Monday, May 20, 2013
Education guide
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Welcome to the Independent's Education Guide, intended to list scholastic resources for new arrivals to our community or for old thin-airists interested in continuing education. Sharpen your pencils, buy a stylish backpack, consider wearing a sweatshirt that says "College," mentally prepare for homework, and most of all, try to have fun.
One thing to note: This is not a complete list. Despite our most earnest efforts, we anticipate having missed a few organizations and institutions. We also realize that numerous specialized and trade institutions are technically schools, but space requirements mandated that we draw a line somewhere. Consult the Yellow Pages for more information. If you'd like to point out an omission, please e-mail listings@csindy.com.
Colleges and universities
Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.
P.O. Box 7150 UH-1
Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7150
262-4422
Founded in 1904, Beth-El College merged with UCCS (see listing below) in 1997. Now a college within the university, it works closely with Memorial Hospital and Penrose St. Francis, so its graduates benefit from real-world experience.
At the undergraduate level, Beth-El offers a four-year bachelor of science in nursing degree with different specialties available; an RN-to-BSN bridge program; a four-year bachelor of science in health care services degree with options in nutrition, sports, and health and wellness; health care management; forensic health science; and completion degrees in emergency medical services and radiation technology. Additionally, Beth-El offers several certificate options for undergraduate and graduate students. Many courses are offered online.
Admissions: Call the number above for information.
Everest College (Formerly Blair College)
1815 Jet Wing Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
638-6580
Everest College offers vocational programs designed to help graduates prepare for specialized and entry-level positions. Everest College offers programs in accounting, administrative assisting, business administration, computer information systems (networking, programming, web design), criminal justice, legal assisting/paralegal services, medical administrative assisting, medical assisting and medical insurance billing/coding.
Admissions: Prerequisites for admission include the successful completion of an assessment examination and an interview with an admissions officer. Financial aid is available to those that qualify.
The Colorado College
14 E. Cache la Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
389-6000; 800/542-7214
The Colorado College, founded in 1874, is a small, four-year liberal arts and sciences college with a student body of approximately 1,950. CC is consistently ranked among the nation's top liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. CC is distinctive for its "block" plan, in which the academic year is divided into eight 3-week sessions, allowing students to focus on one class at a time.
Admissions: Applications are available online and from the college, and are to be returned to the admissions office with a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
Students are required to take the SAT or ACT, provide a secondary school transcript and two teacher recommendations, and answer essay questions. Financial aid is available.
The Colorado School of Professional Psychology
555 E. Pikes Peak Ave. #108
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
389-0360; 877/442-0505, cospp.edu
The Colorado School of Professional Psychology is an independent, not-for-profit graduate school. Founded in mid-1998, it opened its doors to doctoral students in January 2000. The Psy.D. program at COSPP is a comprehensive four-year program in clinical psychology designed for working adults. Degrees offered are a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and an M.A. in psychology. Specializations include marriage and family therapy, substance abuse, eating disorders, organizational consulting, forensics, trauma, group or school psychology.
Admissions: Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in any field from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized institution. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but above a 2.5 may be considered on a selective basis. Candidates possessing a master's degree in psychology, counseling or a closely related field may be considered for admission based on their graduate-level coursework. An admissions packet may be requested from the admissions office, or downloaded from the Web site. Some financial aid and loans are available.
Colorado State University at Pueblo
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81001
719/549-2461, colostate-pueblo.edu
Formerly the University of Southern Colorado, CSU-Pueblo is a member of the Colorado State University system. Its 275-acre campus offers 26 undergraduate programs and graduate degrees in applied natural science, business administration, industrial and systems engineering and nursing. Pre-nutrition/dietetics and English are offered in conjunction with Colorado State University. In addition, non-credit, online courses may be used for professional development or personal growth and are not part of an academic degree program. Courses are available in a variety of topics, including computers, personal enrichment, entrepreneur/business, business administration/management, writing and Spanish.
Admissions: Students must submit an application (available online) with a $25 payment, ACT or SAT scores, and a high school transcript (or GED test scores).
College America at Colorado Springs
3645 Citadel Drive South
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
637-0600; 800/622-2894
College America has branches in Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins. It also has campuses in Flagstaff and Phoenix, Ariz. It offers programs in business, computer technology, medical specialties and graphic arts. Associate's degrees are available in computer programming, computer technology and networking, e-business management and accounting, medical specialties and graphic arts. The bachelor of science program includes accounting, business administration, computer science and health care administration. Flexible and online classes are available, with financial aid for those who qualify.
