Highlands Ranch High School
Highlands Ranch High School, commonly referred to as Ranch or HRHS, is a public high school in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. It is part of the Douglas County School District. Its school colors are blue, black, and silver, and its mascot is the Falcon. HRHS has 1,390 students in grades 9-12, as well as 83 teachers on staff.
History
Highlands Ranch opened in 1987 as the third high school in the district, after Douglas County High School in Castle Rock and Ponderosa High School in Parker. It was the first high school in Highlands Ranch. The rapid population growth in northern Douglas County has resulted in the opening of three other high schools in the area since Highlands Ranch High School opened.Sports
Highlands Ranch High School participates at the 5A level in the Colorado Continental League conference. HRHS girls' basketball has had a long-standing dominance in Colorado. Under coach Caryn Jarocki, they won seven state championships between 2000 and 2011.Performing Arts
Highlands Ranch High School performing arts programs have been recognized nationwide, with their choir even performing at Carnegie Hall.Notable alumni
- Erin Baxter, former professional soccer player in the WUSA.
- Ryan Burr, pitcher for the Chicago White Sox
- Mike Conneen, reporter for WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.
- Brian Johnson, former AFL fullback
- Jason Kaiser, former NFL, CFL, XFL and AFL safety
- Drake Nugent, football center for the Michigan Wolverines
- Mike Purcell, NFL defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos
- Keri Russell, Golden Globe-winning actress and dancer
- Daniel Schlereth, MLB pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and son of ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth
- Brad Stisser, professional soccer player for AC St. Louis
- Ann Strother, Director of Operations for Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball and former WNBA player
- Kasey Studdard, former NFL offensive guard
- Craig Thompson, soccer player for the Real Colorado Foxes
- Courtney Zablocki, 2-time Olympic luger