about

Deer Park High School is located in the beautiful Inland Northwest. Surrounded by fields, forests, lakes and wildlife our school sits in the middle of a large valley, with mountains in three directions; the city of Spokane is approximately 20 miles to the south (view Spokane area map). Deer Park presently has a population of well over 3,000 within the city limits, while an additional 12,000 live within 15 minutes of the downtown area.

Deer Park High School has experienced steady growth in recent years, and is presently at its largest student population, 670. Student population throughout the Deer Park School District continues to grow as well; in September 2004, district enrollment was at 2040 students. Enrollment grew to 2153 in September 2005, and to 2310 in September of 2006. It is exciting to be a part of a growing school district and community.

DPHS is a four-year comprehensive high school, serving students in grades nine through twelve, while also serving a much smaller population of students in Deer Park’s Alternative High School Program. The staff continually works to provide a positive and productive high school experience for all students. Academically, we are proud of the significant strides our students are making toward meeting the state learning standards. Ten years ago, as our state embarked on the use of the Washington State Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to measure student achievement, just 48% of our HS students met the reading standard, 28% met the writing standard, and only 17% met the state standards in mathematics. We are proud of what our district and our high school has accomplished over the last ten years: last year, 88% of our HS students met the reading standard, 91% met the writing standard, and 49% met the mathematics standard. While these are gains to celebrate, we’re committed to continuing these improvements! Presently, we’re in the midst of some exciting math reform initiatives, and will be addressing science curriculum and instruction in the near future.

In addition to these “core” academic areas, DPHS has a comprehensive program that includes courses in social studies, world languages, physical education, career and technical education, and the arts. Also, exciting co-curricular programs exist in journalism, drama, marketing, DECA,and FFA. We encourage students to get involved in our many extra-curricular programs; the after-school activities and athletics programs at DPHS provide exciting opportunities to pursue personal interests, develop new skills and abilities, and meet new people. The high school experience is so much more fulfilling and rewarding when students get involved and invest in these programs.

High school is an exciting and immensely important time in life – these four years play a vital role constructing a solid foundation for a young person’s life. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic fields, or through participation in one of our club activities or student organizations Deer Park High School is a place where students can experience a positive environment for learning and personal growth.