For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public high schools serving 2,497 students in La Plata County, CO.
The top-ranked public high schools in La Plata County, CO are Durango High School, Southwest Colorado Eschool and Animas High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Plata County, CO public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Colorado public high school average of 34%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 53% statewide average). High schools in La Plata County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of Colorado public high schools.
La Plata County, CO public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the Colorado average of 82%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Durango High School, with 94% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in Colorado or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high school average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in La Plata County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Durango High School
(Math: 46% | Reading: 67%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2390 Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-1630
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-1630
Gr: 9-12 | 1,343 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #22.
Southwest Colorado Eschool
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
701 Camino Del Rio Suite 220
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 403-0946
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 403-0946
Gr: 6-12 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Animas High School
Charter School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 70-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
271 Twin Buttes Ave
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-2474
Durango, CO 81302
(970) 247-2474
Gr: 9-12 | 234 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #44.
Bayfield High School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
800 Co Rd 501
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-9521
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-9521
Gr: 9-12 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #55.
Durango Big Picture High School
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
150 Tech Center Dr
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-0203
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-0203
Gr: 9-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #66.
Ignacio High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
315 Becker Street
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0515
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0515
Gr: 9-12 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
201 East 12th Street
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5411
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5411
Gr: K-12 | 156 students Student-teacher ratio: 156:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
La Plata County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Durango Second Chance (Closed 2009)
Alternative School
301 East 12th Street
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 385-4354
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 385-4354
Gr: 6-12 | 88 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
The Excel Charter School (Closed 2008)
Charter School
215 East 12th Street
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-0203
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 259-0203
Gr: 6-12 | 111 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Ignacio Academy (Closed 2012)
Alternative School
315 Ignacio St
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0515
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0515
Gr: 9-12 | 36 students Student-teacher ratio: 36:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Pine River Valley High School (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
535 Candelaria Street
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0681
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0681
Gr: 9-12 | 67 students Student-teacher ratio: 34:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Robert Denier Youth Services Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
720 Turner Drive
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 375-2781
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 375-2781
Gr: 5-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public high schools in La Plata County, CO?
The top-ranked public high schools in La Plata County, CO include Durango High School, Southwest Colorado Eschool and Animas High School.
How many public high schools are located in La Plataunty?
7 public high schools are located in La Plataunty.
What is the racial composition of students in La Plataunty?
La Plataunty public high schools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public high schools average of 49% (majority Hispanic).
Which public high schools in La Plataunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in La Plataunty include: Animas High School vs. Durango High School, Bayfield High School vs. Durango High School, Ignacio High School vs. Bayfield High School
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.
