Highlands Ranch High School

This is our first year at HRHS and we couldn't be more pleased. The principal is top notch and very creative, even in tough economic times. As for teachers, I've never seen a more dedicated group of men and women. They make learning interesting and fun, and bend over backwards to help students achieve. HRHS is one of the highest scoring schools in Douglas County and the state (based on CSAP scores). "The Ranch" is our neighborhood school and we can't imagine ever going anywhere else!
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter likes this school and transferred into it. Feels safe there. Particularly likes the science department and AP English classes. She also likes the fact that the students are more diverse than other schools in the area. The weakness we would give this school is in the math dept.
—Submitted by a parent

Friends don't let friends attend Highlands Ranch High School!!! If you are looking for a quality education for your child you will want to stay away from HRHS. Their idea of quality lesson plans is sticking in a Disney movie! Very frustrating for students who want to learn and not actually have their time wasted. The administration is equally as frustrating!! Students are not the priority at this school and they know it!!!!! There are certainly better options out there for a quality high school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We have 2 kids who graduated from Highlands Ranch High School and cannot say enough good things about the principal, Jerry Goings and his staff & teachers. We moved into the neighborhood specifically for the schools and have been extremely happy with our choice. I will add that, like many schools, HRHS is a great environment for students who are self starters but they need to work on keeping kids (who are not joiners) interested. The AP classes are challenging and really help students move forward.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a son who just graduated and a daughter who will start as a freshman in the fall. This is a great school with lots of options and opportunities for traditional and non-traditional high school students. The AP program is amazing and the school and district work with local colleges to make additional classes available. The sports programs are great too!
—Submitted by a parent

I just moved here and found the teachers a fun bunch of people, but they rarly taught us anything.
—Submitted by a student

Principal Leadership should be a 5, Jerry Goings is a great principal and gets along with all the students. The rest looks fine, but yes great school. Very diverse groups of students and its filled with school spirit.
—Submitted by a student

This school has an excellent focus on broad educational experiences with opportunities for specialized areas of interest applications when needed or requested. It is one of the last schools to understand the need for Arts/Music in addition to sports offerings. Teachers at school extremely motivated often having several higher degrees to their credit. Only issues so far have been when attempting to work with a few support staff members who demonstrate competency of position issues.
—Submitted by a parent

After graduating from this school, I have nothing but good things to say. I had a great experience while I attended HRHS and feel like I have received an above average education. I loved my teachers and all the activities that I had the opportunity to participate in. The principal was friendly and understanding, and frankly I feel that the teachers did an excellent job in working with our parents.

Highlands Ranch High School in my opinion is lacking in the response of teachers to parents on students that are falling behind. The principal at this school does not follow up after grades are sent out to find out why he has such a large population of students performing below standards in the class room. It was unbelieveable to me that the teachers do not appear to care that they have failing students in the school. We are not very happy with this school at all.
—Submitted by a parent

Highlands Ranch High School is an awesome school in comparison to other Douglas County schools, especially for those who like to get involved in extracirricular activities and, most importantly, plan to attend college. I attended another high school for my freshman year instead of HRHS because they offered an 'advanced' program that was not available anywhere else. Let me just say that I did not enjoy or value my experience there because the level of teaching did not meet my expectations for an 'advanced' program let alone an average education, so I moved to HRHS until I graduated. The difference in my educational experience was astounding, and I'm still grateful for the high expectations that the faculty holds for its students, and willingness to take extra measures to ensure success. I've excelled in college since my graduation in 2002, and I believe it's because I attended HRHS. And it was fun!
—Submitted by Lindsey Kotik, a former student

Great School! Definitely Suburbia, but fantastic teachers and excellent althletic programs.
—Submitted by a former student

This school is an okay school. If you want your kids in a safe and friendly enviroment, then this school is great! There are lots of activities going on just not enough extra cirrcular activities.
—Submitted by a staff

This school is a great place for students to earn their high school diploma. It offers a challenging curriculum and prepares students for a successful life. The teachers are willing to do whatever it takes to help the students suceed. The students are focussed and really want to learn. There are many activities for students to participate in. Parents volunteer and continously help the students throughout the year. It is an excellent school with a great academic record and friendly schools.
—Submitted by a student

A lack of diversity and attitude that doesn't value diversity weakens this school. My son hates it and would rather go somewhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Highlands Ranch High School for my freshmen year and absolutly loved the school and the teachers. The school is great about making sure the students in the class feel safe and confident. They make sure a student is never left behind in a lesson. All in all its a great environment for a student to go through their highschool education.
—Submitted by Cassi Mazula-Lee, a former student