Animas High School
Learning That Lives Outside the Classroom
At AHS, project based learning is the foundation. Our flagship programs connect students to real work, real mentors, and real-world stakes from day one.
Driven by Curiosity. Grounded in Community.
Animas High School has always believed that the most powerful learning happens when students are trusted with real challenges. Our project based learning model puts students in the driver’s seat, building skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and self-direction that carry far beyond graduation.
Our four flagship programs are the backbone of the AHS experience. Each one is designed to meet students where they are and push them toward something greater, whether that means landing an internship in the Durango community, presenting a year-long senior project, or exploring the world alongside their classmates.
Flagship Programs
Four experiences. One common thread: students doing work that matters.
01
Senior Project
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
02
LINK Internships
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
03
Osprey Blocks
Osprey Blocks are extended, interdisciplinary learning experiences that replace traditional class periods with immersive, project-centered days. Students dive deep into real problems, collaborate across subject areas, and produce meaningful work rather than completing isolated assignments.
- Cross-disciplinary projects 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
04
Class Trips
At AHS, class trips are not field trips. They are intentional, academically integrated travel experiences that bring classroom learning to life. Each grade level participates in trips 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 Colorado landscapes to national and international locations
- Pre-trip preparation and post-trip reflection built into the curriculum
- Builds class cohesion and shared experience across the AHS community