone.

MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Durango offers project-based learning at both the middle school and high school levels. At Mountain Middle School, a rigorous liberal arts curriculum prepares students for success in the 21st century as innovative thinkers and collaborative problem solvers.

High School Public Education

Accommodating diverse needs is a priority of La Plata County school districts. Durango High School offers extensive electives plus honors courses and advanced placement classes for grades 9-12. Bayfield High School prides itself on creating an environment of optimism, trust, enthusiasm and purpose to live, work and perform at a higher level. And, the mission of the Ignacio School District is to provide an engaging education for all students in a safe, positive and respectful environment.

ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL

As a free, public charter school, Animas High School offers a college preparatory curriculum that is engaging and meaningful through project-based learning. Students have the opportunity to apply their learning through relevant real-world experiences.

THE BIG PICTURE

This unique high school, which is part of the 9R school district, is focused on individual student growth through community-based internships and student-centered curriculums. It is a four-year Colorado Department of Education accredited school with an enrollment of approximately 80 students.

Individual Learning Styles

LIBERTY SCHOOL

The Liberty School is an independent school that serves people with dyslexia from grades one through eight. Innovative teaching, one-on-one language instructions and small class sizes are the hallmark of the school’s academic programs.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Our area is well known for supporting people of all ability levels. Inclusive education is an important part of our schools’ culture. When all kids work together, successes are achieved and acceptance, tolerance and diversity are gained. Each school district has its own unique program to accommodate individual needs.

GIFTED & TALENTED

It is the mission of our schools to promote the potential of gifted students through challenging and meaningful learning experiences. From this, students become responsible problem solvers who offer important contributions to his/her communities.

Adult Education & Colleges

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE (FLC)

Fort Lewis College is Durango’s hometown gem with a unique and beautiful mountain campus. It overlooks the Animas River Valley and historic downtown. Its culture fosters exploration and life-long learning. The college brings an exciting vibe to the area and offers students and residents additional cultural opportunities through special events, music and more.

SOUTHWEST COLORADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE (SCCC), A DIVISION OF PUEBLO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Southwest Community College offers educational programs and services in La Plata County as well as a secondary campus in a neighboring town. Students can enroll in transfer degree options to prepare for a four-year college or an exciting career. Furthermore, SCCC has developed several transfer articulation agreements with Fort Lewis College.

DURANGO ADULT EDUCATION CENTER (DAEC)

The Durango Adult Education Center is a place that moves people forward, instilling hope and possibility in a caring learning environment. DAEC offers small learning environments and can adapt programs to the individual needs of its students. A strong culture of excellence gives students a sense of belonging that is free of judgment. Its primary focus is on high school equivalency programs and English as a Second Language.

PINE RIVER COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER

With campuses in Bayfield and Ignacio, this organization is dedicated to helping adults and their families achieve greater career and educational potential. It also offers homeschool resources, college opportunity programs plus corrections and community education.

LA PLATA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS

CHARTER SCHOOLS

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING STYLES

ADULT EDUCATION & COLLEGES