Colorado Springs Real Estate

Colorado Springs School District 3 Bio

Colorado Springs Area School District Information
Widefield School District 3

Located southeast of the city of Colorado Springs, Widefield School District 3 comprises the largest unincorporated area in the state, including Widefield, Security, Southmoor, Clearview, Peaceful Valley, the southern portion of Stratmoor Valley, and the northern part of Fountain. Other areas include Mustang Meadows and Colorado Center. Approximately 45,000 people reside in the 59 square miles of the district.

Widefield School District has built two new elementary schools in the past ten years which gives it a total of nine elementary schools (K-6), three junior high schools (7-8), two senior high schools (9-12), and one altyernative high school. In it's twelfth year of operation, the alternative high school uses eight 20-day sessions, small classes, and a later starting time to give a "second chance" to students who do not function well in a traditional high school.

The S.A. Wilson Building houses the District Instructional Resource Center, the District Print Shop, several developmental and regular pre-schools, several Headstart classes and offices for school psychologists, social workers, nurses, child find coordinator, therapists, and vision and hearing specialists.

Total district enrollment is approximately 8,500 students. The district employs approximately 500 certified staff and 350 non-certified staff for a total of 850 employees.

Each elementary school employs a full time counselor. Widefield is one of the few districts in the state to initiate a K-12 Character Education program, which is structured differently for elementary, junior high and high school students. Children are sent reinforcing messages regarding the character traits which are inherent in good citizens. Character Education was established during the 1993-1994 school year to address the Widefield School District's "Thrust to Excellence" charge: To develop and teach values for positive behaviors and attitudes consistent with the mission of our district and it's educational goals."

The district provides a comprehensive education program, including art, music, physical education, Title 1 reading and math, special education, vocational training, and gifted and talented education. Providing vocal, instrumental, and string music at both the elementary and secondary levels gives Widefield one of the strongest music programs in the area. Summer school for either remediation or enrichment is available to all grades, K-12. A developmental pre-school ffor three and four year olds with learning disabilities gives these children an edge in their education career in Widefield. This district is the only one in the area to fully fund an annual outdoor experiential learning program in the mountains for all it's sixth graders.

The secondary schools provide a well balanced academic and co-curricular environment. Beginning with the class of 1993, 46 semester credit hours are required for graduation, including the requirements of fine arts or foreign language, language arts, mathematics, physical education, science, and social studies. Through a Post Secondary Enrollment Options Act, secondary students have the opportunity to enroll in courses at Pikes Peak Community College or UCCS. Sixty-five percent of the class of 1997 went on to continue their education, either in colleges, universities, technical, or trade schools.

 

Widefield School District 3

1820 Main Street 

Colorado Springs, CO 80911

(719) 391-3000

wsd3.k12.co.us