WELCOME TO ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL

Animas High School prepares all students for college and postsecondary success by creating critical thinkers and engaged citizens through an innovative, student-centered, project-based curriculum.

AHS was founded in 2009 by community members who saw a need for a distinctive school of choice in the Four Corners region. An award-winning, free, public school chartered through the Colorado Charter School Institute, AHS serves approximately 200 students in grades 9-12 in Durango, Colorado.

BUILDING A NEW NEST

Animas High School is building a new facility on the Fort Lewis College campus with plans to move in Fall 2022! Help us to move into our permanent home by donating to our Elevating Animas Campaign.

This is a great opportunity to leave a legacy with your name or your student’s name by making a donation and having it recognized as you walk into the building. There will be a 7 foot long horizontal donor recognition wall with 5 levels of giving:

After making a donation you will receive a tax receipt with an email confirming what you would like to be printed on the donor wall in recognition of your donation.

Want to make a monthly donation or multi-year pledge? Check out our Elevating Animas FAQ. If you have questions, please reach out to libby.cowles@animashighschool.com.

Donate Now

Rigorous Academics,

where all students are prepared for college success

Culture of Excellence,

where students are held to high expectations

Strong Faculty-Student Relationships,

where students are well known

Engaging Learning,

where students see the relevance of their education

HOW TO ENROLL

LEARN MORE

VISIT OUR CAMPUS

LEARN MORE

SUPPORT AHS

Support our students so they can thrive and achieve their goals.

DONATE

Your donation goes directly to supporting our Animas community.

