FYI Douglas County School District, the fastest-growing district in Colorado, is as diverse as it is large - about the size of Rhode Island. Douglas County schools have a strong tradition of educational excellence that strives to put children first. The district is committed to preparing students to pursue their life goals as it works toward becoming a world-class school district by the year 2000. Size Douglas County’s 44 schools range from a three-room school house at Cherry Valley to the newly opened technologically equipped Chapparal High School. Plans are to open nine more schools in the next four years. At the outset of the 1997-1998 school year, student enrollment exceeded 27,000 students. Despite a rapidly growing student population, Douglas County has always been able to quickly integrate new students into a positive, innovative setting. Philosophy Though keeping up with rapid growth is a challenge for school officials; a significant reason for the influx of new residents is the educational excellence offered In Douglas County. Douglas County prides itself on small class sizes, a well-researched and integrated curriculum, a rich array of extra-curricular activities, and strong community involvement. Staff Where it really counts, however, is in the classroom, and Douglas County has a strong and talented group of teachers who have shown they make a difference. Nearly half of the district’s 1,641 teachers have a master's degree or more. Every year the district’s personnel office is flooded with applications for teacher and classified positions such as bus drivers, secretaries, teacher aides and food service handlers. The school district is the largest employer In Douglas County and is known throughout Colorado as a high-quality place to work. Curriculum Students in Douglas County consistently score above the state and national norms in college entrance exams. Overall, the SAT and ACT scores have shown a steady upward trend over the past five years. Douglas County also has one of the lowest dropout rates in the state. Well-established high school programs in sports, music and band, forensics and journalism have garnered state and national recognition year after year. Laying the foundation for these successes are strong programs in the elementary and middle schools.