Overland High School - A Community Connection
It's truly something special, you know, when a community comes together to make big things happen. We're talking about a really neat place that's now part of our local area, and it's all thanks to folks who pay taxes. On May 14, there was this big event, a groundbreaking, where the principal, Sybil Booker, along with the superintendent, some board members, the people who work there, and even the students themselves, were all present. They shared their thoughts, showing so much happiness and thanks for this new spot at Overland High School.
This event marked a fresh start, a moment for everyone to see how much care goes into making sure young people have good places to learn and grow. It's a sign, in a way, of how a whole town can pull together to support its students and staff. People were really looking forward to what this new spot would mean for the kids and for everyone else who lives nearby. It's pretty cool, actually, to see such a collective effort come to life.
So, this new addition is more than just bricks and mortar; it represents a shared belief in giving students the best possible tools for their education. It's about building a future, and it shows a deep sense of commitment from everyone involved, from the folks paying taxes to the leaders of the school system. It's a real bright spot for the community, and you can feel the positive energy around what's next for Overland High School.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Overland High School a Special Place?
- How Does Overland High School Support Student Growth?
- A Glimpse into Overland High School's Achievements
- Who is Lauren Neal, an Overland High School Alum?
- What About Sports at Overland High School?
- Connecting with Overland High School
- The Overland High School Community Group
- Performing Arts at Overland High School
What Makes Overland High School a Special Place?
Overland High School, located in Aurora, Colorado, is a public school that serves students from the ninth grade through the twelfth. It's quite a sizable place, actually, with a student body that numbers over two thousand young people. This school is part of the Cherry Creek School District, which is known for its dedication to education. It's also recognized by some important groups, like the North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges, and the Colorado State Department of Education, which means it meets certain standards for how it runs things. So, in some respects, it's a school that has a lot of official backing for its programs.
When you look at what Overland High School offers, it's pretty clear they try to give students many different ways to learn. They have advanced placement courses, for instance, which are college-level classes that students can take while still in high school. This can give kids a bit of a head start on their college careers. They also have a program for students who show a lot of natural talent and smarts, often called a gifted and talented program. This helps make sure that every student, no matter their learning style or pace, has a chance to do well. It's a place, you know, that really aims to help everyone reach their potential.
The school has also caught the eye of some national publications for its efforts. Back in 2017, Overland High School was put on a list by the Washington Post, recognizing it as one of America's more challenging high schools. This means it offers a rigorous academic experience, pushing students to think deeply and work hard. It also made Newsweek's list of America's Top High Schools in 2010. These kinds of mentions, basically, show that the school is doing some good things, even if, as with any big school, there are always areas to grow. It's a place that tends to get noticed, which is something, isn't it?
How Does Overland High School Support Student Growth?
Overland High School really tries to create an atmosphere where students can find their footing and move forward. They offer a good number of academic choices, like those advanced placement classes we talked about, which can give students a real edge when thinking about college. Then there are the gifted programs, too, which are there to make sure students who learn quickly or have special abilities get the right kind of attention and tasks to keep them interested and challenged. It's about providing pathways, you know, for different kinds of learners.
Beyond just the classroom, Overland High School also has a lot of different clubs and activities. These are really important because they give students a chance to explore things they care about outside of their schoolwork. Whether it's a hobby, a sport, or a group focused on a certain interest, these activities help students build friendships, learn new skills, and feel more connected to their school community. It's where they can really, actually, just be themselves and find their people. This kind of involvement, quite often, helps young people feel more at home and more eager to participate in school life.
Another thing that stands out about Overland High School is its student body. It's a very diverse group of young people, coming from many different backgrounds and places. This kind of mix is truly beneficial, as it gives students a chance to learn from each other, understand different points of view, and prepare for a world that's also very varied. Having so many different voices and experiences in one place makes the school a richer environment for everyone. It's a place where, basically, you get to meet all sorts of folks, which is pretty cool.
