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 is the TOP-scoring district in the Denver/Metro area for the second year in a row (first time in a decade)!
- Our graduation rate is 93.6% (the highest in the Denver/Metro area)!
- We are one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
- The Class of 2025 earned more than $123 million in scholarships and saved over $20 million in college expenses through DCSD's concurrent enrollment partnerships!
- For the 2026-27 school year, DCSD offers 90 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders - nationwide - in "blurring the lines" between PK-12, higher education and industry.
Through AP and other college-level classes, my education has prepared me for the future by giving me a glimpse into the challenges presented in post-secondary education, while also providing me with the skills to effectively communicate with both teachers and peers.
Ryan J.
Ponderosa High School Class of 2025
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.
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
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 $123 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 can embark on career exploration in nine pathways, many earning certifications to allow them to immediately start their careers in:
- Advanced Robotics
- Nursing (CNA)
- Architectural Engineering
- Aviation/Transportation
- Building Controls Technology
- Future Educator
- EMT/EMS
- Secure Network Technologies
- Culinary/Hospitality Management
Starting with the beginning of the 2026-27 school year, Legacy Campus will add pathways for Automotive Technology (EV/Hybrid), Electrical Technology, Construction Trades, and Advanced Manufacturing – Aerospace.
Access to Career and Technical Education classes allowed me to pursue my interests and explore new ones to discover what I like learning about.
Hana L.
Rock Canyon High School Class of 2025
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
When you choose DCSD, you're not just picking a school – you're joining a family of 61,000 students and 7,600 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.
My education prepared me for my future by allowing me to lead myself through classwork, concurrent enrollment college classes, and school events while also teaching me how to call on help when I needed it, and not being afraid to fail, and use ‘failure’ as a stepping stone to learn.
Lauryn D.
Eagle Academy Class of 2025
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:
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