Admissions: Interested students can contact an enrollment adviser via the Web site, or apply online. Applicants must be high school graduates or have a GED.
Colorado Technical University
4435 N. Chestnut St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
598-0200; 800/559-9287
Colorado Technical University (CTU), founded in 1965, offers undergraduate's, master's and doctorate degree programs for careers in business, criminal justice, visual communications and high-tech industries. Professional certificate programs also are available. Courses may be taken in a traditional classroom setting, online or through a combination of both. CTU offers a wide range of undergraduate online courses.
Admissions: Applications can be made online or with the assistance of admissions representatives. A high school diploma or GED is required. A variety of financial aid programs is offered.
DeVry University
1175 Kelly Johnson Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
632-3000, devry.edu
DeVry University offers career-oriented education at campuses throughout North America. In Colorado Springs, undergraduate programs are offered in business administration, electronics and computer technology, network systems administration and technical management. DeVry also offers these programs in an accelerated format. Master's degree programs are offered through the Keller Graduate School of Management. Many programs are offered online.
Admissions: An application (available online) must be completed, as well as an interview with an admissions representative. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Numerous financial aid packages are available and detailed online.
Fuller Theological Seminary
540 N. Cascade Ave., Suite 202
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
385-0085, fuller.edu
Fuller Theological Seminary is a nonprofit private institution that is one of North America's largest seminaries. The Colorado Springs campus offers coursework leading toward certifications and graduate degrees in theology and Christian leadership.
Admissions: In general, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent.
Heritage College
12 Lakeside Lane
Denver, CO 80212
303/477-7240; 888/334-7339
Heritage College of Health Careers is located in Denver. Programs are offered for careers as a massage therapist, medical assistant, X-ray medical technician, pharmacy technician, esthetician and personal trainer. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology has accredited Heritage College.
Admissions: Prospective students can request information via phone or online.
IntelliTec College
2315 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
632-7626; 800/748-2282
Founded in 1965, IntelliTec provides specialized career training and offers associate of occupational studies degrees in HVAC/refrigeration, architectural drafting and mechanical drafting, and programs to become network systems administrators, and automotive technicians. Free graduate placement assistance is available. The school is accredited ACCSCT.
Admissions: The school requires a high school diploma or GED, ability to read, write and speak English, and participation in a personal interview with an admissions representative.
IntelliTec Medical Institute
2345 N. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
596-7400, intelliteccollege.edu
IntelliTec Medical Institute was established in 1966. The school's programs include medical assisting, medical administrative assisting, dental assisting, massage therapy and programs to become medical lab technicians.
Admissions: The school requires a high school diploma or GED, evidence of good health, ability to read, write and speak English, and participation in a personal interview with an admissions representative.
National American University
5125 N. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
590-8300, national.edu
National American University is a private institution with multiple campuses throughout the central United States that offer master's, bachelor's and associate's degrees. Courses include accounting, applied management, pharmacy technicians, RN to BSN, medical administrative assisting, medical assisting, business administration, health care and information technology. MBA and master's programs in management are also available. Traditional and online courses are available. NCA accredited.
Admissions: You may call or write to NAU and request an application form, or apply online. There is a $25 application fee. Federal financial aid programs are available for those that qualify.
Nazarene Bible College
1111 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
884-5000; 800/873-3873, nbc.edu
Founded in 1967, the college seeks to train mostly second-career adults for the ministry. It offers associate of arts degrees in church ministries, Christian ministries, early education and women's ministry. Bachelor of arts degrees in ministry are available with majors in pastoral ministry, Christian education, music, Christian counseling and Bible and theology.
Admissions: Applications can be made online or by contacting the college. The college requires a high school diploma or GED, a testimonial essay and letters of recommendation.
New Geneva Theological Seminary
3622 Galley Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
573-5395; 800/554-5669
The Colorado Springs campus of New Geneva Theological Seminary offers coursework toward certifications and graduate degrees in theology and biblical studies.
Admissions: Students must submit a degree application form (available on the Web site), along with a $25 application fee by mail.
Pikes Peak Community College
Enrollment Services: 502-3000
Switchboard: 502-2000
Toll-Free: 800/456-6847, ppcc.edu
Pikes Peak Community College was established in 1968 as the El Paso Community College. The college offers two-year educational programs that enable students to qualify for admission as juniors at other colleges and universities. Also offered are programs in a variety of career and technical fields.
