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About Our School

Look no more, Derby High School is it! Derby High School has supported a strong tradition in education for over 100 years. DHS students have the opportunity to learn of and become a part of her rich history, which starts the moment they step through the door. This environment is then cultivated on the strength of an amazing student body, staff, and surrounding community. DHS students can immerse themselves in rigorous academic schedules, participate in championship level athletic programs, and be a part of one or more of over fifty extra-curricular activities and/or organizations. All the while, students benefit from “real world” experiences that enrich their high school career.

The “real world” starts today. Through the programming, multiple resources, activities, and opportunities DHS provides, students can leave her campus prepared to join, thrive, and even lead within society. Compound that with the opportunity for students to accelerate their futures by earning college credit while attending DHS. Flexible curriculum options allow any student to work both in the traditional classroom setting or on-line. Derby is the place for opportunity and achievement.

Derby High School stands above other area schools due to unique course offerings and co-curricular opportunities. Derby High School offers an accredited pre-engineering program, Project Lead The Way (PLTW), cultivating real world math and science skills. Languages are expanded with English Language Learner services and an American Sign Language class, which may lead to an interpreter certification. Courses providing interaction with therapy dogs, student mentoring, broadcasting, and accelerated use of technology give exposure to experiences beyond the typical classroom. Additionally, DHS is one of few schools in the nation offering courses in airbrush.

Derby strives for the top in everything we do. Derby’s marching band is unparalleled, while the vocal music groups, theatrical groups, debate teams, and orchestra have earned some of the highest honors and recognitions. Derby High School is home to one of the most decorated Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) in Kansas. Our athletic department offers a variety of options in sports for varsity, junior varsity, C-team, and special education athletes such as basketball, cheerleading, dance, cross-country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling. A student will not only feel the support of the school but the community as well. Strong relationships exist among businesses in the Derby community, McConnell Air Force Base and the school district. These positive working relationships allow unique learning opportunities. One example is a Finance/Accounting Career pathway, stemming from a partnership between Derby High School and Verus Bank. Students learn about banking, finance, and accounting while working in a fully-functional Verus Bank Branch that operates right out of the DHS commons.

Derby High School is a great place to earn an education. From award winning organizations and excellent academic programs to tremendous school spirit and athletic teams, Derby High School is big enough for every student to find his/her perfect fit.

At DHS we recognize that parents and families are a critical piece of each student’s experience and success. For this reason we have many opportunities, and we welcome parents to get participate in any way including Panther PAC (our athletic booster club) and Site Council. 

If a fantastic high school experience is the goal, then Derby High School is the place to be. Young people can pursue their dreams and prepare for life. From a fall football game amid a sea of green-clad fans and players, to a spring graduation amid a class of young people stepping toward independence and adulthood in a sea of green gowns, Derby High School is greatness.

Preparation. Power. Perseverance. PANTHER PRIDE!

Derby High School Building Photo


Derby High School

Building Opens: 7:15AM
Breakfast: 7:15AM
Start Time: 8:00AM
End Time: 3:10PM
Early Release Time: 11:24AM

920 N. Rock Road
Derby, KS 67037
Main Office: (316) 788-8500
Fax: (316) 788-8593
Attendance Office: (316) 788-8522
Counselors Office: (316) 788-8510
Athletic Office: (316) 788-8527
Finance Office: (316) 788-8509
Panther Learning Center (PLC): (316) 788-8499

Principal: Gretchen Pontious
Director of Alternative Learning (PLC): Luan Sparks

KSDE Building Report Card

ALMA MATER


Let us sing of Derby High School, Loud her praises ring.
For she makes our lives more useful. Blessings to us bring.
High school days are swiftly passing, All too soon they'll end. 
But while we live we'll always cherish, Memories of school friends.

(Chorus)
D.H.S. Derby we love thee, Deep-rooted in each heart
Lie the bonds of true affection, Never to depart.

FIGHT SONG


We're from Derby High School
Don't you forget.
We've got the spirit
And we've got the pep
So watch 'em, guard 'em
Team of 12
Never gives in.
So fight to the finish
'cause we're out to win!