Colorado Springs Schools

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, 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 will determine which schools will get an A, an F or something in between under the state law that will hand out "report cards" to every Colorado elementary and middle school. Changes in CSAP scores over time also will 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. For complete test scores and more information, visit: http://www.gazette.com/csap/ Colorado's school choice law

A 1993 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.

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. Our online Yellow Pages has extensive listings with maps and driving directions.

Colorado Department of Education http://www.cde.state.co.us/

School Districts:

Academy - Colorado Springs

Cheyenne Mountain - Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs #11 - Colorado Springs

Fountain-Ft. Carson 8 - Fountain

Falcon 49 - Falcon

Harrison - Colorado Springs

Lewis-Palmer - Monument

Manitou Springs - Manitou Springs

Widefield - Colorado Springs

Woodland Park - Woodland Park

Colleges:

UCCS (University of Colorado)

Colorado College

Pikes Peak Community College

Map of the School Districts. To see an interactive map of Colorado Springs, go to Google Maps Click to Enlarge