I’d like to thank The Durango Herald for visiting with us at Animas High School and talking with our students about why they’ve chosen to attend our tuition-free public school (“Who are charter schools For?” Herald, May 11). As we get ready to graduate our second group of seniors, we find much to celebrate. We’re grateful to our families, community and the 9-R School District for the support that has helped us thrive in our first five years as a charter school, and we look forward to welcoming many new students and families in the fall. We encourage everyone to visit with us; we have a few open spots in next year’s ninth, 10th and 11th grades for anyone who would like to experience an engaging academic program that emphasizes project-based learning, real-world connections and close student-faculty relationships.

Jake Lauer, head of school, Animas High School

Durango