The school district was formed from several small districts in the Consolidation Act of 1960.  It includes the unincorporated towns of Cope and Anton, and the rural settlements of Denova, Harrisburg, Willadel, Thurman, and Arickaree.  The school district covers 638 square miles in the southeastern part of Washington County on the Eastern-central plains of Colorado.  U.S. Highway 36, Colorado Highways 61 and 63 are the major highways that run through the district.  The countryside supports ranching, wheat and corn farming, and some gas and oil activities.  The area is "high prairie" with fertile farm ground and rolling sand hills.  The area is abundant with wildlife, deer, pheasant, and antelope.  There are approximately 3-5 people per square mile within the school district.