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Durango Early Learning Center

890 East Third Ave
Durango, CO 81301
Durango Early Learning Center offers toddler and preschool early childhood development for 70 children in La Plata County.
Our value base derives from a strong respect for childhood and the recognition that children are natural explorers and experimenters, capable of constructing learning and knowledge.
We offer an environment, both within the school and larger community, that affords endless possibilities for creativity, imagination, representation and problem solving.
Our focus is to develop a strong sense of worth in every child that comes through the doors by promoting a belief in themselves as capable learners with valuable opinions and ideas.
"Durango Early Learning Center staff are to be commended for the completion of their first Quality Rating." The education philosophy at Durango Early Learning Center evolves from the social construction theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, Howard Gardner, Loris Malaguzzi and Carlina Rinaldi.
We have adapted the application of Piagetian ideas into the High/Scope Curriculum, which focuses on children learning how to think and solve problems through their active involvement in personally relevant experiences..

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked CO School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-3
  • Enrollment: 71 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Top Rankings

Durango Early Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:

Category
Attribute
School History
School Resources

School Overview

School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-3
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
Campus Size
50 acres

Student Body

Total Students
71 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
16%
State avg.: 25%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
4 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
15 courses

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
25%
National avg.: 82%
Endowment Size
$50 million

School Notes

  • School Motto: Truth and Honor
  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
  • Durango Early Learning Center offers toddler and preschool early childhood development for 70 children in La Plata County. Our value base derives from a strong respect for childhood and the recognition that children are natural explorers and experimenters, capable of constructing learning and knowledge. We offer an environment, both within the school and larger community, that affords endless possibilities for creativity, imagination, representation and problem solving. Our focus is to develop a strong sense of worth in every child that comes through the doors by promoting a belief in themselves as capable learners with valuable opinions and ideas. "Durango Early Learning Center staff are to be commended for the completion of their first Quality Rating." The education philosophy at Durango Early Learning Center evolves from the social construction theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, Howard Gardner, Loris Malaguzzi and Carlina Rinaldi. We have adapted the application of Piagetian ideas into the High/Scope Curriculum, which focuses on children learning how to think and solve problems through their active involvement in personally relevant experiences.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • John Doe, Nobel Laureate
    • Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Durango Early Learning Center cost?
Durango Early Learning Center's tuition is approximately $25,000 for private students.
What schools are Durango Early Learning Center often compared to?
Durango Early Learning Center is often viewed alongside schools like Children's House Of Durango by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Durango Early Learning Center?
The acceptance rate of Durango Early Learning Center is 25%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Durango Early Learning Center's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Colorado with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Durango Early Learning Center?
Durango Early Learning Center famous alumni include: John Doe, Nobel Laureate and Jane Smith, Academy Award Winner.
What is Durango Early Learning Center's ranking?
Durango Early Learning Center ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Most AP courses offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Durango Early Learning Center?
The application deadline for Durango Early Learning Center is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked CO School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-3
  • Enrollment: 71 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $25,000
  • Acceptance rate: 25%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Colorado is $12,788 for elementary schools and $16,517 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Colorado is 84% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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