The Guam Public School System 41 - serves the entire island of Guam. In 2000, 32,000 students attended Guam's public schools. Guam Public Schools have struggled with problems such as high dropout rates and poor test scores.42 - 43 - Guam's educational system has always faced unique challenges as a small community located 6,000 miles (9,700 km) from the U.S. mainland with a very diverse student body including many students who come from backgrounds without traditional American education.44 - An economic downturn in Guam since the mid-1990s has compounded the problems in schools.45 - Prior to September 1997, the U.S. Department of Defense partnered with Guam Board of Education.46 - In September 1997 the DoDEA opened its own schools for children of military personnel.47 - DoDEA schools, which also serve children of some federal civilian employees, had an attendance of 2,500 in 2000. DoDEA Guam operates three elementary/middle schools and one high school.48 -