Escalante Middle School Home

We are crew,
not passengers.
Folklorico dancers

About Us

Escalante Middle School is for 6th-8th grade students and is located on the south end of Durango, Colorado – just beneath the beautiful Purple Cliffs along the Animas River. Escalante is an EL Learning (formerly Expeditionary Learning) school. This means we believe that learning is active, challenging, meaningful, public, and collaborative. 
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girls with kitten in vet science class
Where we’re located
Durango School District map
girl in shop class using joiner tool

Mission

Our mission is to empower students to apply the habits of work, learning, and scholarship to become productive and caring citizens. Reading, writing, mathematics, geography, science, and history are all taught using the team approach. We meet students' individual learning needs by challenging our instruction to address each student's learning style, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. We use online and computer-based instruction, individualizing reading programs, and student learning groups based on similar academic abilities. 

School & District News

potential ballot measure survey

Survey now open on potential ballot measure

Beginning April 18, we encourage everyone in La Plata County – district staff, families, community members – to participate in an important survey regarding public education programs, policies, and a potential ballot measure this November 2024.
graphic of rocket and space walker

DHS Women in STEM club host design sprint event

Durango High School (DHS) Women in STEM club is hosting a design sprint on Sunday, April 21 for grades 4-8 to build interest in STEM fields and to encourage incoming middle and high schoolers to begin or continue to follow a STEM pathway.
Running

Eagle Track & Field 2024

The Escalante Track & Field coaching staff is happy to welcome you to the 2024 season. We intend to make this beneficial and enjoyable for everyone involved. Please find below information about the Escalante Track & Field program we hope you find useful.
Wrestling

Eagle Wrestling 2024

Our Eagle Wrestling season kicks off Monday, January 22nd after school and will run through the league championship held in Cortez on Saturday, March 9th. There is a mandatory parent meeting Friday, January 12th at 4:00 PM in the gym. Wrestling is open to all students in grades 6, 7, and 8. To be eligible to participate, students need to complete the registration checklist linked below. For more information click the information page below or contact Athletic Director Will Dodd at [email protected] or the office at 970-247-9490.
students compete at FIRST LEGO League Challenge

EMS Wins Robot Game in Regional FIRST LEGO League Challenge

The focus was laser-like and the creativity was boundless at an event on Nov. 11. Students took a beloved household toy and turned it into an engineering challenge that demonstrated all six of our district's Portrait of a Graduate skills.
Basketball

Eagle Girls Basketball 2023/24

Our Eagle girls basketball season kicks off Monday, Dec. 11 with practice from 3:30 - 5:45 PM. To be eligible to participate, students need to complete the registration checklist (see below) and show up with clean, indoor basketball shoes, shorts, a t-shirt, and a water bottle.
Teams will be determined within a week or two of practice. There are no cuts. We create teams according to skill level and where athletes will get the most playing time. Please see below for how to register and the schedule. Athletes will be given the practice schedule on Dec. 11. Contact Coach Dodd for more information. [email protected]
Noel Night graphic

EMS Jazz Band Plays at Noel Night, Dec. 1

Dec. 1, is Noel Night in downtown Durango. Get in the holiday mood by listening to the Escalante Middle School Jazz Band. They will play Big Band-style holiday tunes at EsoTerra Ciderworks' patio from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
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Emily Moreland

Principal's Message

Welcome, Eagle students and families! At Escalante Middle School, we focus on building cultures of respect, responsibility, courage, and kindness – where students and staff are committed to quality work and citizenship. Our highly qualified staff is trained to tailor instruction to help a diverse range of learners. We meet students’ individual learning needs by adjusting instruction to address specific learning styles, abilities, strengths, and needs. 

Events

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Engineer Mountain

Quality of Life

Durango is a beautiful place to live and work. It is located at 6,512 feet elevation in Southwest Colorado near the Four Corners region. Families who live here enjoy a historic steam train, ski resort, rivers, vibrant downtown, bike trails, sky-high “fourteener” mountains, and four distinct seasons with an average of 266 sunny days per year. We welcome new families and new staff members, and we offer excellent benefits and competitive salaries. 
Join our team