22,046! That number represents a win for our students, families, employees, and community. That is the preliminary number of students enrolled in D11. This means D11 is growing thanks to our D11 families and staff, who heard the message for the October count day loud and clear! By ensuring children were counted on count day, D11’s enrollment has increased compared to last school year, helping our schools secure funding for staffing and programs.

The Board of Education and I have prioritized enrollment and achievement because all D11 children deserve the best education possible. I’m thrilled to say that according to preliminary numbers, we’ve exceeded our enrollment targets this year, beating our projected enrollment number by 754 and being up by 59 students from last school year.

I like to say that the “11” in our district’s name demonstrates where we are winning twice—on track to be number one in enrollment and number one in academic growth. As THE Colorado Springs school district in the heart of our city, as goes D11, goes Colorado Springs. What I mean by this is that it’s now more important than ever that we provide the connection from preschool to post-secondary success and become the main driver in our city’s economic future.

Colorado Springs changed my life forever when I graduated from the Air Force Academy and started my military career. Years later, I’ve returned to this beautiful city because I know it is ripe with opportunity, consistently being recognized as one of the best cities to live, work, and raise a family. That is why we are working harder than ever to connect our students with the military, technical, two and four-year post-secondary opportunities. This work is wrapped into D11’s graduate profile, our roadmap for producing critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers, skilled communicators, and empowered citizens.

Our community workforce development begins in D11. Creating personalized education pathways, career, and technical education degree plans, and opening doors for students they didn’t know existed will take commitment from every stakeholder. For us to be successful, we must realize that true equity exists right in front of us every day in the faces and futures of every D11 student. I’m committed to their successful futures, and I ask that you also lean in to support this critical mission.

Finally, when D11's excellence as a destination intersects with students finding their excellence, there is great energy to harness. Students, no matter what grade you’re in or where your life may take you in the future, your job right now is to find your excellence, whether through the love of a particular subject, sport, or art.

Respectfully,

Michael Gaal, Superintendent