SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN COLORADO SPRINGS AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS

The Educational System in Colorado Springs

Unlike some communities that have one large, universal public school district, the Colorado Springs region is divided into numerous smaller geographical districts, each with its own superintendent. Each has its own attendance calendar and may have different policies concerning dress code, snow closures and other factors.

Starting in 2000, the state Legislature mandated that public schools be judged by their students' performance on the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP), a series of tests in reading, writing, science and math administered twice a year in various grades. This program is at the heart of education reform in Colorado. The scores determine which schools get an A, an F, or something in between and the Colorado Department of Education hands out "report cards" to every Colorado elementary and middle school. Changes in CSAP scores over time largely determine which schools keep state accreditation. In addition, real estate agents consult the scores to show off certain neighborhoods. Parents use them to pick a school for their children, or simply to see how their local school stacks up.

Colorado's School Choice Law

A 1990 state law allows parents to send their children to the public school of choice, regardless of neighborhood school or district boundaries. So a student in Colorado Springs District 11 may attend a D-11 school across town or a school in any area district.

A key criteria in the choice process is whether space is available in the school the student wants to attend. Parents are encouraged to talk to the principal at the school they wish their child to attend.

State law also allows school boards to establish their own rules such as an annual application deadline. Parents should ask the principal of their choice school about the process or contact district offices to learn more.

Programs for the Academically Gifted

Most districts in the region have programs for academically talented students. Many high schools offer accelerated "honors" courses in various subjects, and an International Baccalaureate program is available. Advanced Placement Systems in some schools offer college credit to qualifying high school students in English, mathematics, chemistry, French, American history, biology, Spanish and German. Enrichment programs in conjunction with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado College and Pikes Peak Community College are also offered to gifted and talented students in the region.

Special Education

Federal law requires public schools to provide handicapped youth with equal education access and in the least restrictive environment. The larger school districts in the region house their own Special Education departments that provide a full range of special education services.

Vocational Programs

Many larger school districts have vocational education programs. However, the unusually high capital cost of some vocational programs has led some districts to contract with the Pikes Peak Community College Vocational Program to offer specialized occupational programs.

Private, Religious and Specialty Schools

Colorado Springs has a large number of private and parochial schools offering high-quality options in elementary and secondary education. Click here for a list of these schools.

Sources: The Gazette, The Greater Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, The Colorado Department of Education.

Academy 20	1110 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920	(719)598-2566
Calhan RJ-1	P.O. Box 800 Calhan, CO 80808	(719)347-2541
Cheyenne Mountain 12	1118 West Cheyenne Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906	(719)475-6100
Colorado Springs 11	1115 North El Paso Street Colorado Springs, CO	(719)520-2000
Cripple Creek-Victor RE-1	P.O. Box 897 Cripple Creek, CO 80813	(719)689-2685
Ellicott 22	395 South Ellicott Highway Ellicott, CO 80808	(719)683-2700
Falcon 49	10850 Woodmen Road Falcon, CO 80831	(719)495-3601
Fountain 8	425 West Alabama Avenue Fountain, CO 80817	(719)382-1300
Harrison 2	1060 Harrison Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906	(719)579-2000
Lewis-Palmer 38	P.O. Box B 146 Jefferson Street Monument, CO 80132	(719)488-4700
Manitou Springs 14	701 Duclo Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 80829	(719)685-2024
Peyton 23 JT	13990 Bradshaw Road Peyton, CO 80831	(719)749-2330
Widefield 3	1820 Main Street Colorado Springs, CO 80911	(719)391-3000
Woodland Park RE-2	P.O. Box 99 Woodland Park, CO 80866	(719)687-6048