In a time when national conversations often highlight the challenges within our educational system, it’s heartening to spotlight our local success story. Here in La Plata County, our students are exceeding expectations, particularly when it comes to graduation rates, dropout rates and post-secondary pursuits.
Durango High School has consistently excelled. In the 2023-24 school year, DHS achieved a remarkable graduation rate of 95%, significantly surpassing the state’s average of 84% for the same year. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering that many high schools of similar size across Colorado typically report graduation rates between 85% and 90%.
Concurrently, the school’s dropout rates have seen a commendable decline, from 1.2% in the 2019-20 school year to less than 0.5% in the 2023-24 school year. Amid post-pandemic gloom and doom stories, this is a statistic worthy of celebration.
This data highlights DHS’s dedication to student success, and positions the school as a leader in educational excellence within the state. A significant factor contributing to this success is Durango School District’s commitment to supporting all learners, regardless of their background. In our district, we believe in identifying and addressing the inequities that affect a variety of students, including students from rural communities; those who are homeless or from low-income families; students with disabilities; students of color; and English language learners. DHS has implemented several programs aimed at addressing the diverse needs of its student body, including:
- Demon Den: This initiative provides targeted academic support to students, offering a space where they can receive tutoring, complete assignments and engage in collaborative learning.
- Elevation Program: Designed to assist students facing challenges that may impede their academic progress, this program offers personalized support, helping students stay on track for graduation.
- Support for multilingual learners: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by students for whom English is a second language, DHS offers tailored programs to enhance language proficiency and help students fully engage with the curriculum.
- Social-emotional support systems: Understanding that academic success is closely linked to emotional well-being, DHS has established support systems to address students’ social and emotional needs, fostering a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
Statewide, Colorado has seen improvements in educational outcomes, according to a Jan. 21 report from the Colorado Department of Education. The four-year graduation rate reached 84.2% in 2023-24, the highest in more than a decade. Additionally, the state’s dropout rate decreased to 1.9% during the same period. While these trends are encouraging, disparities persist among different student groups, underscoring the importance of targeted support programs like those at DHS.
“We have worked incredibly hard over the past eight-plus years to provide a high-quality product for all of our students,” said DHS Principal Jon Hoerl. “Our programs have helped close student gaps, increase performance and ultimately help students achieve their high school diploma. Hovering around a 94-95% four-year graduation rate for the past several years is a testament to this work, and we know DHS is a great place for all kids to achieve and succeed.”
Fall 2024 data from the National Student Clearinghouse indicated that 58% of DHS and Big Picture High School graduates enroll in college in the fall immediately after high school. Eighty-two percent of DHS high school graduates who immediately enrolled in college in 2019 returned for their sophomore year in 2020, the data said. And, 46% of the Class of 2016 completed a degree within six years of high school graduation, again according to fall 2024 data.
DHS data mirrors a statewide trend. Did you know Coloradans are ranked in the top two states in the nation with the most educated people? According to a Feb. 3 Chalkbeat story, 63% of Colorado residents 25 and older had an educational credential beyond a high school diploma in 2023, matching Massachusetts.
While criticism of public education persists nationwide, we can come together and take pride in our state and local success stories. We’re grateful for a community that stands behind dedicated educators as they shape and inspire the next generation.
Karla Sluis is the Public Information Officer at Durango School District. She can be reached at ksluis@durangoschools.org. For more information about Durango High School, visit dhs.durangoschools.org.