Admissions: An online application is available. Placement testing is required for all first-time, degree-seeking students. For information on financial aid and scholarships, call 502-3000.
Centennial Campus
5675 S. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
The Downtown Studio Campus
100 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Rampart Range Campus
11195 Hwy. 83
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
Pima Medical Institute
Colorado Springs Campus
370 Printers Pkwy.
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
482-7462; 800/477-7462, pimamedical.com
The Colorado Springs branch of the Pima Medical Institute offers dental assistant, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, pharmacy technician and veterinary assistant programs. The school offers a full range of student services, including financial aid and job placement assistance.
Admissions: Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Those who do not have a high school diploma or GED and are over age 18 may take a federally approved application test. All applicants must take an entrance exam and pass with a minimum score.
PPNC Bible College and Seminary
2130 Academy Circle South, Suite F
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26538
Colorado Springs, CO 80936
264-8604, ppncmin.com
Originally a Bible and seminary school for women, PPNC now has opened a department of men's studies. Bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certification programs are available in pastoral health minister and pastoral counseling. Theology/religious studies also has a bachelor's, master's and doctoral program.
Admissions: An online application is available. Tuition costs vary depending upon the program.
Regis University
7450 Campus Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
303/458-7420, regis.edu
Regis University was founded in 1877 by a group of exiled Italian Jesuits. It is a liberal arts college that comprises three schools: Regis College offers a range of programs in liberal arts, sciences, education and business; the School for Health Care Professions offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs for careers in health professions; and the School for Professional Studies offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, academic certificates and non-credit corporate education for working professionals. Online courses and degrees are available.
Admissions: Each school has different admissions requirements. Contact the departments of admissions or visit the Web site for further information. A variety of financial aid packages is available; for assistance, call the financial aid office at 800/388-2366 ext. 4126.
Remington College
6050 Erin Park Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
532-1234
remingtoncollege.edu/coloradosprings
Remington College offers associate's degrees in science, programs in criminal justice, and bachelor of science degrees in criminal justice and operations management. Diploma programs for careers as a computer support specialist, medical assistant and pharmacy technician also are offered.
Admissions: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for all programs except the medical assistance program and computer support specialist program. An interview with an admissions representative is required. Various forms of financial aid may be explored using links provided on the Web site.
Troy University
800/551-6076, troy.edu
A regionally accredited institution, Troy offers on-site graduate programs in management and international relations, and additional undergraduate online degrees. The programs are organized with working and military students in mind; Troy offers many classes online and some classes in an unusual weekend format that allows students to earn credit over the course of two or three weekends. Classes are held at the Fort Carson campus, and the classroom at 5825 Delmonico Drive, Suite 120.
Admissions: Call the number above for information.
Fort Carson Campus
1675 Long St.
Fort Carson, CO 80913
526-8073
University of Phoenix
800/834-4646, phoenix.edu
The University of Phoenix offers undergraduate, graduate and associate's degrees in many fields, including business, education, criminal justice, social and behavioral science, health care services and technology. Classes are offered in the evening and on weekends, with the working professional in mind. Most courses can be taken online.
There is a 20-month degree program for associate's degrees. Online or "on the ground" programs are available.
Admissions: For the undergraduate program, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, be at least 16 years of age and have access to an organizational environment where he or she can apply concepts learned in class. Graduate students are required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and at least three years of significant work experience. Specific degree programs may have additional admissions requirements. To enroll, students can complete and submit a request-for-information form from the Web site or call. Once the request has been received, students will meet with an enrollment advisor.
Executive Towers South Campus
2864 South Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
235-4009
Southern Colorado Campus
5725 Mark Dabling Blvd., Suite 150
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
599-5282
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
262-3000, uccs.edu
One of four institutions in the University of Colorado system, UCCS offers a wide variety of bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as doctoral degrees. There are six colleges on campus: business and administration, education, engineering and applied science, public affairs, nursing and letters, arts and sciences. UCCS also offers a number of graduate degrees through its graduate school and its Graduate School for Public Affairs.
Admissions: Applications are available from the college or online and are to be returned to the admissions office with a $50 application fee ($60 for graduate school). An official high school transcript, official ACT/SAT scores and transcripts of college coursework previously taken are required.
