D.A.R.E. stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive prevention program designed to equip elementary school children with the life skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The 17-lesson D.A.R.E. core curriculum taught by a specially trained, uniformed law enforcement officer provides a unique relationship between officer & student. This interaction promotes a positive role model identification as well as healthy bonding with a trusted adult.

Program Goals

• Prevent substance abuse among school- age children. 
• Target children at an age when they are most receptive to drug prevention education and before they are likely to have experimented with tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 
• Prevent adolescent substance abuse, thus reducing the demand for drugs.

Objectives for Students

• Provide the skills to recognize and resist social pressures to experiment with tobacco, alcohol and drugs. 
• Enhance self-esteem.
• Teach positive alternatives to substance and other destructive behaviours (particularly gangs and violence). 
• Build interpersonal and communication skills.

The D.A.R.E. core curriculum is delivered to sixth-grade students. In addition to the core curriculum, D.A.R.E. offers specialized programs for junior & senior high students, parents and special education students.