Academics

We are home to several programs that make PHS a unique place to learn. We offer comprehensive learning opportunities with a smaller environment. In fact, Ponderosa offers more than 40 opportunities for post-secondary credit. Whether it is gaining college credit though AP courses, working on a CU Succeed course, an ACC course, gaining technical or occupational knowledge, Ponderosa High School prides itself on the opportunities and choice our students have. Our students are able to gain NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) certification and college credit through Arapahoe Community College. They can earn MOS/MOUS (Microsoft Office Specialist) certification or electrician training and get credit through Arapahoe Community College. Ponderosa High School is committed to providing students numerous opportunities for a rigorous academic experience full of choice in a number of areas.

Ponderosa High School’s general academic program is built on the belief that we are preparing our students to be our future. The core academic program is designed to empower students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be responsible citizens who contribute to our society. Ponderosa challenges all students to acquire a foundation of knowledge and academic skills and to achieve their highest potential. The entire staff is committed to fostering positive relationships with all of our students in order to achieve academic rigor and relevance to prepare the students for the demands of the 21st century workplace. The staff is committed to the deliberate use and measurement of the rigor and relevance framework. Our staff has created PLC teams where a significant percentage of the teachers work to implement Quadrant D lessons and units, assess and reflect on student’s learning, and engage in continuous curricular improvement in order to promote increases in student achievement and engagement. The importance of building rigor and relevance into the academic programs offered at Ponderosa High school is equally balanced by the need to establish positive relationships between teachers and students. Ponderosa staff continuously discusses its grading and homework philosophy as it seeks to maintain student interest, motivation and a commitment to learning. In order to keep students engaged in post secondary planning, all of our students work with the Naviance program, where they are taken through career interest planning. Furthermore it is not uncommon to see Ponderosa students involved in Career Pathways, Employment Development, and Professional Work Experience courses where they are engaged in business and employment opportunities throughout high school.

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, complianceofficer@dcsdk12.org, 720-433-1083.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.