South Elementary School
South Elementary School provides 14 regular classrooms, a Technology Center, a cafeteria, gymnasium, music room, Title I Reading and Math Program, and a Special Education Program. South is well known for its children's library. An outstanding Pre-School Program is also offered at South.
South Elementary endorses the developmental approach to education which focuses on the child first. We believe in creating classrooms where learning is a natural process. Our philosophy at South Elementary is to develop children's strengths and help manage children's challenges.
Parent involvement is very evident at South Elementary. Parents and teachers work together to develop the whole child. Meaningful communication between school and home is a goal at South Elementary. A welcoming atmosphere permeates the building.
Ferrell Elementary School
Ferrell Elementary School houses 17 regular classrooms and 329 students. The original building was constructed in 1955 with additions in 1960 and 1978. An auditorium/lunchroom, gymnasium, library, computer center and music room support regular classroom activities. The school serves students kindergarten through fourth grade.
Ferrell’s staff concentrates on reading and writing skills along with mathematics. In addition to the core curriculum, speech therapy, special education, Title I, and counseling are an integral part of Ferrell’s program. Children are given a good educational foundation to help them succeed as they continue through the grades.
There is a very active volunteer program that helps support student progress and activities. Visitors are welcome at Ferrell anytime.
Canyon Elementary School
Canyon is the newest of the three elementary schools and is located in the Canyonlands Subdivision in west Sunset. Constructed in 1981, the modern two story building houses kindergarten through fourth grades.
The Canyon staff strives to create an ideal learning environment for each of its students. Numerous programs are in place to help students reach their maximum potential. Academic achievement with a focus on literacy and math is a top priority. The development of a positive self-concept while promoting student responsibility is emphasized throughout the school. Physical education, music, art and technology are also integrated into the learning experience to offer a balanced approach to educating the "whole child."
Parents are encouraged to develop a partnership with the school and become involved in their child’s education as a volunteer or as a member of the Parent Advisory Committee.
The staff at Canyon Elementary welcomes parents to visit their child's classroom at any time.
Old Elementary School
Old Elementary is located on the border in the town of Oldentown.
Approximately 35 students attend kindergarten through sixth grade
Bovine Elementary School
Bovine Elementary is located 30 miles west of Sunset in the small, rural community of Bovine. One teacher is employed in this new, modern school.
Enrollment in grades one through six averages twelve students.
Sunset Intermediate School
Sunset Intermediate School was created in the fall of 1996 when Siller Middle School was divided into two separate schools. The school was built in 1964 and houses fifth and sixth graders in the Norio Intermediate School District.
The school has approximately 400 students with an instructional staff that includes teachers, a counselor, a librarian, teacher aides and a principal. A core academic program is offered with a selection of electives for sixth grade students
Siller Middle School
Siller Middle School includes grades 7 and 8, and is located on an 18 acre campus that includes two large P.E. fields, football field, baseball field, industrial arts classroom and shop. School staff consists of 25 teachers, a principal, a counselor, 3 secretaries, 4 teacher aides, and 3 custodians.
The school is equipped with excellent classrooms, up-to-date computer/audio- visual equipment, and materials to complement the basic educational program which stresses the improvement of basic learning skills. The Instructional Materials Center includes a computerized information search and check-out system, and has an excellent collection of materials for students and faculty members.
The central core of the instructional program focuses on the basic subjects of English, reading, mathematics, social studies, physical education and science. Elective courses include: art, law, ecology, industrial arts, crafts, home economics, chorus, band, outdoor education, speech and drama, teen topics, and computer classes.
SMS places great emphasis on maintaining a positive school climate and close communication with parents, including regular progress reports, report cards and regularly scheduled parent/ teacher conferences.
There is an interscholastic sports program for both boys and girls. Sports include: football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, cross country, soccer and track.
Dawson-Thompson High School
Dawson-Thompson High School overlooks the city of Sunset. . The modern expansive high school was constructed in 1991. It includes more than 40 classrooms, two gymnasiums, weight room, auditorium, library, vocational building, and an Olympic size swimming pool. The grounds contain tennis courts, practice fields, and football field.
Approximately 800 students attend classes at Sawson-Thompson High School, which is accredited by the North Central Association and the State Department of Education. The staff consists of a principal, and assistant principal, two counselors, part time nurse, health technician, librarian, forty-seven teachers as well as aides, secretaries, custodians, and cafeteria staff.
Core courses and other programs constitute a curriculum of more than 150 offerings for DTHS students. Distributive education, vocational agriculture, industrial arts, an alternative cooperative education program, business and home economics make up a vocational program that is rated outstanding by the State Department of Education. The library has more than 15,000 volumes and has available more than 90 other weekly, monthly, and annual publications.
A teacher/advisor program enables teachers to sponsor approximately 20 students throughout the students' high school careers. This arrangement allows each student his own personal advisor and counselor in addition to the two accredited counselors on staff.
DTHS provides many co-curricular clubs and activities. The athletic program includes soccer, cross country, football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, track golf, rodeo, swimming, athletic training, and baseball. Other activities include FFA, speech, debate, plays, musicals, Key Club, FCA, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, and Student Council.