Ponderosa High School

Ponderosa High School

Public High School | Grade 9-12
7007 Bayou Gulch Rd,  Parker, CO
The Pinery Neighborhood
Douglas County School District No. RE-1
3.8
3.1
1,424 Students
B+
Niche Grade

School Details

Head of School
Tim Ottmann
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Average SAT Score
1180
Average ACT Score
27
Math Proficiency
38%
Reading Proficiency
74%
Average GPA
3.51
Graduation Rate
93%

Niche Grade

B+
Academics
B+
Teachers
B-
College Prep
B-
Administration
C+
Resources/Facilities
B-
Clubs and Activities
A-
Sports
B-
Food
Source: Niche
Niche Grades

Niche grades and rankings are calculated using dozens of public data sets and millions of reviews. Niche data scientists and user researchers rigorously analyze data and user opinions to assess the key aspects of K-12 Schools, Colleges, and Places to Live. Every month, millions of students and families use the Niche grades and report cards to find the right school or neighborhood.

Niche Grade Details

Academics
Average GPA
3.51
Reading Proficiency
74%
Math Proficiency
38%
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
18:1
Teachers
77
Full Time Teachers
77
Teachers in First or Second Year
0%
College Prep
Average SAT
1180
Math
580
Verbal
600
Average ACT
27
Math
25
English
27
Reading
28
Science
26
Number of AP Courses
17
AP Pass Rate
68%
AP Math Enrollment
Very High
AP Science Enrollment
Average
Other AP Enrollment
High
Clubs and Activities
Girls Athletic Participation
Average
Boys Athletic Participation
Average

GreatSchools Rating

9
Equity
9
College Readiness
Source: GreatSchools
GreatSchools Rating
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

GreatSchools Rating Details

Test Scores

Science
33.8%
State Average
30.7%
GreatSchools Test Scores Rating
GreatSchools
The Test Score Rating reflects annual state test results for this school compared with scores statewide.

Teachers and Staff

Students Per Counselor
241:1

Student Diversity

Male
56.4%
Female
43.6%
White
78.2%
Hispanic
14.4%
Two or more races
4.3%
Asian or Pacific Islander
2.1%
Black
<1%
Native American
<1%

Specialty School Programs

AP Programs Offered
IB Programs Offered
Free/Reduced Lunch Offered
Athletics Program

Colleges Students are Considering

Students are most interested in or go on to attend these colleges.
Colorado State University 389 Students
University of Colorado Boulder 283 Students
University of Northern Colorado 157 Students
University of Colorado Denver 138 Students
University of Denver 125 Students
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs 120 Students
Colorado Mesa University 116 Students
University of Wyoming 111 Students
Colorado School of Mines 99 Students
Metropolitan State University of Denver 92 Students

What Students Want to Study

Niche users from this school are most interested in the following majors.
Business 158 Students
Psychology 93 Students
Nursing 71 Students
Biology 61 Students
Marketing 48 Students
Pre-Medicine Studies 44 Students
Engineering 42 Students
Mechanical Engineering 41 Students
Pre-Law Studies 36 Students
Criminology 35 Students

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.8 246 Reviews
2.0 Senior
12/23/2025
I transfered Junior Year to Pnderosa High School and I feel as if I made the wromg decision moving there. Junior year was amazing all my friends were seniors and i had an unreal experiance but then senior year hit and it was awful I went to the mental hospital and am going through the programams and honestly they are sort of helpfull. The kids there are bullys and the admin dont care and honestly this year has been the worst ever and a lot of bad things have happened and it feels like no one cares.
2.0 Senior
8/10/2025
realistically speaking, ponderosa is probably one of the worst schools in the district. although there is a strong sense of family and a deep culture throughout the school, the academics and administration provides excessive challenges for students and parents. the constant changes throughout the past few years in administration and the school in general have thrown me off significantly with my academics. this school will not prepare you for college, the sat, or any real world needs. the teachers here are no silver lining, as most are harsh and cold with no real urgency or love for their job. i have been refused help and failed classes due to it multiple times, humiliated by teachers who seemed to bully students (i watched a girl get her homework torn up and called a cheater in front of the class by the AP government teacher), etc. i would strongly recommend enrolling your child in one of the other, better schools in the area such as legend or castle view.
5.0 Senior
11/25/2024
My experience at Ponderosa High School is an extremely memorable one. The school is not only filled with wonderful teachers and administration but it is also filled with wonderful students. My favorite parts of my time at Ponderosa include the amazing assemblies we had to celebrate different events, such as homecoming, and wish week, when the entire school came together for one cause. The stampede where all the other grades come to compete against one another in a list of games is also a fun memory of mine. I can say with utmost certainty, that there isn't one experience I can say I don't like. Sure, we have all had our ups and downs but throughout them all, Ponderosa is a place I felt safe and loved being at.
See All Niche Reviews
GreatSchools Reviews
3.1 9 Reviews
1.0 other
8/29/2025
Ponderosa may look like a good school on the surface, but ongoing issues with bullying and racial slurs make it a deeply concerning environment. Students especially African American students are reporting that they feel unsafe, unheard, and mistreated. School should be a safe, healthy place where ev...
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5.0 parent
2/17/2024
The school is very conscious of safety coming in and out of the building which was a relief for me. There were teachers that each of my children gravitated toward, which was helpful for looking to their futures. The English and Shop departments were fantastic. Overall, I was very happy with the choi...
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3.0 other
10/1/2023
Are furries allowed here? This is unacceptable.
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1.0 parent
2/19/2023
Don’t go. Little empathy from teachers and administrators toward students and parents. I’ve never been treated as unprofessionally and disrespectfully as I was by the drama teacher. What should be communicated in person is done through email.Teachers are resentful of the entitled kids who drive way...
Read Full Review
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Colorado Douglas County Parker 80134 The Pinery
Ponderosa High School

Ponderosa High School is a public school for students in grades 9-12 in Parker, CO and is served by the Douglas County School District No. RE-1 in Colorado. Annual tuition is $0. The school has a total enrollment of 1,424 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. Academic records show that 38% of students achieve proficiency in math, and 74% are proficient in reading. Ponderosa High School has received feedback and ratings, with a Niche grade of B+ and a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10. The average GPA is 3.51, the graduation rate is 93%, and average standardized test scores include an SAT score of 1180 and an ACT score of 27. The average home value in this area is $944,626. Discover additional schools in the area, like Sagewood Middle School, Trinity Lutheran School, Leman Academy of Excellence, and more. Learn more about what Parker has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Ponderosa High School.

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Karen Anderson
Madison & Company Properties
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