Durango Big Picture High School Home

One student at a time.
Exterior Big Picture High School

About Us

BPHS is a part of the Big Picture Learning Network, a large, international network of schools started in 1995 in the United States. The Durango school has about 90 students, each developing personalized learning plans that include independent projects, content-specific experiences, and comprehensive internships each year. 
students do community service work
Where we’re located
Durango School District map
Ribbon cutting at the new Big Picture High School location

Mission

The mission of Durango Big Picture High School is to empower students to use their interests and passions to drive their learning through real world application and experiences in order to reach their personal, social and academic goals.

School & District News

Future-Ready DSD: Planning together for the next generation

Future-Ready DSD: Planning for what’s ahead

DSD is planning for significant changes in enrollment, funding, facilities, and community needs. Future-Ready DSD brings the facts, planning work, current proposals, and opportunities for community input together in one place. Learn what’s shaping the future of our schools and how you can participate.
No school Sept. 21 - Professional Development Day for educators and staff

No school for students on Sept. 21

Monday, Sept. 21, is a Professional Development Day for faculty and staff, and there will be no school for students. Classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Board of Education Upcoming Meeting

School Board Regular Meeting is Tuesday

The DSD Board of Education will hold a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 5:30 p.m. at the Impact Career Innovation Center (2410 Main Ave., on the DHS campus). The public is welcome.
YouTube thumbnail showing a college fair in a high school cafeteria

DHS hosts Regional College Fair, plans Highly Selective College Fair on Sept. 29

On Sept. 15, DHS hosted over 20 colleges and universities for the Colorado Council Regional College Fair, giving students a head start on exploring programs, costs, and admissions goals. The postsecondary momentum continues on Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a premier institution fair and application workshop at the Fort Lewis College Ballroom.
Infinite Campus Portal screenshot

Is your emergency contact info up to date? (Here's how to check)

Make sure your family doesn't miss critical alerts! Read our quick step-by-step guide to learn where to update your cell phone and email details directly, how to set your text and call preferences for snow days, and when to contact your school’s front office for assistance.
Yellow and black electric walkie stacker forklift with elevated vertical mast and extended forks on a plain white background.

Public online auction of surplus equipment

Looking for quality commercial equipment at auction pricing? DSD is offering several surplus items through a public online auction, including three Carrier WeatherMaster 10-ton cooling units and an Apollolift Full Electric Walkie Stacker forklift with a 2,200-pound lifting capacity.
Samantha Tower

Principal's Message

Big Picture's rigorous and highly personalized approach to education combines academic work with real-world experiences that prepare them for what is next after high school. Students choose their own adventure, with highly personalized and experiential learning tailored to their interests. – Samantha Tower, 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.