NEWS AND EVENTS

News
Events

News

Events

	October 2022
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
						1
2 Western Slope College Fair Western Slope College Fair October 2, 2022 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Aspen, CO The Career and College Counseling office is taking students to the Western Slope College Fair! With over 250 colleges present and live college preparation workshops from college admissions professionals, this is a worthwhile event. We will provide transportation, lodging, dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning free of charge for those who attend. Students need to bring money for lunch and possibly dinner on Sunday. If this presents a financial hardship for your family we can make arrangements to cover those meal costs as well. Please use this google form to let Erin know you are interested in going to the fair. Juniors and Seniors will get first priority if the trip fills. See more details •	3 Hearing/Vision Screening (9th grade) Hearing/Vision Screening (9th grade) October 3, 2022 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm We will provide free vision and hearing screening for all 9th graders. See more details •	4	5	6 Leadership Team Meeting Leadership Team Meeting October 6, 2022 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Dave's Classroom, West Wing The AHS Leadership Team meets weekly on Thursday afternoons to chat about emerging issues. All are welcome--students, families and staff! Drop by if you'd like to discuss any schoolwide issue you think might benefit from a bit of focused attention. See more details •	7	8
9 AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: Nathrop AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: Nathrop October 9, 2022 8:00 am - 3:00 pm The AHS Mountain Biking Team trains with Durango Devo and competes against teams from across the region through the Colorado High School Cycling League View full race schedule here See more details NACAC Virtual College Fair NACAC Virtual College Fair October 9, 2022 11:00 am - 4:00 pm https://www.nacacattend.org/22virtualsep11/2275901 See more details • •	10 TWIG Parent/Family Coffee TWIG Parent/Family Coffee October 10, 2022 8:25 am - 9:10 am Welcome to TWIGS, AHS' family engagement program! Our mission is to create meaningful connections among AHS families so that we can collectively provide social, educational and financial support for Animas High School. At the foundation of every beautiful Osprey getting ready to soar is an intricate woven nest of twigs, creating a safe and secure environment. Even though our students are learning to be fabulously independent humans, that support is still essential to their success. As AHS is not your typical high school, TWIGS is not your typical PTA. We are creating a fun, social environment where families can connect, support the students and staff and be a part of the AHS community at large. Osprey Parents and Families are invited to join us for TWIG Coffees on the 2nd Monday of each month. Gather right after student drop off for a cup of joe, connective conversation and a chance to hear school community updates from Rebecca and our staff. TWIG Coffees and other events are a great way to meet other parents and learn how you can get more involved. TWIGS: Together We Inspire Greatness! See more details •	11 TWIGS Talk TWIGS Talk October 11, 2022 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm See more details •	12 PSAT/NMSQT (11th graders--no classes, early release) PSAT/NMSQT (11th graders--no classes, early release) October 12, 2022 8:30 am - 12:30 pm See more details •	13 Development Committee Meeting Development Committee Meeting October 13, 2022 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm AHS (meet.google.com/mrh-gtsn-ywz for virtual attendees) The Development Committee cultivates and maintains positive relationships with families, alumni, community members, organizations and businesses in order to support the long-term health of the school through fundraising, outreach, and partnerships. For more info: libby.cowles@animashighschool.com See more details Leadership Team Meeting Leadership Team Meeting October 13, 2022 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Dave's Classroom, West Wing The AHS Leadership Team meets weekly on Thursday afternoons to chat about emerging issues. All are welcome--students, families and staff! Drop by if you'd like to discuss any schoolwide issue you think might benefit from a bit of focused attention. See more details • •	14 Fall Break (no school) Fall Break (no school) October 14, 2022 8:25 am - 3:30 pm See more details •	15
16	17 Professional Development Day (no classes) Professional Development Day (no classes) October 17, 2022 8:25 am - 3:30 pm See more details •	18	19 2nd Quarter XBlock Classes Begin 2nd Quarter XBlock Classes Begin October 19, 2022 1:38 pm - 3:30 pm various See more details Junior Postsecondary Night Junior Postsecondary Night October 19, 2022 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm AHS Commons Juniors and and families should attend to learn about the junior year timeline, the college search and application process, and what you should be doing now to prepare for senior year. See more details • •	20 Leadership Team Meeting Leadership Team Meeting October 20, 2022 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Dave's Classroom, West Wing The AHS Leadership Team meets weekly on Thursday afternoons to chat about emerging issues. All are welcome--students, families and staff! Drop by if you'd like to discuss any schoolwide issue you think might benefit from a bit of focused attention. See more details Student-Led Conferences (9th through 11th grade) Student-Led Conferences (9th through 11th grade) October 20, 2022 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Student Led Conferences are similar to traditional Parent-Teacher Conferences but the SLC is facilitated by the student. Students lead a focused dialogue with their parents/guardians concerning their performance and growth at Animas High School. SLCs are an integral part of the reflective process and result in a clear understanding and agreement of “where students are at.” SLCs occur once a semester and require professional dress. SLCs are mandatory for students and at least one parent or guardian. See more details AHS Board of Directors Meeting AHS Board of Directors Meeting October 20, 2022 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Mission The AHS Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the school is fulfilling its mission and vision, supporting and evaluating the Head of School, monitoring and strengthening the school’s programs and services, providing financial oversight, ensuring legal and ethical integrity of the organization and enhancing the school’s public standing. Board Meetings are open to the public. Board email: board@animashighschool.com See more details • • •	21	22 AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: State Championships, Glenwood Springs AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: State Championships, Glenwood Springs October 22, 2022 8:00 am - 3:00 pm The AHS Mountain Biking Team trains with Durango Devo and competes against teams from across the region through the Colorado High School Cycling League View full race schedule here See more details •
23 AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: State Championships, Glenwood Springs AHS Mountain Biking Team Race: State Championships, Glenwood Springs October 23, 2022 8:00 am - 3:00 pm The AHS Mountain Biking Team trains with Durango Devo and competes against teams from across the region through the Colorado High School Cycling League View full race schedule here See more details •	24	25 PSAT/NMSQT makeup day (11th graders) PSAT/NMSQT makeup day (11th graders) October 25, 2022 8:30 am - 12:30 pm See more details •	26 TWIG Parent/Family Happy Hour TWIG Parent/Family Happy Hour October 26, 2022 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Ska Brewing Co, 225 Girard St, Durango Welcome to TWIGS, AHS' family engagement program! Our mission is to create meaningful connections among AHS families so that we can collectively provide social, educational and financial support for Animas High School. At the foundation of every beautiful Osprey getting ready to soar is an intricate woven nest of twigs, creating a safe and secure environment. Even though our students are learning to be fabulously independent humans, that support is still essential to their success. As AHS is not your typical high school, TWIGS is not your typical PTA. We are creating a fun, social environment where families can connect, support the students and staff and be a part of the AHS community at large. Osprey Parents and Families are invited to join us for TWIG Happy Hours on the 4th Wednesday of each month. We'll pick local watering holes each month. Stop by for a drink, a nosh and a chance to connect with AHS families. TWIGS: Together We Inspire Greatness! See more details •	27 Leadership Team Meeting Leadership Team Meeting October 27, 2022 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm Dave's Classroom, West Wing The AHS Leadership Team meets weekly on Thursday afternoons to chat about emerging issues. All are welcome--students, families and staff! Drop by if you'd like to discuss any schoolwide issue you think might benefit from a bit of focused attention. See more details •	28 TWIGS Parent/Guardian Hike with Nature Photographer and Osprey Parent Kennan Harvey TWIGS Parent/Guardian Hike with Nature Photographer and Osprey Parent Kennan Harvey October 28, 2022 9:00 am - 10:30 am TBA Meet with local Kennan Harvey, long time outdoor adventure and nature photographer as seen in many publications such as Patagonia, Backpacker Magazine, Climbing magazine - just to name a few. He is the owner of Kennan Harvey Photography. He will lead an autumn colors walk so join in and learn a few tips about outdoor photography. We will meet at the TBD location (depending on fall colors) at 9:00 am and will head up the trail around 9:15 am for an up and back hike, returning around 10:30 am. The location will be sent out the week prior to the hike. For more info on Kennan's photography, visit: www.kennanharvey.com Please bring a camera! We also encourage you to bring a water bottle, snacks, raincoat, warm layer, hat, and anything else you might need for a rain or shine hike. In the event of a torrential downpour or school closure, we'll reschedule for a future month. See more details School Excellence Committee Meeting School Excellence Committee Meeting October 28, 2022 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Animas High School, 271 Twin Buttes Ave, Durango, CO 81301, USA The purpose of the SEC is to cultivate, support and promote academic and school excellence at Animas High School through research, evaluation, and data-driven recommendations. This working group is responsible for developing and recommending policies to the Board consistent with the school charter and the promises made to our community. The SEC is also chartered with overseeing the ongoing evaluation of the school’s academic performance and developing strategies for academic improvement. The existence and performance of the SEC is intended to be a highly visible statement to the school community of AHS’ dedication to academic excellence and commitment to the school’s mission and core values. See more details • •	29
30	31