Durango High School Online Program

Earn a Durango High School diploma online – while staying connected to campus life

The Durango High School Online Program (DHSOP) is a flexible online learning option for students in grades 9-12 who want the freedom of online learning while staying connected to Durango High School. Students complete coursework online and remain fully enrolled at DHS, with access to sports, activities, counseling, and milestone events like prom and graduation.

DHSOP is a free, online high school option for students in Durango, Colorado — and anywhere in the world — who want flexibility without leaving their local school. If a student is balancing athletics, work, or advanced coursework — and needs more flexibility — this program may be a strong fit.

Interested in learning more?

Begin by sending an email indicating your interest. Selected students will be invited to participate in a screening and interview process. Contact DHSOP Director Robert Aspen by email: [email protected].

Graduates in caps and gowns cheer in a group

What makes DHSOP different

It's a flexible online learning option — without losing the high school experience. Students in DHSOP remain fully connected to DHS with an online high school in Durango, Colorado. That means they can:

Earn a Durango High School diploma
Participate in sports, clubs, and activities
Attend prom, homecoming, and graduation
Access academic advising and school counseling
Use on-campus spaces for support and study
Meet with a mentor for in-person check-ins

This combination of flexibility and connection sets DHSOP apart from other online programs.

Why this program exists

Families are increasingly looking for a personalized, flexible online learning option. Some students need a different schedule. Others are ready for more advanced or specialized coursework. The Durango High School Online Program allows students to learn in a way that works best for them — without leaving their school or community.

Who this is for

This online high school in Durango, Colorado, is especially appealing for students seeking advanced coursework, AP options, or a more personalized academic pace. This program may be a good fit for students who:

Want access to advanced or specialized coursework, including expanded AP and world language options
Need flexibility for athletics, work, travel, or other commitments
Thrive in a self-paced, independent learning environment
Have health or scheduling needs that make traditional school difficult
Are motivated, organized, and able to manage their time

See if this program is a good fit

Send an email indicating your interest. Selected students will be invited to participate in a screening and interview process. Contact DHSOP Director Robert Aspen by email: [email protected].

How it works

Courses are completed online through a partnership with Colorado Digital Learning Solutions
Learning in this self-paced high school program is asynchronous, which allows students to work on a flexible schedule
Courses are taught by licensed teachers
Students are expected to meet deadlines and maintain steady progress
Staff monitor progress through regular grade checks and family communication

Courses and opportunities

Students have access to a wide range of courses aligned with the Durango High School catalog, and supplemental courses including:

Online AP courses
Supplemental world languages (including Mandarin, ASL, Latin, French, German, and Chinese)
Career and technical education (CTE) pathways, including Agriculture, Business, and Health Science
This allows students to pursue deeper interests and more advanced pathways than a traditional schedule may allow.

Eligibility and enrollment

Open to students in grades 9-12
Students may apply from anywhere, with priority given to students in La Plata County
Enrollment is limited (approximately 20-50 students in the first year, 2026-27)
Students are selected through an application, screening, and interview process to ensure a strong fit

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in a flexible online learning option, advanced coursework, or a more personalized learning experience? Click the arrow at right for an FAQ walk-through how DHSOP works, what students can expect, and how to determine if it’s the right fit.

What is the Durango High School Online Program?

The Durango High School Online Program (DHSOP) is an online high school in Durango, Colorado, for students in grades 9-12. It allows students to complete coursework online while remaining fully enrolled at Durango High School.

When does the program begin?

The program will launch in the 2026-27 school year, beginning Aug. 25, 2026.

Will students earn a Durango High School diploma?

Yes. Students who meet graduation requirements will earn a Durango High School diploma and may participate in graduation ceremonies.

Is this replacing in-person learning at Durango High School?

No. This program is designed to expand options for a limited number of students who need flexibility or who may otherwise choose an online school outside the district. In-person learning remains the primary model at Durango High School.

Who provides instruction?

Instruction is provided through a partnership with Colorado Digital Learning Solutions, a state-supported program offering high-quality online courses taught by licensed teachers.

How is this different from COVID-era remote learning?

DHSOP is a structured, long-term program supported by the Colorado Department of Education. Courses are taught by licensed teachers through an established online provider. In contrast, COVID-era remote learning was a temporary, emergency response developed locally.

What is the learning model?

The program is asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework on a flexible schedule while meeting course deadlines and expectations.

How do you ensure rigor, engagement, and accountability?

Courses are aligned with Durango High School’s academic expectations and are supported by a proven model used in high-performing districts. Students will have regular grade checks, and families will receive ongoing communication to support progress and accountability.

Who is a good fit for this program?

Students who tend to be successful in DHSOP are:

Self-motivated and independent
Strong in time management
Comfortable learning online
Interested in a flexible high school schedule

What are some reasons students may want to consider DHSOP?

Students and families may consider DHSOP for a variety of reasons, including:

Flexible scheduling for work, athletics, or other activities
Access to accelerated or specialized coursework not available in a traditional schedule
Health or medical needs requiring learning from home
Preference for a self-paced or independent learning environment
Relocation or geographic constraints

Who may not be a good fit?

Students who need daily in-person structure, frequent supervision, or additional support to stay on track may be better served in a traditional school setting.

What happens if a student struggles in the program?

Student progress will be closely monitored through regular grade checks and communication with families. The district will work with families to support a successful transition back to in-person learning if needed

Can students participate in sports and activities?

Yes. DHSOP students are fully enrolled at Durango High School and may participate in athletics, clubs, performing arts, and school events such as prom and homecoming.

What resources are available to DHSOP students?

DHSOP students remain fully connected to Durango High School and have access to:

Academic advising
Social-emotional counseling
Athletics and coaching
Extracurricular activities, including clubs, teams, and theater
Milestone events such as prom, homecoming, and graduation
In-person check-ins with a mentor
A district-issued Chromebook

What courses are available?

DHSOP students will have access to a wide range of courses aligned with the Durango High School catalog.

Is the program free?

Yes. The program is tuition-free for in-district students and funded through state per-pupil revenue.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to students in grades 9-12 anywhere in the world. Priority will be given to students in the La Plata County area so they can take full advantage of Durango High School’s campus, activities, and student life. Students will be selected through an application process that considers readiness for independent learning and overall fit. Applicants will be asked to provide academic records such as transcripts or report cards.

How many students will be accepted?

Enrollment will be limited in the first year to ensure a high-quality experience. Approximately 20-50 students will be accepted.

How do families apply?

Families can begin by sending an email indicating interest to Robert Aspen, DHSOP director, at [email protected]. Selected students will then fill out an application and participate in a screening and interview process to determine fit.

When will enrollment open?

Enrollment is now open as of early April. Selections will be made in mid-May.

Why is the district offering this program?

Durango School District is expanding learning options to better meet the needs of today’s students and families. This program is designed to keep students connected to Durango High School while providing the flexibility many families are seeking.

A flexible online high school in Durango, Colorado

Flexible learning doesn’t have to mean leaving your school. With DHSOP, students can learn in a way that works for them — and stay connected to Durango High School.

Send an email indicating your interest to Robert Aspen, DHSOP Director.