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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

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.
June 2027 calendar with June 1-4 circled and

Snow Days ahead? Keep June 1-4 open, just in case

Before you make your summer plans, please keep June 1-4, 2027, open. The last scheduled day of school is Friday, May 28, 2027. However, the DSD Academic Calendar designates June 1-4 as potential makeup days if winter weather causes multiple school closures.
Man hugs woman

The smallest moments can leave the biggest mark: DSD kicks off a new school year

“The smallest moments can leave the biggest mark.” That was the message Board of Education President Kristin Smith shared with hundreds of Durango School District employees gathered Aug. 19 for Opening Day – and it became a fitting theme for a day filled with reconnection, celebration, student voices and learning from one another.
Children test out virtual reality goggles on Durango School District's new Ignite Mobile Learning Lab bus.

Ignite bus stops and weekly theme for Aug. 17-21

Each week, DSD's Ignite Mobile Learning Lab features a new STEAM theme (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics), with fresh, hands-on learning experiences for students of all ages.
A YouTube thumbnail showing new school furniture

Get a sneak peek at new school furniture

We recently stopped by Escalante Middle School and Durango High School for a sneak peek at some of the new furniture in our schools, and we’re getting definite retro-futuristic, Jetsons vibes.
Volunteer opportunity: Join the Long-Range Planning Committee and help shape the future of DSD

You can help shape the future of DSD

The Long-Range Planning Committee is looking for visionary volunteers who are committed to serving our students in ways that will impact generations to come.
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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
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Events

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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. 
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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.