highlands ranch schools | Highlands Ranch Real Estate

One question I get on daily basis is: How does the year round (Track) school system in Highlands Ranch work? It is one of the more complicated questions to answer in part because, from year to year, the schools that are or are not on Track can change!

This post is a good starting point on the Track schools in Highlands Ranch. However, it is just that: A starting point.

Why Track?

Douglas County School district is one of the fastest growing districts in the nation. In order to accommodate the growth without sacrificing high standards of excellence, some schools have elected to go with a year round schedule. Also known as Track. Only the elementary schools in Highlands Ranch utilize the Track system. At the middle and high school level the Track system is much more difficult to implement due to the number of courses, electives, athletics, and after school clubs.

The Tracks

Schools assign students to one of four tracks: A, B, C, or D. Tracks are assigned with consideration given to the first choice of the family, all children in a family are kept on the same track, and each school assigns its students to the different tracks.

Track change requests can be made. All decisions are made based on availability.

Changing from Track:

It is important to note that schools can change from Track to conventional or vice versa from one school year to the next. For the 2008/09 school year, 16 schools are utilizing the Track system. That is 8 leass from the year before.

Instruction Time:

All students receive the same amount of instruction time as conventional schooling. The difference is school is in session 48 weeks a year instead of the conventional 36. With Track schooling, only 75% of the student population is in school at a given time.

Beginning of the School Year:

At the beginning of the school year tracks A, C, and D start on the same day in July. Track B starts three weeks later when Track C begins its first 3 week break. Although Track C and D start with short sessions (3 and 6 weeks respectively), their next sessions fall into the regular 9 weeks in 3 weeks out.

Off Track Day Care:

Many of the schools offer off track day care. Some programs are school sponsored and others are contracted with outside providers. Contact schools directly for site-specific information. It is also important to know that many of the recreation centers in Highlands Ranch offer programs during off track weeks.

Open Enrollment:

It is important to note that all Douglas County schools have open enrollment. With open enrollment you have the option to live in any area you wish and enroll your child(ren) to the Douglas County school of your choice. There may be conditions or provisions regarding transportation to and from school and waiting lists based on availability.

Modified Calendar:

Modified calendar schools are on the same schedule as Conventional calendar schools with a slight variation. Modified schools go back to schools a week earlier and stay in school a week longer. Those 2 additional weeks allow for extra time off during Winter and Spring break (2 weeks for each as opposed to 1).

Still Confused?

If you are still confused, feel free to call or email any time. I am happy to assist you any way I can. Below is a diagram for each of the elementary schools in Highlands Ranch and the calendar they are on.