Park Elementary Home

Habits of a Mindful Scholar
students riding bikes at bike rodeo

About Us

We are a diverse crew of mindful learners who contribute to making the world a better place. We engage in productive problem solving by being inclusive and kind, taking responsibility for our own actions, persevering through adversity, and embracing curiosity and wonder.
Indigenous Girl at Park Elementary
Where we’re located
Durango School District map
students listen to book reading

Mission

The mission of Park Elementary School is to lead and engage students to reach their potential in a global society by providing a positive, nurturing and challenging environment where children children succeed cognitively, socially, and emotionally through shared responsibility of school, family and community. 

School & District News

Top half of a clock that reads 2:12

Mondays are Early Release days

Mondays are Early Release days for all students. School ends one hour earlier. Please check your school's bell schedule on the Durango School District (DSD) Back to School Hub webpage for the Monday release time.
Durango School District Summer Bridge Summer Learning Program

Final Summer Bridge check-in ends Sept. 4

The final check-in for Summer Bridge is happening now. Students have until Friday, Sept. 4, to turn in their completed literacy and math books to their school's front office and be entered for the big end-of-summer raffle.
A teacher and a high school student converse at a table

Welcome back to a new school year

"I'm having all the feels today," said Aaron Schiff, special education teacher for Durango Big Picture High School (DBPHS). Same! That was true for all of us — families, students, and staff across our district — as we gathered together again on an exciting first day of school on Aug. 25.
Back to School Hub webpage: All the info you need to prepare for fall

Get ready for the upcoming school year: Visit DSD's Back to School Hub

School starts Tuesday, Aug. 25, and our 2026-27 Back to School Hub compiles all the essential information families need to get ready for the new school year. You’ll find details on enrollment, school start dates, supply lists, transportation options, bell schedules, and more.
No phones, no watches. Stay present. Stay connected.

DSD cell phone and smart watch policy

DSD's cell phone policy requires that cell phones and smart watches be put away during the school day or during classes, depending on grade level.
Principal Marie Voss-Patterson

Principal's Message

 At The Park, we cultivate a culture of high expectations where every student is challenged daily to stretch their potential and achieve continuous growth. Deeply rooted in the EL Education model, our approach centers on three key dimensions of student achievement: mastery of knowledge and skills; character development; and high-quality, meaningful work.
 
We believe that learning extends far beyond the four walls of the classroom. By connecting our students with authentic audiences, we make their educational journey purpose-driven and impactful. We hold our entire community to rigorous standards while honoring the reality that students learn differently and at varying paces. Through intentional character-building and challenging academics, we foster a respectful, supportive, and trusting environment where the worth and diversity of every individual are genuinely affirmed.
 
Marie Voss-Patterson
Principal

Events

Engineer Mountain

Quality of Life

Durango is a beautiful place to live and work. It is located at 6,512 feet elevation in Southwest Colorado near the Four Corners region. Families who live here enjoy a historic steam train, ski resort, rivers, vibrant downtown, bike trails, sky-high “fourteener” mountains, and four distinct seasons with an average of 266 sunny days per year. We welcome new families and new staff members, and we offer excellent benefits and competitive salaries. 

Accessibility Statement

Durango School District is committed to ensuring our digital platforms are accessible to everyone, aligning with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and Colorado accessibility laws. If you encounter a barrier or need an alternative format, please contact us at [email protected] or (970) 247-5411.