Durango High School Home

Our goal is to be the best public high school in Colorado.
Impact Career Innovation Center

About Us

Durango High School (DHS) welcomes students in 9th-12th grades. It's located in the heart of Durango, Colorado, along the Animas River, and serves approximately 1,350 students. Durango High School provides a rigorous education to prepare students for their future, be it a 4-year college, a 2-year institution, industry, the military, directly into the workforce, or whatever path they choose.
student in cap and gown
Where we’re located
Durango School District map
six members of school leadership team

Mission

Our mission at Durango High School is to be the best public high school in the State of Colorado. We achieve excellence through positive relationships and high expectations for all of our students to excel in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. We provide an atmosphere where students can thrive, can find their niche,  and excel at their chosen career path.
 

News & Announcements

student conducting ECG test on another student

Community wide ECG drive at Impact Center

A community wide ECG drive is scheduled for April 26 & 27 at Durango School District’s Impact Career Innovation Center at Durango High School (DHS). It is hosted by Future Health Professionals of DHS HOSA. This event is a public service project for the community to perform the appropriate medical tests to inform them if the electrical activity of their heart is working as it should.
potential ballot measure survey

Survey now open on potential ballot measure

Beginning April 18, we encourage everyone in La Plata County – district staff, families, community members – to participate in an important survey regarding public education programs, policies, and a potential ballot measure this November 2024.
Jon Hoerl

Dr. Jon Hoerl is named Colorado High School Principal of the Year

Durango High School Principal Dr. Jon Hoerl has been named the 2024 Colorado High School Principal of the Year and the state representative for the National Secondary Principal of the Year award. The awarding agency is Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE).
student measuring liquid in beaker

Meet AP Teachers to Learn About Classes for 24-25 School Year

Students who are interested in an Advanced Placement (AP) class next school year can meet AP teachers to learn more about their classes for next school year. Lunchtime and after school information sessions are scheduled for Feb. 6, 7, 8, 9, 13.
group of people watch as large red ribbon is cut

Impact Grand Opening a Success

Close to 400 people enjoyed the the Impact Career Innovation Center Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Wednesday evening. The event began with welcome speeches, an Indigenous Blessing by Edward Box III of the Southern Ute Tribe, and ribbon cutting by student host Aubrey McKellips and Superintendent Karen Cheser.
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principal Jon Hoerl

Principal's Message

Durango High School  provides rigorous classroom study, extracurricular activities, sports, Career & Technical Education, Honors classes, Advanced Placement, concurrent enrollment  in college courses, and four-year, individualized academic advisors to help prepare our students for their future career.  – Dr. Jon Hoerl, Principal, CASE 2024 Colorado High School Principal of the Year.

Events

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mountain with autumn leaves on trees

Quality of Life

Durango is a beautiful place to live and work. It is located at 6,512 feet elevation in Southwest Colorado near the Four Corners region. Families who live here enjoy a historic steam train, ski resort, rivers, vibrant downtown, bike trails, sky-high “fourteener” mountains, and four distinct seasons with an average of 266 sunny days per year. We welcome new families and new staff members, and we offer excellent benefits and competitive salaries. 
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