Business Spotlight - September 2024
Dothan City Schools

   

What makes your organization stand out?
Located in southeast Alabama, Dothan City Schools serves more than 8,000 Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout Dothan, Alabama. Nineteen schools comprise the district, including two Pre-Kindergarten centers, 11 elementary schools including one special admission math and science school, one school that exclusively serves sixth grade, one middle school that serves grades seventh-eighth, one ninth grade academy, one virtual school for grades seventh-12th, and one high school that serves grades 10th-12th, and two program sites dedicated to specialty education: one for students receiving alternative education and a career-technical education facility for grades 10th-12th. Each program seeks to develop engaging and meaningful opportunities for students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. 

Traditionally, children are assigned to a public school according to where they live. DCS allows families to select the elementary school that is most suited for their child. All students who live within the DCS attendance zone are eligible to attend other schools within DCS.

Kelly Springs Elementary, Hidden Lake Primary, Beverlye Intermediate, Highlands Elementary, Heard Elementary, Selma Street Elementary, and Morris Slingluff Elementary, Girard Elementary School Jerry Lee Faine Elementary serves our students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade using a variety of hands-on lessons to engage students in work that is challenging, adventurous, and meaningful.

Carver School for Math, Science and Technology is the system’s math, science and technology school and heavily emphasizes investigation and discovery and seeks to prepare students for STEM-related college and career pathways. It retains a competitive admission policy, where students are accepted based on test scores. Carver MST serves grades third-sixth.

Dothan Sixth Grade Center is our newest school that now exclusively houses our sixth grade students from across the district. Their focus is on fostering a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere where students thrive. With a dedication to integrating real-life connections, offering enriching learning experiences that equip our students with the essential skills for success.

Our Secondary Schools develop a diverse pipeline of students prepared for rigorous high school coursework and promote Advanced Placement courses so that more Alabama graduates will be prepared for college, the workforce and life. Dothan Preparatory Academy serves our grades seventh through eight, Carver Ninth Grade Academy serves our ninth grade and Dothan High School serves our 10th through 12th grades. Dothan Tech serves as the career and technical school for students attending Dothan High, offering students opportunities in Automotive Repair, Health Sciences and more.

Dothan City Virtual School provides a flexible and engaging virtual learning experience for motivated, independent learners in grades seventh-12. Students may also participate in specialized courses at Dothan Tech or other DCS schools.

First Class Pre-Kindergarten is offered through Dothan City Early Education Center for children zoned for DCS. Dothan City Head Start Center provides services to DCS as well as Houston County Schools.

Describe an exciting recent highlight for your organization:
In the 2023-2024 school year, Dothan High School had over 25 students enter the 30+ ACT Club for students who achieved a 30 or higher on the ACT and Dothan City Schools awarded eight Seal of Biliteracy Recipients

How has your organization changed in the last 12 months, and what do you see for the future?
At the Feb. 20, 2024, Dothan City Board of Education meeting, the board approved District Rezoning that will go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year to accommodate the changes approved in its short-term capital plan.

Under the short-term capital plan:     

• Establish Dothan Sixth Grade Center;
• Convert Girard Primary School to a K-5 School now named Girard Elementary School;
• Convert all K-6 schools to K-5 schools; and
• Convert Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School from K-6 to PreK-5.

Additionally, the Board of Education has approved the construction of four additional classrooms at Highlands Elementary School and Morris Slingluff Elementary School to accommodate for future growth in these zones.

What advice would you offer to someone looking for the type of services your business/organization provides?
Please feel free to reach out to any Dothan City School to learn how your child can join the DCS family. Or visit us online at www.dothan.k12.al.us.