Enroll in award-winning, high-performing public schools
Why choose Durango School District public schools?
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Top-tier academic performance – Our test scores rank in the top 20% statewide.
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Highly rated and recognized – A- rating on Niche.com; ranked #16 Best School District in Colorado and #13 for Best Districts for Athletes.
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College-ready opportunities – Students can choose from 20 Advanced Placement courses and earn college credit through concurrent enrollment classes.
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Graduation success – 95% graduation rate, far above the national average of 87%.
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Licensed, caring educators – Every teacher in our district is fully licensed by the State of Colorado – something not all charter or private schools can say. Our staff includes award-winning educators like the 2022 Milken Educator, 2024 Best Principal in Colorado, and a 2025 Best Teacher in Colorado semifinalist.
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State-level athletic excellence – DHS has 27 sports teams (including unique offerings in ice hockey, lacrosse and Esports). All of DHS spring sports teams were represented at the state level in 2024-25.
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Future-ready focus – Our Portrait of a Graduate vision builds real-world skills like collaboration, resilience, and leadership.
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Tailored Gifted & Talented support – Multi-tiered GT programs meet students where they are and help them grow.
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One-of-a-kind outdoor learning – Durango School District's SOIL Outdoor Learning Lab provides hands-on, project-based learning you won’t find anywhere else in Colorado.
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Career-connected education – 14 Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways help students gain real skills for future jobs.
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STEM and MakerSpace innovation – Award-winning programs in science, technology, engineering, design, and hands-on creativity.
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A diverse and inclusive community – Our students speak 29 different home languages and learn in a culture of belonging.
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Something for everyone – From arts to academics to clubs, students explore their passions in all of our K-12 schools – including 26+ clubs at Durango High School.
Who can enroll?
- Families who live within our district boundaries in La Plata County
- Colorado families who live outside district boundaries
- New Mexico families who commute into Durango
- Anyone seeking the best educational fit for their child
Open enrollment is available for out-of-district families
Durango is a regional hub for work, education, and opportunity. Each day, thousands of people commute into Durango from surrounding communities in both Colorado and New Mexico. If you’re one of them, your child can benefit too.
Durango School District (DSD) welcomes out-of-district families to apply for open enrollment – and yes, that includes families from neighboring towns in New Mexico! Enroll now to secure a limited spot in the first available school for your child's grade for the 2025-26 school year. The first day of school in all of our district schools is Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
First day of school is Aug. 19
We encourage all families to complete registration and enrollment now for the 2025-26 school year. For families outside our district who wish to open-enroll – don't wait! Seats are limited and available at select schools and grade levels.
Start your application now
Have questions? Contact our Enrollment specialist at [email protected] and we’ll guide you through the process.
