Housing grades nine through twelve, Deer Lakes High School is equipped with over 55 classrooms, library, cafeteria, auditorium, computer learning labs, and gymnasium with swimming pool. With its rustic setting, the campus includes an athletic field for both football and soccer, softball and baseball fields and an all-weather synthetic track. Ample parking is provided for students, faculty and the general public for special events and plays performed in the school.
There is probably no period of time in life when more changes take place than during an individual's progression from 9th through the 12th grade. These young people must endure a multitude of variables affecting every parcel of evolvement - physical, mental, social and emotional.
The senior high curriculum offers a wide variety of academic, business, vocational, and computer subjects. An extensive curriculum in conjunction with individualized scheduled procedures culminates in an academic program that nurtures and strengthens the development of the "total" student.
Although more than 85% of the district's graduates enroll in higher education, numerous other quality programs address career and post-high school opportunities for those students entering the employment market following graduation. Strategy for success can be attributed to exceptionally strong programs in the traditional subjects as well as the more progressive ones.
Extensive and purposeful computer instruction, for example, helps students adapt to the rapidly changing world. By the time Deer Lakes scholars complete their freshman year, they have been well exposed to word processing, graphics, database and spreadsheet programs.
State-of-the-art computer systems and networks in our schools play a major role in the education process for all students. The on-going upgrade of new computers for students and teachers ensures that every student and each teacher has access to the latest computer technology in the classroom. Many Deer Lakes students take advantage of honors courses. These high level subjects are offered in English, science, mathematics, computers and foreign language. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available in areas of English, government and politics, calculus, and chemistry. Advanced placement courses allow Deer Lakes students to experience and complete college-level work while still in high school.
Project ACE enables students to earn college credits by taking classes at Community College of Allegheny County. This project provides students with seminars on interviewing and job searching, tours of plants and worksites and co-op work experiences.
Vocational and technical offerings are provided through the A. W. Beattie Career Center. A. W. Beattie makes available training in 19 career-oriented courses. Hands-on training and instruction include carpentry, commercial art, computer technology, dental careers, drafting, sports medicine/physical therapy and travel/tourism.