The district serves approximately 2,723 students in grades PK-12.  In 2009 the district opened a new K-5 building, one of the largest elementary buildings in the state, located just south of the high school.  Our junior high, which is centrally located in the city, serves students in grades 6-8.  The high school serves students in grades 9-12.

Defiance City Schools has a proud tradition of academic excellence, extra curricular activities that broaden our students, and fiscal responsibility in serving the community's and students best interests.

Additional school buildings existed between 1865-1919 (Central School); 1874-1940 (4th Ward School); and 1898-1940 (2nd Ward School).  In 1941 these buildings were condemned, and four new elementary buildings were constructed in each sector of the city:  Anthony Wayne Elementary to the south; Slocum Elementary to the west; Brickell Elementary to the east; and Spencer Elementary to the north.

The junior high school now includes grades 6, 7 and 8.  The 6th grade remains in the old middle school on the 2nd floor.  

The first superintendent of the district was hired in 1851.  Including that year through present Defiance has had 38 superintendents.  

Ere to her be true.

Live up to the best that's in you

For the White and Blue.

Hail Defiance, Hail Defiance

We'll uphold thy fame

Striving ever to be worthy,

Of thy glorius name.

Chad Billingsley   

2003 DHS graduate.  First round draft pick of the LA Dodgers baseball team during his senior year.

Stuart Clark 

1980 graduate from DHS.  Senior photographer with the Atlanta, GA based CNN.

Luke Hagerty 

1999 DHS grad.  Chicago Cubs first round draft pick in 2002.

1957 DHS alumnis.  Appointed by President Gerald Ford to serve as associate director of the White House domestic policy staff in 1975; and , in 1988 and 1989 President Ronald Reagan nominated her to the US Court of Appeals.

1967 DHS graduate is well known in his field of forensic psychology.

1973 graduate.  Became professional football player in 1979 for the Broncos as the 4th leading rusher in their history.

Class of 1973.  She co-wrote the screenplay about Defiance, titled Dreams of Defiance which previewed for 6 weeks in Chicago.

1964 graduate of DHS.  Author of the book The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio...How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less.  In fall of 2005 her book released as a feature film starring Julianne Moore as Evelyn Ryan and Woody Harrelson as Kelly Ryan.

1970 DHS graduate.  He had a partnership with the Columbus-America Discovery Group, which was responsible for retrieving treasurers and artifacts from the S. S. Central America.  He spent 10 years researching the ship wreck of the S. S. Central America in preparation of the expedition.

Michelle Renee Thomas (Shelly Gray)

A 1988 graduate of DHS.  Her movie credits include:  Dazed and Confused, Coneheads; Major Leagure II; and Midnight in St. Petersburg.  Her TV credits include:  The Last Don I and II; Tales from the Crypt; Scattering Dae; and, Little Men for the PAX network.

Graduated in 1970 from DHS.  He was the founder and principal director of the Columbus-America Discovery Group, which was responsible for treasurers and artifacts to be retrieved from the bottom of the Altantic Ocean from the S. S. Central American.  He also is author of the book America's Lost Treasurer, which details his exursions.