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 Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-3
- Enrollment: 71 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-3
School Calendar
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.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
School Notes
- 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.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
School Reviews
Endorse Durango Early Learning Center. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.