For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 2,173 students in La Plata County, CO.
The top-ranked public preschools in La Plata County, CO are Park Elementary School, Needham Elementary School and Riverview Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
La Plata County, CO public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 39% (versus the Colorado public pre school average of 35%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 43% statewide average). Pre schools in La Plata County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of Colorado public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public preschool average of 54% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in La Plata County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Park Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
510 E. 6th Ave.
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-3718
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-3718
Gr: PK-5 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #22.
Needham Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2425 West Third Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4791
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-4791
Gr: PK-5 | 367 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Riverview Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
2900 Mesa Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-3862
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-3862
Gr: PK-5 | 374 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #44.
Fort Lewis Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
11274 Highway 140
Hesperus, CO 81326
(970) 588-3331
Hesperus, CO 81326
(970) 588-3331
Gr: PK-5 | 116 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Animas Valley Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
373 Hermosa Meadows Road
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-0124
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-0124
Gr: PK-5 | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Florida Mesa Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
216 Highway 172
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 247-4250
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 247-4250
Gr: PK-5 | 293 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #77.
Sunnyside Elementary School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
75 Cr 218
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 259-5249
Durango, CO 81303
(970) 259-5249
Gr: PK-5 | 107 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: n/an/a
511 East Mustang Lane
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-0881
Bayfield, CO 81122
(970) 884-0881
Gr: PK-2 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: n/an/a
535 Candelaria Drive
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0681
Ignacio, CO 81137
(970) 563-0681
Gr: PK | 28 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in La Plata County, CO?
The top-ranked public preschools in La Plata County, CO include Park Elementary School, Needham Elementary School and Riverview Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in La Plataunty?
9 public preschools are located in La Plataunty.
What is the racial composition of students in La Plataunty?
La Plataunty public preschools minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public preschools average of 54% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in La Plataunty are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in La Plataunty include: Bayfield Primary School vs. Florida Mesa Elementary School, Needham Elementary School vs. Park Elementary School, Riverview Elementary School vs. Park Elementary School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.