The top reported proficiency rate is 50% in English language arts. The lowest is 33% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Needham Elementary School
Needham Elementary School is a regular public school in Durango, Colorado, serving preschool through fifth grade. It is part of the Durango School District 9-R, which covers a region that includes the city of Durango and surrounding areas. The school occupies a building on West Third Avenue in a residential part of town, within walking distance of the historic downtown core.
Durango itself is the economic hub of southwestern Colorado, combining a historic commercial district with the presence of Fort Lewis College, a public four-year institution. The local economy is driven by tourism, government, healthcare, and education, with landmarks such as the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and nearby Mesa Verde National Park drawing visitors year-round. Housing in the area is notably expensive relative to state and national benchmarks, a factor that families considering the district will want to weigh. The school district recently passed a bond supporting major capital projects, including a new elementary school campus for Three Springs and a workforce housing program aimed at retaining teachers, signaling ongoing investment in facilities and staff.
Enrollment at Needham is modest for an elementary school. The student body is predominantly white, with a substantial Hispanic population and a notable share of American Indian or Alaska Native students, reflecting the regional demographics of the Four Corners area. A meaningful portion of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, indicating a mix of income levels within the school community. Data on special education and English learner enrollment was not available in the records reviewed.
State testing results provide a window into academic performance at Needham. In mathematics, the proportion of students reaching proficiency was lower than in English language arts, where a larger share of students met the state benchmark. Science results for fifth graders were similar to those in math. Participation rates on all tests were high. Looked at in the context of La Plata County, Needham’s overall proficiency across these subjects places it in the top quarter among the county’s districts, a position that suggests stronger academic outcomes relative to many neighboring schools.
Because the school serves only elementary grades, there is no graduation rate or high school course data to report. Similarly, chronic absenteeism figures were not available. The school’s status as a regular elementary school means that families looking for middle or high school options will need to consider the feeder pattern within Durango 9-R.
For a parent or resident evaluating Needham Elementary, the picture is one of a relatively strong performing school within its county context, set in a community with a distinctive college-town and tourism character. The school’s math and science results are areas a parent may wish to discuss with the school to understand support and intervention strategies. Meanwhile, the district’s recent bond-funded projects suggest attention to facility quality and teacher retention, both of which can affect the daily experience of students and families. Needham offers a neighborhood scale with a diverse enough student body to reflect the broader area, all within a city that provides ample civic and recreational anchors.
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