Douglas County Sheriff's Office Opens 2026 Youth Academy Registration for Students

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced March 12 that registration is open for its 2026 Youth Academy sessions, with Sheriff Darren Weekly and agency staff leading outreach to families across the county. The program offers free, hands-on education and spans three separate tracks based on grade level.

Applications are divided by school level: the Elementary School Application covers children entering third through fifth grades, the Middle School Application serves students entering sixth through eighth grades, and the High School Application is open to young adults entering ninth through twelfth grades. The elementary program lists 9250 Zotos Drive in Highlands Ranch as its associated address.

Prospective applicants should note that the DCSO website carries a notice stating "The 2026 Application Process Will Be Available Soon," which may indicate the online forms are not yet fully live despite the March 12 announcement that registration is open. Families encountering trouble with the application forms can contact Deputy Lauren Sandifer directly at lsandifer@dcsheriff.net.

The Sheriff's Office can also be reached by phone at 303.660.7559 or 303.660.7550, or by email at dcso@dcsheriff.net. The main office at 4000 Justice Way in Castle Rock is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions specific to the Youth Academy, contacting Deputy Sandifer remains the most direct route while the online portal comes fully online.