American Academy partners closely with the Douglas County School District Safety and Security team and local law enforcement to ensure we follow the most current safety protocols. Together, we regularly evaluate the security of all campus buildings and implement updates or changes as needed.
All interior and exterior doors at every American Academy campus lock automatically when closed. (Doors may be monitored and unlocked temporarily for special events.)
Badged entry is required for all building access.
Visitors enter through double-locked doorways, where front office staff can see and screen them before allowing entry.
Once in the secure lobby, all visitors must pass a background check and receive a badge from the front office.
Security cameras monitor both the interior and exterior of each campus, including front entry points for additional visibility.
In cases of weather or safety concerns, American Academy may implement an alternate dismissal and will notify parents as quickly as possible.
Staff will supervise students until pickup. Parents and guardians should prioritize their own safety before entering the building.
If conditions make it unsafe to come inside, families may wait in their cars or return later.
Upon entry, guardians must present pickup status via the American Academy carpool app or show a driver’s license.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation during these fluid situations. Student safety will always remain our highest priority.
American Academy participates in the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, placing experienced law enforcement officers in each building to provide security and build relationships within our school community.
Officers also teach safety lessons through the Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and Safety in Schools) Program.
Our partners include Parker Police Department (Lincoln Meadows and Motsenbocker campuses) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (Castle Pines campus).
Regular staff safety training and monthly drills prepare students and staff for evacuation, secure, lockdown, and shelter events.
Each campus has security radios for direct communication with DCSD Security Dispatch and local first responders, ensuring fast response times.
In an emergency, American Academy, DCSD, and local law enforcement follow the Standard Response Protocol, which includes these actions: Hold, Secure, Shelter, Evacuate, Lockdown, and Reunification.
Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with SRP actions to be prepared in the event of a school emergency.
Each campus has a counselor and social worker, supported by a full-time Mental Health Coordinator who oversees counseling, programming, training, and crisis prevention/intervention.
We focus on proactive measures and resilience-building, teaching students strategies to manage stress and resolve conflict.
Past initiatives include inviting Brooks Gibbs to speak with students, train staff, and engage parents on fostering resilience.
Every year, American Academy provides age-appropriate lessons on:
Using 9-1-1 (for younger students)
Using Safe2Tell
Posters in hallways and restrooms reinforce these resources throughout the school year, ensuring students know how and when to seek help.