Our Mission
The mission of Douglass Valley Elementary School, in partnership with families, staff, and our military community, is to educate each student in a safe, nurturing, and mutually respectful environment where academic excellence and exemplary character are achieved through problem solving, collaboration, and critical-thinking.
Douglass Valley’s students are some of the most resilient and understanding learners our staff has ever encountered. If they haven’t been “the new kid” yet, they know they likely will be soon. If they already have had the experience, it allows them to open their arms faster and wider to their newest classmates as they welcome them into our community.
With approximately one-third of our student population turning over each summer due to families receiving a Permanent Change of Station (PCSing), we are constantly welcoming students and families into our community. Throughout the year, it is not uncommon for an additional 50-80 students to move in and out during the school year. Our team works hard to ensure that connections between our newest wolves and our existing wolves are made quickly through morning meetings, partnering up new students with a classmate to show them around, and giving them ample opportunities to share about themselves when they are ready.
Due to the military life cycle’s impact on our students and their families, our staff truly embodies a “love ‘em while we’ve got ‘em” mentality. It is our goal to take each student and quickly determine where they are academically, socially, and emotionally, then move them as far as we can, as fast as we can, while they are with us at Douglass Valley.
History
Douglass Valley Elementary opened its doors to students in 1959 and was named after Robert Douglass who homesteaded in the area in the 1860’s. Several building additions were added to the original building and the early student population was comprised of mostly officers’ children. In 2008, Pine Valley Elementary (located on USAFA) closed and many students and staff members joined our school and positively contributed to our climate. At the beginning of the 2009 school year, we dedicated our new artificial turf soccer field. DVE, in partnership with USAFA Civil Engineering, Forest City Enterprises, District 20 and Peak Scapes Inc., now has a great all-weather surface for students to play on and they continue to enjoy it.
Located on USAFA Grounds
The school is located on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), situated in one of the two housing areas. Our current enrollment is approximately 325 students, in grades K - 5. We have a diverse student population that consists of military and civilian families, with officer and enlisted families, as part of one community.
Points of Pride
There are many opportunities for student pride and involvement. In addition to the Veterans Day Parade, 100 Day Celebration, Junior Achievement, and many other in-school extensions of the curriculum. Students have opportunities to participate in Student Council, intramurals, spirit days, robotics, and Battle of the Books. To address Colorado Academic and Common Core Standards, DVE utilizes Wonders, Eureka Math, and Write Now Right Now curriculums. The Common Core Standards direct our social studies and science instruction.