We offer extended learning opportunities make sure all students are given the best chances for success. Our programs include English Language Development services, Reading Recovery and Title One programs, a community-volunteer driven R.E.A.D.S. reading assistance program, an alternative graduation track (Reawakening Individual Student Excellence) program, and others. A full summer school program also keeps students on track and offers a chance to jump ahead with their learning.

We employ a teaching staff of 171 certified educators. Of those, 115 have obtained a master's degree and one has a doctorate. So you know your child is going to have well-qualified and well-educated teachers.

The district’s administration and faculty are working for continual improvement in the school’s learning and achievement levels. A number of initiatives will begin in the 2010-2011 school year that seek to improve student learning and engagement.

A student focus group identified the district’s diversity as preparation for the real world. Our district is more than one-third Latino, and students recognize the importance of understanding the world around them, including respecting other cultures and languages.

Our 4-year-old kindergarten and 5-year-old kindergarten programs give students a jump-start toward success. The 5-year-old kindergarten is a full-day program, while 4-year-olds meet for two days a week and one Wednesday each month.

A strong arts program is recognized as one of the best in Southeastern Wisconsin. It gives students the opportunity to develop their interests and skills in the visual arts, music and drama. In addition to classroom music lessons, the district provides band, orchestra and choral classes starting as early as fourth grade. Music students have been invited to perform in New York City and Disney World. Art students have been recognized at national and state levels for their work, and a permanent art gallery in the high school allows students display their two- and three-dimensional creations. Year-after-year, drama students put on challenging, yet entertaining Broadway plays.

An emphasis on helping students to consider and prepare for careers is offered through a variety of career pathways. Students can pursue interests in a variety of areas, including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Business, and Engineering. DDHS and Phoenix Middle School participate in Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized pre-engineering program. Business Education courses start at the middle school level. And, judging by more than just the numerous ribbons received at the Walworth County Fair, our agricultural sciences and FFA programs are some of the best in the area.

A $1 million federal fitness grant will give our students the best opportunities for being strong in the body and mind. New fitness centers in the middle and high schools will increase exercise time for students, and new equipment throughout the district — including interactive dance systems, and life-sports equipment (canoes, kayaks, snowshoes, bikes and more) — will encourage students to take up healthy activities they can continue to do throughout their adult lives.

A large and successful athletics program allows students to compete on more than 20 different teams, starting in middle school. Our athletes and teams have consistently competed at state-level tournaments and many athletes have gone on to become successful collegiate athletes, including some at the Division I level.

Modern facilities are well-maintained and technology is available to students at every grade level. Modern computer labs are found in every school, all teachers have Internet and e-mail access in their classrooms, and many classrooms are equipped with “smart boards” to enhance interactive learning.

DDHS offers 40-plus extra-curricular opportunities for students to become involved outside of the classroom setting. Of those, 21 are activities in sports, while the others range from the Art Club to the Yearbook club to everything in between. Nationwide studies show that students who get involved in more than just daily school work have a 98 percent graduation rate from high school.

Interested in science? Technology? Engineering? Math? Project Lead the Way, a nationally recognized program, is offered at both Phoenix Middle School and Delavan-Darien High School. Middle school students in the program are prepared for courses they can take in high school. The Milwaukee School of Engineering has certified those courses, and students can receive college credits. Students in high school can also participate in a Robotics Club and work on highly-technical projects with students from other area high schools.