Widefield School District 3

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Nestled in the southeastern part of Colorado Springs, Widefield School District 3 (WSD3) stands as a beacon of educational excellence, celebrating an impressive 150 years of service to the community. From its humble beginnings as a small one-room schoolhouse in the Fountain Valley to a comprehensive educational system serving over 9,113 students, the district has transformed dramatically while maintaining its core commitment to learning and growth.

A Rich Historical Tapestry

The story of Widefield School District 3 begins on August 20, 1874, when it was originally organized as the third school district in El Paso County. Initially covering over 220 square miles and stretching east to the Lincoln County line, the district started with just a handful of pioneering families farming and ranching along Fountain Creek.

Fascinating historical highlights include:

• In 1887, the first Widefield School opened with just twelve students
• The original schoolhouse was heated by a pot-bellied stove, with melted snow serving as winter water
• Ute Indians were known to occasionally peer through the classroom windows

Community and Diversity

Today, WSD3 is recognized as the third most diverse school district in Colorado. The district has a unique composition, with 28% of families being active duty military and 413 students directly connected to military service.

Educational Landscape

The district boasts an impressive educational infrastructure, including:

• Two traditional high schools
• One alternative high school
• A K-12 Virtual School
• A K-8 Computer Science School
• Three junior high schools
• Eight elementary schools
• A charter academy
• Preschool programs
• A Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL)

Innovation and Learning

WSD3 has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovative education. In 2017, voters approved a $49.5 million bond to build new schools, make critical repairs, and upgrade technology. The district’s Grand Mountain School, a preK-8th grade Computer Science Innovation school, opened in August 2019 with more than 800 students.

Mission and Values

The district’s mission encapsulates its core philosophy: “To Learn, Grow, Achieve: Every Child, Every Classroom, Every Day”. This is supported by key values such as:

• Continuous improvement
• Focused collaboration
• Meaningful relationships
• Collective responsibility

Community Beyond Education

Interestingly, WSD3 goes beyond traditional educational boundaries. The district manages Widefield Parks and Recreation and houses the Security Public Library, providing comprehensive community services in the largest unincorporated area of Colorado.