Education

Where you live determines which public school district your children will attend. If you are planning on living in the privatized housing at Buckley SFB, you will be in the Aurora Public School District. Children K-8 grade attend Edna and John W. Mosley P-8 https://mosley.aurorak12.org , and grades 9-12 attend Vista Peak Preparatory. Other popular local districts include Cherry Creek School District, Denver Public School District, and Douglas County Public School District. 

Where you live determines which public school district your children will attend. The four closest districts are Aurora Public Schools, Douglas County Public Schools, Denver Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools. If you are planning on living in the privatized housing at Buckley SFB, you will be in the Aurora Public School District. Children in Pre-K-8th grade will attend the Edna and John W. Mosley P-8, and children in 9th - 12th grade attend Vista Peak Preparatory. The Aurora Public School District is the fifth largest school district in the state of Colorado, and one of the most diverse. The Cherry Creek School district is the fourth largest school district in the state and boasts one of the highest high school graduation rates in the Denver metropolitan area. Douglas County School District serves the Parker area and Denver Public School District zoning is just north of the base. Area public schools exemplify high quality education by featuring innovative curriculum, traditional and day school year-round academic years, as well as competitive and non-competitive sports and special programs for the gifted and talented. The Denver Metropolitan population has one of the highest education levels in the United States.

Exceptional Children Program

Each district serves the needs of students with disabilities, according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Colorado Exceptional Children's Education Act. They serve students from 0-21 years of age through a continuum of services. They believe in high expectations that result in all students achieving their full potential. They partner with general education and families in providing access to the appropriate instruction and services in the least restrictive environment. Programs abound for the handicapped and for students seeking special technical training.

Together they provide:

• A safe environment for all children conducive for learning
• An environment that allows for taking risks with teaching and learning
• A plan that includes the family as an integral part of the educational process
• An educational program with life experiences that prepares students to become participating members of our diverse communities
• Technology that promotes independence in living and learning
• Professional development for all educators and families to develop common understandings of best practices and strategies for quality instruction.

Bus Schedule

Bus schedules vary based on the school being attended.

Registration Requirements

In Colorado, Kindergarten attendance is not required. However for most districts the cut-off to attend full-day Kindergarten program is age 5 by October 1st. However, this can vary from district to district. To register a child for school the following documents are required: Photo ID of Parent/Guardian, documentation of child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate, valid passport, proof of address, immunization records.

Factors to Consider in Choosing a School

To determine what is considered to be a "good" school, request the most recent copy of a selected school district's annual report and any additional printed material that describes the district, its programs and services. Then, arrange a personal visit the school your child/children will attend and include an appointment with the principal or guidance department.

Facts to consider:

1. Percentage of high school graduates going on to college
2. District median score on Scholastic Aptitude/ACT Tests
3. Availability of programs for gifted/talented students
4. Availability of vocational programs
5. Percentage of teachers with Master's Degrees
6. Pupil-teacher ratios at appropriate grade levels
7. Physical facilities and equipment
8. Areas of outstanding accomplishments

All public schools are funded by a combination of state funds and mill levies on local property taxes.

Each district is required to set specific educational goals in areas of curriculum, texts and specialized educational services. A school board of five to seven members elected to four-year terms governs individual districts. The State Board of Education acts as a supervisory body over the local districts and provides advisory services, oversees school accreditation and the certification of teachers.

There are a large number of private schools in the greater-metro Denver area. For more information contact Stephanie Iverson, Buckley School Liaison Officer - 720-847-6694.

Please refer to the Colorado Dept of Education for information regarding Colorado policies on home schooling. You can also contact the Stephanie Iverson, Buckley SFB School Liaison Officer 720-847-6694 to be routed to Buckley's Homeschool Support Group.