Durango School District 9-R is a public institution that operates elementary, middle and high schools. The schools offer educational and extracurricular programs to students in grades kindergarten through 12. The school district operates a professional development program that aligns teacher training with student learning needs. It provides reading and resource teachers with training in research-proven, multi-sensory teaching techniques to improve instruction for dyslexic students. It also offers special programs for English as a second language, disabled students, slow students and those requiring individual attention. Special programs are also offered to students who need a supervised environment to learn and for students who learn at a accelerated pace. The school district is located in Durango, Colo.