A Glimpse into Overland High School's Achievements
When we look at how Overland High School performs, there are a few ways people measure things. For example, GreatSchools, a group that rates schools, gives Overland High School a 5 out of 10. This rating considers things like how much students improve over time, how ready they are for college, how fair the school is to all students, and how they do on tests. It's a measure, you know, that tries to give a broad picture of how well the school is doing in various areas. So, it's not just about one thing, but a collection of different aspects.
It's also worth noting that Overland High School has a student-teacher ratio of about 17.1 students for every teacher. This number can give you a sense of how much individual attention students might get. A lower ratio often means teachers can spend more time with each student. This kind of detail helps parents and students get a better idea of what the learning environment might be like. It's a pretty standard ratio for a school of this size, actually, but it's good to be aware of it.
While the school has received some good recognition, like being on national lists for challenging schools, it's also true that, based on some rankings, Overland High School is positioned within the bottom half of public schools in Colorado. These rankings, typically, look at things like test scores and how many students go on to college. It's a complex picture, really, with different measures telling different parts of the story. What's clear is that the school is always working to improve and provide the best possible experience for its students, and that's what truly matters, isn't it?
Who is Lauren Neal, an Overland High School Alum?
It's always neat to see someone who walked the same halls as current students go on to do interesting things. Lauren Neal is one such person, a former student of Overland High School who has made her way into the entertainment world. She also went to Brown University, which is a pretty big deal. Now, she's appearing on a new show called "Dexter: Original Sin." It's cool, you know, to see someone from your old school on television. It can be quite inspiring for the young people still there.
On this new show, Lauren Neal plays a specific part: she's the gym teacher. It's a role that probably connects a bit with the physical activity and sports that are a part of school life. Her presence on a popular show like this really shows that students from Overland High School can go on to pursue all sorts of careers, even in the arts and entertainment. It's a nice little nod to the school's history and the talent that has passed through its doors. It's, basically, a fun fact for the school community.
Seeing a former student like Lauren Neal doing well, especially in a public way like being on a TV show, can be a real boost for current students. It gives them a tangible example of someone who started where they are now and then went on to achieve something. It suggests that their own dreams, no matter how big, might be within reach too. It's a kind of connection, you know, that makes the school's story a bit more personal and exciting. It's a good thing for everyone to see.
Lauren Neal - Personal Details
| Education | Overland High School, Brown University |
| Known For | Appearance on "Dexter: Original Sin" |
| Role on Show | Gym Teacher |
What About Sports at Overland High School?
Overland High School, known as the Overland Blazers, really gets into sports. They have a whole bunch of different athletic programs and activities for students to get involved with. This is pretty important because sports are not just about winning games; they're about learning teamwork, staying active, and building good habits. Students can find a sport that fits their interests, whether they like playing on a field, on a court, or in a pool. It's a big part of the school spirit, actually, and you can feel the energy around game days.
The school does a good job of keeping everyone up to date on what's happening with the sports teams. You can find the latest news, see pictures, and watch videos of the Overland High School sports teams in action. This helps connect the whole school community, allowing students, parents, and fans to follow along with their favorite teams. It's a way, you know, to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the student athletes. It makes everyone feel a part of something bigger, which is a nice feeling.
Having a variety of athletic programs means that more students have a chance to participate and find something they enjoy. It's not just for the very best athletes; it's for anyone who wants to try out, learn, and grow. These programs teach valuable lessons that go beyond the game itself, like how to deal with wins and losses, how to support your teammates, and how to push yourself. It's a fundamental part of the overall experience at Overland High School, providing a well-rounded education that includes physical activity and competition.
Connecting with Overland High School
Keeping up with what's happening at Overland High School is pretty straightforward, thanks to their efforts to share information. The most current details about school events are always available on their dedicated page. This is really helpful because, as you might guess, things can change. Any calendars or schedules that were printed out might have been correct at the moment they were made, but sometimes adjustments happen throughout the school year. So, relying on the online source is usually the best bet to get the very latest news. It's just a practical way to stay in the loop, you know?
