Durango is home to Fort Lewis College, an independent four-year public liberal arts institution of about 4,500 students, which offers 24 degree programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Business Administration. In addition to its educational mission, Fort Lewis College offers a wealth of service programs for the region, from Continuing Education Classes to business consultation to support for the arts and other organizations... Because of its commitment to the state and region, the college has established itself as an integral, vital part of the Durango community.

Southwest Colorado Community College (SCCC) is a fully-accredited two-year college that provides open door admission. The philosophy of the college is that all who feel they have the ability to benefit and the motivation to succeed should have access to higher education. This access is further enhanced through affordable tuition and fees.

The Durango Adult Education Center is a private, non-profit organization that has been dedicated to providing educational resources for adults, seniors and youth in Durango for 20 years. Through fundraising, grants and partnerships with other organizations, the Adult Education Center is able to provide affordable education services to the community.

Durango School District 9-R is Southwest Colorado’s largest school district with more than 5,000 students enrolled. The district offers a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum guided by the Board of Education’s Ends Policies. Because the board’s Ends policies reflect community values, district academic standards exceed standards mandated by the sate of Colorado. The Colorado Department of Education recently identified Durango’s elementary reading program as one of the best in the state.

Bayfield School District 10-JTR consists of one high school, one middle school, one elementary school and one primary school with approximately 1,186 students.

Ignacio School District 11-JT consists of one high school, one junior high, one intermediate, and one elementary school with approximately 1,054 students.

Animas High School
3206 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-2474

Bayfield School District 10
24 S. Clover, Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-2496
Bayfield School District 10 consists of 1 high school, 1 middle school and 1 elementary school. A total of 1,047 students attended Bayfield schools in 1999/00.

Durango Adult Education Center, Inc.
301 E. 12th St.
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 385-4354

Durango School District 9-R
201 E. 12th St., Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5411, ext. 1440
Durango School District 9-R serves the community through 11 schools, including 1 comprehensive high school, 2 middle schools, 7 elementary schools, and the EXCEL Charter School for 6th through 12th grade students. Enrollment has remained steady for the past several years at 4,900 students.

Fort Lewis College
1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-7010
Fort Lewis College is a four-year, fully accredited, liberal arts institution and a member of the Colorado State University System. Fort Lewis has 24 degree programs with an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students. The campus sits on 362 acres overlooking Durango with 1,560 students living on campus in 15 residence halls and apartment complexes.

Ignacio School District 11
315 Ignacio St., Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-9434
Ignacio School District 11 consists of 1 high school, 1 junior high, 1 intermediate and 1 elementary school. A total of 1,054 students attended Ignacio schools in 1999/00.

Liberty School
870 Plymouth Dr, Durango
(970) 385-4834

Pine River Community Learning Center
535 Condelaria Dr., Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0681
The Pine River Community Learning Center (PRCLC) is a nonprofit educational organization, serving adults and families in eastern La Plata County for more than 30 years.

Southwest Colorado Community College
701 Camino del Rio, Suite 100, Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-2929
Pueblo Community College Southwest Center provides educational programs and services to the citizens of La Plata, Archuleta, Montezuma, Dolores, and San Juan Counties. Area high schools partner with the Southwest Center sites to offer courses to students and community members at the high school facilities.