Durango Big Picture High School

86 Students

High School 9th - 12th

School Overview

Durango Big Picture High School (DBPHS) is a unique, alternative public school within the Durango School District 9-R that operates on the "Big Picture Learning" model. Unlike traditional high schools, the curriculum is highly personalized and centered around the individual interests and passions of each student. Instead of a standard lecture-based environment, students engage in project-based learning, which allows them to explore real-world topics in depth while meeting state academic standards.

A defining feature of the school is its emphasis on professional development and career exploration. Through a program known as "Learning Through Internships" (LTI), students spend time working with mentors in the local Durango community, gaining hands-on experience in fields that align with their personal career goals. With a focus on small class sizes, close relationships with advisors, and a philosophy that prioritizes "one student at a time," Durango Big Picture High School provides a flexible, supportive pathway for students who thrive in a non-traditional, student-led academic setting.

Total Students

7.4

Full-Time Teachers

11.7

Student/Teacher Ratio

65.1%

Free/Reduced Lunch

Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Durango Big Picture High School
Demographic	Student Count
White	59
Hispanic	21
Black	1
Two or More	1
American Indian	4

White
59 (68.6 %)
Hispanic
21 (24.4 %)
American Indian
4 (4.7 %)
Black
1 (1.2 %)
Two or More
1 (1.2 %)

School Location

School Details

Status:	Open
School Level:	High School
School Type:	Alternative School
Charter Status:*	Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction:	No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status:	No
District:	Durango School District No. 9-R
Phone:	(970)259-0203
Grade Range:	9th - 12th
Total Students:	86
Full-Time Teachers (FTE):	7.4
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:	11.7
NSLP Participation:¹	Yes under Community Eligibility Option (CEO)
Qualified Free Lunch:	52
Qualified Reduced Lunch:	4

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

¹ National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught

Grade 9 19

Grade 10 30

Grade 11 20

Grade 12 17