Spanning 273 square miles, Battle Ground Public Schools is geographically one of the largest and most diverse districts in the state. The district supports more than 12,000 students in 19 schools, including seven primary schools, six middle schools, one 3-12 academy, two comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, one home school support program and one virtual academy.
The district celebrated its centennial in the 2009-2010 school year. One hundred years earlier, during the presidency of William Howard Taft, two single-school districts – Maple Grove and Dublin – merged and consolidated into what is today Battle Ground Public Schools. During the first six-and-a-half decades, 54 small, rural districts were folded into BGPS. The last one was Yacolt in 1975. Today, Battle Ground Public Schools is Clark County’s third largest district and a place where former students return to raise their families.
Reflected in the wide scope of academic offerings for Battle Ground students are opportunities for gifted learners; a wide range of Career and Technical Education offerings; technology integration in all classrooms and grade levels; strong vocational training programs in partnership with the Cascadia Technical Academy; and the nationally recognized Center for Agriculture, Science, and Environmental Education. In addition to more traditional learning, the district supports a fully accredited alternative high school and offers academic services to a large population of home-school families.
The district also offers award-winning music and theater programs that have received top state honors in competitions and individual performances. Extracurricular clubs and organizations help keep students engaged in school, and Battle Ground’s athletic programs are consistent top finishers in statewide competitions.
Battle Ground staff have taken a leadership role in implementing key initiatives such as professional learning communities. Staff collaborate to set the course for student and staff success.
Battle Ground is an extraordinary place to learn, live and work. Panoramic views of Mt. St. Helens, which towers just 10 minutes away from the district’s northern border, contribute to the area’s magnificent beauty. With the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the west, Battle Ground enjoys the charming ambiance of a small town. Yet it is just 30 miles north of the Portland, Oregon, metro area, home to an international airport, major shopping and theater and arts and entertainment districts. Two professional sports teams call this area home, the Portland Trail Blazers and Portland Timbers, making for exciting seasons and family events.
Battle Ground offers numerous recreation opportunities including family parks, hiking trails, nature preserves, waterfalls and camping. Multiple waterways for boating and fishing include the Lewis River, Merwin, Yale and Battle Ground lakes, as well as the mighty Columbia River. Lewisville Park is the oldest park in the county and lies along the Lewis River just a few minutes north of downtown Battle Ground. The majestic Pacific coast is just over an hour’s drive away, and small coastal towns, amazing dining and beautiful scenery welcome travelers from around the world. The district includes the cities of Amboy, Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Vancouver and Yacolt. These cities continue to grow with expansion in housing, businesses and recreation.
The city of Battle Ground, incorporated in 1951, is the third largest city in Clark County. The city was awarded the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America’s Promise Alliance in 2012 for supporting multiple youth projects including youth suicide prevention efforts, mentoring support services and an array of student support services within the school district. Strong school and community partnerships have been built through the years, and everyone works together to ensure student success.
