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Why DCSD?

Welcome to the Douglas County School District!

Excellence meets opportunity in DCSD. We're not just the third-largest school district in Colorado; we're a community dedicated to helping every student discover their unique talents and reach their full potential.

A Track Record of Success

  • DCSD: Top of the Class - No. 1 in the Denver/Metro Area
    In the 2023-2024 school year, DCSD regained the rank of top-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area. 
  • We’ve bounced back stronger than ever after the pandemic, exceeding our 2019 scores in every subject and grade. That’s especially impressive considering the average American student is less than halfway to a full academic recovery.
  • DCSD ranked number 11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight (DCSD is the only Colorado school district in the top 65!).

Something for Everyone

With 92 schools spread across the 850 square miles of our nationally renowned county, we have options galore. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive neighborhood school, a charter school with specialized curriculum, or support for students with special needs, we've got you covered. You can find your neighborhood school via our locator map.

Silhouettes of four children walking and one riding a bike

To learn about anything from early childhood education options to before- and after-school care, English-language development, special education, gifted education, or the wide variety of athletics and activities available to students, take a look at the links on our Programs page. 

Preparing for the Future

Silhouette of a female in a graduation cap and gown holding up her diploma

High school is where things really get exciting. Through our plentiful Concurrent Enrollment options and in-demand Career and Technical Education programs, students can earn college credits and industry certifications before they even graduate. Last year, our graduating class earned over $131 million in scholarships. Now that's what we call setting up for success!

Many of our traditional high schools have a growing list of other CTE programs, including Agriculture, Automotive, Business and Marketing, Construction, Cosmetology, Engineering, Family and Consumer Sciences, Hospitality and Foods, Interior and Fashion Design, IT, Multimedia, STEM, Theater Tech, Welding and much more. 

With the 2023-24 opening of DCSD’s Legacy Campus, which is available to all high school students in the district, provides CTE and CE options, high school students embarked on career exploration in nine pathways, many earning certifications to allow them to immediately start their careers in: 

More Than Just Academics

We believe in developing well-rounded individuals. That's why every student completes 20 hours of community service before graduation. It's all part of our commitment to nurturing great students who become great citizens too.

Join Our Community

Map of Colorado with Douglas County highlighted in the middle

When you choose DCSD, you're not just picking a school – you're joining a family of 62,000 students and 7,400 dedicated educators and staff. We're more than just a school district; we're a community working together to shape the future, one student at a time.

Ready to see what DCSD can offer your child? Your child's journey to success starts with our enrollment process!

Leading the Way: Looking to the Future

While we are incredibly proud of our academic achievement and accomplishments, we know that our world is evolving faster than ever before. We must proactively ensure that we are preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce. 

DCSD is in the beginning phases of creating its next strategic plan. We invite and encourage the community to attend upcoming kickoff meetings to learn more about our future and to provide feedback about what they would like our school district to look like in 5, 10, 15 years and beyond. 

Learn more about DCSD strategic planning

DCSD By the Numbers

92 schools

  • 48 elementary schools
  • 9 middle schools
  • 9 high schools
  • 6 alternative schools
  • 20 charter schools

plus 41 preschool locations!

Find your neighborhood school here:

School Locator Map

Graduation Rate

  • 92.2% according to the Colorado Dept. of Education as of 2022-23, the year with the most recent data.
  • The statewide average is 84.2%.
     

Teacher Effectiveness

  • 74.34% of DCSD teachers are rated "Highly Qualified" as of 2022-23, the year with the most recent data.
  • The statewide average is 40.75%

Check Out Our Preschool Options

DCSD implements two age-based classroom sessions, a.m. and p.m., available Monday through Thursday. This allows for targeted and age-appropriate learning opportunities in our classrooms. Each of our classrooms is programmed as a fully inclusive educational setting. 

Learn more on our Preschool Page