We are thrilled to announce that our next Head of School is local school leader Dreher Robertson!
Dreher Robertson brings a deep commitment to experiential learning, relational leadership, and student-centered systems. His career has been shaped by the Big Picture Learning model and by leading innovative alternative and residential schools in the Four Corners Area. In Aztec, New Mexico, he led the transformation of a small alternative high school into a growing school of choice—expanding enrollment, strengthening school culture, and building meaningful partnerships, including collaboration with a local college to create authentic learning and teacher development pathways.
At the heart of his leadership is a belief that learning should be purposeful, interest-driven, and grounded in strong relationships. He is particularly passionate about helping students discover their competence and supporting educators through coaching and professional growth. Dreher’s experience spans instructional leadership, fundraising, operations, and social-emotional supports, and he is energized by building schools where both young people and adults thrive. Dreher has been living in the Durango area for more than a decade.
Dreher is a longtime member of the Durango community. He and his wife Crystal moved to the area in 2007 and are raising their two girls, Abby and Penelope here. Dreher’s personal understanding of our region’s values, opportunities, and sense of connection will serve our students and school well. We are confident that Dreher will build on the strong foundation established by our staff and leadership team while helping guide Animas High School into its next chapter.
Although Dreher will formally begin as Head of School on July 1, he will begin collaborating with the Interim School Leadership Team (ISLT) this spring to support a smooth and intentional transition.