Best Public Schools in Zip Code 81301

The 81301 zip code area of Durango, Colorado is home to 11 diverse schools, including 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 alternative school. These schools serve students with varying demographics and academic performance, with some standout institutions like Mountain Middle School and Park Elementary School consistently ranking among the top schools in the state.

The data reveals significant performance gaps between the charter schools, which tend to outperform the traditional public schools on academic measures, and disparities in performance between the elementary, middle, and high schools, with the high schools (except for Durango High School) generally lagging behind. There also appears to be a correlation between student demographics and academic outcomes, with schools serving higher percentages of minority and economically disadvantaged students, such as Animas Valley Elementary and Colorado Connections Academy, tending to have lower test scores.

The presence of specialized programs and school choice options, like Animas High School and Durango Big Picture High School, provides families in the 81301 zip code with more educational alternatives beyond the traditional public school system. Overall, the data highlights the diversity and performance differences among the schools in this area, with both high-achieving and lower-performing institutions serving the Durango community.