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Denver metro district guide

Douglas County School District

Parker · Highlands Ranch · Castle Rock · Lone Tree · Castle Pines

Academic reference order#1

Enrollment & assignment

Neighborhood schools are assigned by attendance boundary. Families may request another district school through Open Enrollment; offers depend on capacity and waitlist position.

What makes it different

A very large south-metro district with extensive school choice and one of the region’s largest charter sectors.

GreatSchools 8+ snapshot

Schools currently appearing at 8/10 or above

  • Lone Tree Elementary8+
  • Stone Mountain Elementary8+
  • Northeast Elementary8+
  • Heritage Elementary8+
  • Mountain Vista High School8+
  • Rock Canyon High School8+
  • Timber Trail Elementary8+
  • Castle Rock Elementary8+
  • Challenge to Excellence Charter8+
  • American Academy8+
  • STEM School Highlands Ranch8+
Ratings are a July 2026 public-data snapshot and may change. Recheck before applying or buying.

Charter schools

District-authorized or district-served charter schools

  • Academy Charter School
  • American Academy – Castle Pines
  • American Academy – Lincoln Meadows
  • American Academy – Motsenbocker
  • Aspen View Academy
  • Ben Franklin Academy
  • Challenge to Excellence
  • DCS Montessori
  • Global Village Academy
  • HOPE Online
  • Leman Academy – Bayou Gulch
  • Leman Academy – Stroh Ranch
  • North Star Academy
  • Parker Core Knowledge
  • Parker Performing Arts
  • Platte River Academy
  • Renaissance Secondary
  • SkyView Academy
  • STEM School Highlands Ranch
  • World Compass Academy
Charter seats are generally not guaranteed by home address and may require a separate application, priorities, or lottery.
Important

This order is a planning reference based on public academic indicators—not a declaration of “best” or “worst.” Schools within one district vary, and boundaries, ratings, programs, and admissions rules change.