La Plata County Schools & Education
La Plata County, Colorado
School Score
6/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
80.5%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
80.5%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 83.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$4,966
National avg $13,239
State avg $7,447
School Score
6/100
Higher = better
State avg 36/100
State School Rank
#62
of 63 counties (1 = best)
Explore La Plata County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in La Plata County, Colorado
A Four-District Education Network
La Plata County maintains 23 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,919 students across four distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline for local families.
Striving for State Benchmarks
The county reports an 80.5% graduation rate, which trails the national average of 87% and the state average of 83.1%. While the school score sits at 44.1, per-pupil spending of $4,966 remains significantly lower than the Colorado average of $7,447.
Durango Leads Local Districts
Durango School District No. 9-R is the county's largest provider, managing 13 schools and 5,452 students. Charter schools represent 13% of the total school landscape, offering alternative options like the Colorado Connections Academy at Durango.
Town and Rural Classrooms
The county's 23 schools are split between 13 town-based campuses and 10 rural settings. While the average school size is 344 students, Durango High School serves as a major hub with an enrollment of 1,369.
Find Your Home in Durango
Families seeking diverse educational environments from large high schools to small rural charters should explore the Durango and Bayfield areas. School proximity remains a vital factor for home buyers throughout this scenic mountain county.
School Overview
Total Schools
23
in La Plata County
Total Enrollment
7,919
students
School Districts
4
districts
Charter Schools
3
13% of total
School Type Breakdown
4 School Districts in La Plata County
Durango School District No. 9-R
Bayfield School District No. 10Jt-R
Ignacio School District No. 11Jt
San Juan boces
23 Public Schools in La Plata County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durango High School | Durango School District No. 9-R | 9–12 | High | 1,369 |
| Colorado Connections Academy @ Durango | Durango School District No. 9-R | KG–12 | Other | 964 |
| Escalante Middle School | Durango School District No. 9-R | 6–8 | Middle | 534 |
| Riverview Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 439 |
| Park Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 425 |
| Bayfield High School | Bayfield School District No. 10Jt-R | 9–12 | High | 423 |
| Miller Middle School | Durango School District No. 9-R | 6–8 | Middle | 415 |
| Needham Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 388 |
| Mountain Middle School | State Charter School Institute | 4–8 | Charter | 301 |
| Bayfield Intermediate School | Bayfield School District No. 10Jt-R | 3–5 | Primary | 295 |
| Bayfield Middle School | Bayfield School District No. 10Jt-R | 6–8 | Middle | 294 |
| Ignacio Elementary School | Ignacio School District No. 11Jt | KG–5 | Primary | 290 |
| Florida Mesa Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 278 |
| Bayfield Primary School | Bayfield School District No. 10Jt-R | PK–2 | Primary | 267 |
| Animas High School | State Charter School Institute | 9–12 | Charter | 206 |
| Ignacio High School | Ignacio School District No. 11Jt | 9–12 | High | 201 |
| Animas Valley Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 188 |
| The Juniper School | Durango School District No. 9-R | KG–6 | Charter | 162 |
| Ignacio Middle School | Ignacio School District No. 11Jt | 6–8 | Middle | 150 |
| Sunnyside Elementary School | Durango School District No. 9-R | PK–5 | Primary | 106 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$4,966
State avg $7,447
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in La Plata County, Colorado — FAQ
What does the school system look like in La Plata County, Colorado?
La Plata County maintains 23 public schools serving a total enrollment of 7,919 students across four distinct districts. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary, 5 middle, and 6 high schools, providing a comprehensive pipeline for local families.
How do schools in La Plata County perform academically?
The county reports an 80.5% graduation rate, which trails the national average of 87% and the state average of 83.1%. While the school score sits at 44.1, per-pupil spending of $4,966 remains significantly lower than the Colorado average of $7,447.
What are the major school districts in La Plata County, Colorado?
Durango School District No. 9-R is the county's largest provider, managing 13 schools and 5,452 students. Charter schools represent 13% of the total school landscape, offering alternative options like the Colorado Connections Academy at Durango.
What is the school experience like in La Plata County?
The county's 23 schools are split between 13 town-based campuses and 10 rural settings. While the average school size is 344 students, Durango High School serves as a major hub with an enrollment of 1,369.
How can I find homes near good schools in La Plata County, Colorado?
Families seeking diverse educational environments from large high schools to small rural charters should explore the Durango and Bayfield areas. School proximity remains a vital factor for home buyers throughout this scenic mountain county.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.