2026 MLO
What We Want for Our Students
Strategic Plan
PURPOSE
By 2038, all DCSD graduates will be empowered to meet their future with competence, purpose, and optimism.
END STATEMENT
All students will develop the knowledge, skills, mindsets and dispositions needed to achieve their highest individual potential in a safe, accessible, thriving, and welcoming learning environment.
FOUNDATIONAL COMMITMENT
Cultivate a culture and climate that strives for excellence and promotes hope and resiliency.
CORNERSTONE COMMITMENTS
- Academic Excellence
- Strategic Technology Integration
- Essential Mindsets and Behaviors
- Future Ready Graduates (post-secondary readiness and life skills)
- Thriving Schools and Thriving Communities
How We Get There
We can do this by:
- Retaining and attracting top-quality teachers and staff by providing salaries that are more competitive with neighboring school districts and better keep pace with inflation.
- Supporting the increasing cost of school security, including school resource officers.
- Reducing student waitlists for Career and Technical Education programming, including the trades.
- Restoring student programming such as instrumental music in elementary schools.
Learn More
About the Douglas County School District
Our Mission
The mission of the Douglas County School District (DCSD) is to provide an educational foundation that allows each student to reach his or her individual potential.
Our Vision
The Douglas County School District strives to maximize the potential of every student to pursue his or her chosen endeavor in society, including but not limited to postsecondary education, career, or military service.
Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow
DCSD has nine school feeders, each featuring amazing preschool, elementary school, middle school, and high school offerings across Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and neighboring communities. Families can access the educational options within their schools that best meet their students’ needs. DCSD schools offer a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where students can discover their strengths and talents and develop their unique potential.
Programs Include:
- Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness
- Honors and Advanced Placement Offerings
- Concurrent Enrollment (students earn college credits while in high school)
- Career and Technical Education (preparing students to enter the workforce directly after graduation)
- International Baccalaureate programs
- A variety of sports, clubs and extracurricular activities
- Advanced Placement (such as gifted and talented programs)
- Special Education and related services in alignment with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Colorado’s Exceptional Children’s Education Act (ECEA)
- Early Childhood Education/Preschool
- Before and After School Programs
DCSD is committed to ensuring that all children have access to the support they need to fulfill their potential and pursue their chosen endeavor in society, whether it’s postsecondary education, career, or military service.