Durango Schools 9R is committed to providing high-quality inclusive early childhood education with the goal of ensuring that each student develops a deep sense of belonging to their classroom community and a lifelong love of learning. Our program's foundation is built on nurturing and responsive relationships in an engaging environment while supporting the whole child's development. 

Our program focuses on high-quality social and emotional learning, play-based, inquiry-designed opportunities that follow the student's interests and evoke a sense of wonder. We embedded pre-academic content through hands-on authentic learning opportunities. We use the Creative Curriculum which aligns with the Colorado Academic Standards and complete authentic assessments to inform our teaching and create individual learning plans based on each child's unique development, interests, strengths, and needs. 

Program Schedule

Each of our elementary schools offers a preschool program. Our programs follow the same school calendar and bell schedule as Durango Schools. Yes, this will include Mondays! Mondays are early release days. We also have a half day with morning and afternoon sessions available at Needham Elementary.

Program Eligibility

Our programs hold priority for students who are 4 by September 1st. If we have space available we then offer enrollment for 3-year-olds. Each class is limited to 16 students and 2 teachers so space is limited. Please visit our 2023-2024 registration tab to complete a preschool interest form and the universal preschool application and learn more about our registration process.

Program Costs

You may qualify for tuition assistance through the Universal Preschool program(UPK). Please visit their website for more information: CO Universal Preschool. Our program calendar will follow the same calendar as the Durango School District. 

For more information please contact Jennifer Baufield, Coordinator of Early Childhood Programs at [email protected] or by calling 970-247-5411 ext. 1468.