Animas High Recieves John Irwin Schools Of Excellence Award

with the bar set high for students and staff, Animas attains remarkable milestones

Durango, CO – December 13, 2011 – Animas High School, a free, public charter school, received a John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award. Award recipients are recognized for their high achievement on statewide assessments. Only the top 8% of Colorado public schools receive the John Irwin Award. Animas is one of only five high schools on the Western Slope to be recognized in 2011 – the other high schools are in Telluride, Ridgeway, Aspen and Grand Junction.

According to the Colorado Department of Education, “The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement. …these schools “exceed” expectations on the academic achievement indicator and “meet or exceed” expectations on the indicator related to academic growth gaps.”

Animas High delivers its curriculum through direct instruction and through projects that give students the opportunity to apply their learning in relevant, real-world ways. “This approach makes education meaningful. When studies are meaningful, students tend to retain information,” says Michael Ackerman.

An expectation to produce quality work, articulate ideas, and focus on education permeates Animas. “Once again our students have demonstrated that they are capable of amazing outcomes. Animas continues to raise the bar for student achievement, growth and success,” says Ackerman.

Fall enrollment for Animas High School opens on January 3, 2012. Learn more about the school at www.AnimasHighSchool.com.

About Animas High School:
Animas High School is a small, free, public, charter school in Durango that offers a rigorous, personalized, college preparatory curriculum. Its cohesive, inclusive school culture welcomes students socially and challenges them academically.

AHS values:

● Rigorous academics, where all students are prepared for college success.
● A culture of excellence, where students are held to high expectations.
● Strong faculty-student relationships, where students are well known.
● Engaging education, where students discover the relevance of their learning.

3206 Main, Durango CO 81301 970.247.2474 www.AnimasHighSchool.com