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.