Preparing students for postsecondary success through project-based learning in a small school setting ANIMAS HIGH SCHOOL (AHS OR THE SCHOOL), A COLORADO NON-PROFIT CORPORATION, WAS CREATED IN 2006 FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING AND OPERATING A PUBLIC, FREE CHARTER SCHOOL LOCATED IN DURANGO, COLORADO. THE SCHOOL'S MISSION AND CORE VALUES ARE TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR POST-SECONDARY SUCCESS BY CREATING CRITICAL THINKERS AND ENGAGED, SERVICE-ORIENTED CITIZENS ABLE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH: - A RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAM THAT INSPIRES A LOVE OF LEARNING AND TEACHES HABITS OF SUCCESS. - ENGAGING STUDENTS THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS THAT MAKE EDUCATION UNIQUELY RELEVANT TO STUDENTS. - A COMMITMENT TO A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE SCHOOL.- A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE THAT CHALLENGES YET SUPPORTS EACH STUDENT. - THE UTILIZATION OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY. - A SMALL SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT WHERE STRONG FACULTY-STUDENT RELATIONSHIPS DEVELOP.