Our Flagship Programs

The capstone of an AHS education. Every senior designs, executes, and publicly presents a year-long independent project on a topic of their choosing. It is a rite of passage that demands initiative, accountability, and genuine expertise.

• Student-directed research and creation over a full academic year
• Faculty and community mentor guidance throughout the process
• Final public presentation to a panel of peers, staff, and community members
• Builds portfolio-ready work and real presentation skills

See outstanding examples of Senior Thesis Papers, TED Talks and Projects here.

LINK connects AHS students with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations across the Durango community for hands-on internship experiences. Students earn credit while discovering what career paths truly feel like from the inside.

• Placements across diverse fields including healthcare, arts, engineering, and education
• Structured reflection and goal-setting integrated into the program
• Builds professional networks and workplace skills before graduation
• Strengthens AHS’s deep roots in the Durango community

Osprey Blocks are extended, interdisciplinary learning experiences that replace traditional class periods with immersive, project-centered days and off-campus experiences. Students dive deep into real problems, collaborate across subject areas, and produce meaningful work.

• Cross-disciplinary experiences that connect multiple subject areas
• Extended time blocks allow for depth, not just coverage
• Student teams take on authentic challenges with tangible outcomes
• Fosters creativity, collaboration, and independent problem solving

View this year’s Osprey Block choices and descriptions in the Course Catalog.

At AHS, class trips are not field trips. They are intentional, academically integrated travel experiences that bring classroom learning to life. Trips are designed to challenge students, strengthen community bonds, and connect curricula to the broader world.

• Grade-level trips with specific academic and experiential learning goals
• Destinations range from regional Four Corners landscapes to the State Capitol
• Pre-trip preparation and post-trip reflection built into the curriculum
• Builds class cohesion and shared experience across the AHS community

View class trips and descriptions in the Course Catalog.