For parents and anyone else interested in the school's numbers, there's a lot of information available. You can find out about how many students are enrolled, how they're doing on state tests, and even get a breakdown of the student body. This kind of data can be really useful for understanding the school's makeup and its performance. There are also links to the school district, reviews from parents, and details about test scores and enrollment from the National Center for Educational Statistics. It's, basically, all there if you want to take a look and learn more about Overland High School.
If you're curious about what students and others think of Overland High School, websites like Niche provide ratings, rankings, test scores, and student reviews. These kinds of platforms can give you a more personal feel for the school, offering insights from people who are directly involved. It's a way to hear different perspectives and get a broader picture of the school's atmosphere and offerings. So, you can really get a sense of the place, you know, beyond just the official facts and figures. It helps paint a more complete picture.
The Overland High School Community Group
The Overland Parent Teacher Community Organization, or OPTCO for short, is a group that brings together parents, teachers, and people from the local area. Their main purpose is to help make sure everyone involved with Overland High School communicates well. This means working to improve the connections between parents, students, the teaching staff, and the school's leaders. It's about creating a unified front, you know, where everyone feels heard and informed. This kind of group is pretty important for a school community.
This organization gives families a chance to learn about what's going on at Overland High School. They can share their ideas, too, and actually make a difference in how their children experience school. It's a place where parents can get involved, lend a hand, and help shape the environment for their kids. This kind of involvement, quite often, leads to a stronger school community and a better learning experience for everyone. It's about giving parents a voice and a way to contribute.
So, if you're a parent or a community member who wants to be more connected to Overland High School, OPTCO is a good place to start. They provide a forum for discussion and collaboration, helping to bridge any gaps between the different groups that make up the school's world. It's a way to ensure that everyone is working together for the benefit of the students. It's, basically, a key part of how the school fosters a sense of shared purpose and support.
Performing Arts at Overland High School
For those who love the stage and music, Overland High School has a really active performing arts scene. They have a website specifically for this, where you can find everything related to the "OHS Blazer Theatre." This means plays, musicals, and all sorts of stage productions. It's a place where students can really express themselves, learn about acting, and put on shows for the community. It's a big part of the creative side of the school, you know, allowing students to explore their artistic talents.
Beyond just the theatre, Overland High School also has strong programs for music. There's a choir, for students who love to sing, and a band and orchestra for those who play instruments. These groups often perform at school events and sometimes even in the wider community. They give students a chance to develop their musical skills, learn to play together as a group, and share their passion for music with others. It's pretty cool, actually, to see how much talent there is among the students.
The performing arts programs at Overland High School are about more than just putting on a show. They teach students discipline, teamwork, and how to perform under pressure. They also build confidence and give students a creative outlet. It's a very supportive environment where young people can grow as artists and as individuals. So, whether you're into acting, singing, or playing an instrument, there's a place for you to shine at Overland High School. It's a wonderful way for students to connect with their peers and express themselves.
This article has covered various aspects of Overland High School, from its recent groundbreaking ceremony and community support to its academic offerings, including advanced placement courses and gifted programs. We also looked at its national recognition, like being on lists from the Washington Post and Newsweek. The article highlighted a notable alum, Lauren Neal, and her appearance on a television show. Information about the school's sports teams, the Overland Blazers, and how to find news and updates was provided. We also discussed the Overland Parent Teacher Community Organization (OPTCO) and the school's vibrant performing arts programs, including theatre, choir, band, and orchestra.
- Asheville Outlets
- Saily Esim
- Shady Maple Farm Market
- State Of California Unclaimed Property
- Loya Insurance Company
Overland High School from Aurora, Colorado Yearbooks
Overland High School - Digital Scoreboards
Overland High School - Aurora, Colorado, USA | LinkedIn
