Highlands Ranch opened in 1987 as the third high school in the district, after Douglas County High School in Castle Rock and Ponderosa High School in Parker. It was the first high school in Highlands Ranch. The rapid population growth in northern Douglas County has resulted in the opening of three other high schools in the area since Highlands Ranch High School opened. The school is located in the Highlands Ranch neighborhood of Eastridge and is fed directly by Cresthill Middle School, which is adjacent to the high school campus. The school has been renovated several times in its relatively short history, most recently in 2009. Highlands Ranch has a strong academic history and offers a number of Advanced Placement classes, though it does not participate in the International Baccalaureate program, which is located at Douglas County and Thunder Ridge High Schools. Highlands Ranch is the alma mater of Felicity star and Golden Globe winner Keri Russell, and NFL star Kasey Studdard.
Sports
Highlands Ranch High School participates at the 5A level in all sports. Athletic offerings include soccer, cross country, baseball, softball, field hockey, basketball, football, volleyball, gymnastics, track, golf, swimming, diving, wrestling, tennis, cheerleading, poms, and lacrosse. The varsity boys'/girls' basketball, football and baseball programs have achieved fame as both have proceeded deep into their respective finals and are consistently rated at the top of their respective divisions. The girls' basketball team won the Colorado state championship for three straight years from 2000-2002 and also from 2006-2007. Highlands Ranch is the alma mater of WNBA and UConn women's basketball star Ann Strother, who transferred to the school in her junior year. The school has won several championships in poms, track & field, and cheerleading. HRHS girls' basketball has had a long-standing dominance in Colorado. Over the past few years under Caryn Jaroki has won three straight championships. In 2007, the HRHS baseball team was crowned Continental League Champions. In 2007, the HRHS cross country team qualified both the boys' and the girls' teams for the State Championship meet. In 2009, the HRHS boys' football team won the Southern League title. In 2011, the HRHS cheer team took state.
Performing Arts
Highlands Ranch High School has many diverse performing arts programs available to students. These include the Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band groups, Marching Band and Winter Percussion Ensembles. Choirs consist of Concert Choir, Falcon Singers, Women's Select, Men's Select, and Talons. There is also the Theatre department. The HRHS bands and orchestras have annually participated in Continental League and All-State performances, as well as "side-by-side" performances with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and participating in many other competitions, performances, and festivals all across the state. The HRHS theater department has also successfully run versions of award-winning Broadway shows such as Les Miserables, Grease, Big , and many others.
Bands
The Highlands Ranch Bands are directed by Christopher Rigolini.
Marching Band (Falcon Regiment)
In 2014, the HRHS Falcon Regiment placed 7th in the Quarter Finals at the 2014 State Championships. In 2016, the HRHS Falcon Regiment placed 11th in Colorado in the 4A classification with a score of 74.10 after making it to semi-finals for the second year in a row. Their show in 2016 was titled "Phobias" and focused on exploring common fears like spiders, snakes, water, fire, and heights.
Winter Percussion Ensembles
As of the 2017 season Highlands Ranch High school was the only school in the state competing with more than one ensemble, this season it had both an A and Open class ensemble. In 2017, the HRHS Open Class Percussion Ensemble placed 4th in state with a score of 86.875. Their show was titled "The Climb", it artistically showed both the beautiful and terrifying elements of mountain climbing. In 2017, the HRHS A Class Percussion Ensemble placed 5th in state with a score of 78.900. Their show was title "Spectral Visions", it followed a ghost reminiscing on his life, death, and afterlife. This group is the only one in the state that was fully acoustic, using no electronic instruments.
Notable Teacher
In 2009, Susan Elliott won the Colorado Teachers of the Year award.
