Why Animas High School?
Prepare for College and Life at Animas High School
Animas High School prepares students for college and post-secondary success through a unique project-based learning model that fosters critical thinking, authentic problem-solving, and real-world connections, all in a tight-knit Durango community where every student is known by name.
100%
College Acceptance Rate
6:1
Student Teacher Ratio
Free
Public charter school, no tuition
Gr 9–12
Serving Durango-area students
Four Pillars
What Makes Animas Different?
Four intentional commitments that shape every class, every relationship, and every student’s experience at AHS.
Committed to Rigorous Academics
College-prep coursework built around authentic problem-solving, not memorization.
- College-level writing and critical thinking
- Connections to students’ lives and community
- Fort Lewis College shared campus partnership gives students early access to college coursework
- Meets all competitive college-admission requirements
- Preparing students for success at selective and highly selective colleges
Committed to Strong Relationships
Every students is well known in the community:
- Strong relationships built through small classes and mentorship
- Teachers invested in each student’s growth and story
- Intentional development of strong, meaningful peer-to-peer relationships
Committed to Engaging Learning
Senior projects, thesis defense, and interdisciplinary learning answer real-world questions.
- Projects and hands-on learning built into the curriculum
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary learning across the curriculum
- Community internships a required part of the curriculum
- Exhibitions and presentations share learning with peers and the community
- Senior projects combine college level thesis, presentation, and community project chosen and directed by the student
Committed to Culture of Excellence
High expectations coupled with positive, inclusive peer interaction.
- Professionalism learned through exhibitions and presentations
- Collaborative, not competitive, environment
- Excellent, individualized college and career counseling beginning in ninth grade
Common Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL
Yes, Animas High School is a free, public charter school in Durango, Colorado. There is no tuition. Any student living close enough to commute, including over the New Mexico border, may apply.
Animas High School serves students in grades 9 through 12. Incoming freshmen are supported through their transition with a focus on building self-awareness, confidence, and advocacy skills.
Yes. AHS offers concurrent enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously. These courses fulfill requirements for most competitive college admissions while giving students a meaningful head start on post-secondary education.
The Senior Project is a capstone experience requiring college-level writing and a formal thesis defense. Students choose a real-world question in a professional field, complete authentic work alongside a mentor in that field, and publicly present their findings. It is one of the most distinctive elements of an Animas education.
Discover More
There’s a Lot to Love About AHS
From how we teach to how students spend their days, every part of AHS is designed with intention. Dig into what makes an Osprey education different.
Senior projects, LINK internships, Osprey Blocks, and class trips. Our flagship programs put students in charge of their own learning.
Clubs, performing arts, mountain biking, community connections and more. Life as an Osprey goes well beyond the classroom.
Every AHS student graduates with a plan. We build the skills, relationships, and portfolio to get them there.
At AHS, students demonstrate learning through projects, presentations, and digital portfolios rather than test scores alone. Ongoing teacher feedback keeps students and families informed every step of the way.