In 2008, 67% of the school's seniors received a
high school diploma. Of 748 students, 500 graduated, 141 dropped out, 19 received a
modified diploma, and 88 were still in high school the following year.
Project STARS In 1991 the school district introduced the Project STARS (Students Taking Authentic Routes to Success) "school-to-work" program after a survey concluded that, of the recent graduates of the school, 20% went on to four-year colleges. Anthony Palermini, the superintendent, said, "We were doing an excellent job of providing a well-rounded college prep education. But it wasn't relevant to 25 to 30 percent of our students." The program introduced students to various career fields. The
Oregon Business Council, an organization representing forty chief executive officers from the largest companies in the state, partnered with the David Douglas district in implementing the program. When each student was in high school, he or she selected one of six "constellations" (concentrations) in which he or she would concentrate his or her electives in. Each constellation requires a student to take a capstone course, related courses, job shadows, and work experience. The Oregon Business Council implemented committees, together with 12 members, to develop a business and administration certificate of advanced mastery and a production and technology certification of advanced mastery. In the fall of 1994 the district planned to begin offering courses in these areas, and planned to add four more certificates in the 1995–1996 school year. In 1994 the
Associated Press referred to the
David Douglas School District as "a leader in Oregon's movement toward more career-oriented schools" due to the school-to-work program courses. The AP added that "It may serve as a model for other districts as they forge new ties with the world of work." ==Demographics==