Durango School District 9-R is a high-performing school district located in western La Plata County in Southwest Colorado. Its seven elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools serve approximately 4,700 students.

First established in 1881 to serve the new railroad town of Durango, the School District was the ninth in La Plata County. In the late 1950s, the District reorganized and incorporated 12 rural school districts to form the "R" in 9-R --- District 9-Reorganized. Today 9-R is known as "a community committed to innovation and excellence in education."

The mission of Durango School District 9-R, an innovative educational system committed to excellence, is to ensure each student develops the skills and attributes for lifelong learning. Through leading instructional models, globally minded learning programs and engaging teaching and learning methods, the district aims to instill in each student the ability to compete and contribute in the global community. Furthermo