United States Air Force Academy
HQ USAFA, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 2300
USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
333-2520; 800/443-9266
Recognized as one of the nation's finest four-year institutions of higher learning, the U.S. Air Force Academy provides cadets with a solid foundation for a career in the Air Force and a life as an engaged citizen.
Admissions: Public law (Title 10) decrees that a cadet must be unmarried, with no dependents, and be older than 17, but younger than 23, by July 1 of the year he or she enters the academy. Full details can be found at the Academy's Web site.
Webster University
5475 Tech Center Drive, Suite 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
590-7340
Webster University's main campus is in St. Louis, but the university has more than 100 campuses across United States, Europe, China and Thailand. Students attend classes one evening a week from 5:30 to 9:30. Webster offers master's degrees in business administration, information technology management, human resources development and management, management and leadership, procurement and acquisitions management, and space systems operations management. Many of these programs are available online. Classes are also offered at Colorado Springs' satellite office at Peterson Air Force Base.
Admissions: Students who have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher will be admitted; no entrance exams are required. Go online to see all information regarding admissions.
K through 12 education: area school districts
Colorado Springs School District 11
1115 N. El Paso St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
520-2000, cssd11.k12.co.us
D-11 consists of 39 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, five high schools, six charter schools and seven alternative schools. D-11 is the largest, most centrally located and most diverse school district in Colorado Springs. As D-11's schools improve, so, too, do the neighborhoods that surround them, as young families who once might have preferred the suburbs move to the downtown area. D-11 also has one of the best elementary schools in Colorado (Steele), as well as a high school that could serve as a model for every urban school in America (Palmer).
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
1775 LaClede St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
475-6100, cmsd.k12.co.us
D-12 consists of six elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school and one charter school.
The Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy is located at 1832 S. Wahsatch Ave. The Academy is designed for grades K through 8. It uses the Direct Instruction method for reading, math and spelling, and the Shirley method for grammar and writing. The Hirsch Core Knowledge series provides a systematic and incremental sequence of content-rich topics.
Academy School District 20
1110 Chapel Hills Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
234-1200, asd20.co.edu
Academy District 20 existed for over two decades with one high school, one junior high, and a few elementary schools. Then, in the 1980s, the district experienced a major building boom, with the addition of two high schools, two middle schools and six elementary schools. Now D-20 consists of 17 elementary schools, four middle schools, five high schools and one "choice," or charter, school.
By any measure test scores, graduation rates, college admissions/scholarships, student achievement awards D-20 is one of the best school districts in the state. It's a suburban district, which, while politically conservative, typically has supported the bond issues needed to keep pace with growth.
Harrison School District 2
1060 Harrison Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
579-2000, harrison.k12.co.us
The second-oldest organized school district in El Paso County, Harrison School District 2 was officially organized on Aug. 20, 1874, two years before Colorado became a state and three years after the city of Colorado Springs was founded. The original two-room Harrison School was built in 1891 on the Lewis Dairy Farm, where the Colorado Springs World Arena is now. District 2 currently consists of 15 elementary schools, one K through 8 school, three middle schools, three high schools, four charter schools and one alternative school.
What distinguishes this district: As quoted on District 2's Web site, "We are 'in the trenches,' and would not have it any other way."
Falcon School District 49
10850 E. Woodmen Road
Falcon, CO 80831
495-3601, d49.org
Falcon District 49 is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the area. It consists of nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools.
One of the district's slogans is "A special place for everyone." The district strives to keep a small-town atmosphere as it grows, treating each student as an individual.
Lewis-Palmer School District 38
146 Jefferson St.
Monument, CO 80132
488-4700, lewispalmer.org
Lewis-Palmer School District consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one charter school.
Lewis-Palmer is a small district (particularly when compared to D-11 and D-20), so students can expect an intimate, friendly and supportive atmosphere, with less bureaucracy and more individual attention.
Widefield School District 3
1820 Main St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
391-3000, wsd3.org
The students of Widefield School District 3 are served by nine K through 6 elementary schools, three junior high schools, two high schools and an alternative high school.
Widefield School District 3 is a strong community anchor, embodying the hopes and aspirations of this transient community. Catering to a student body that's multiracial, multiethnic and often from working-class backgrounds, the district has formulated an exhaustive set of criteria to define academic expectations. Widefield High graduates include some of Colorado's best-known athletes, and, moreover, D-3 operates its own Parks and Recreation Department, complete with a community center.
The district offers programs through its James Madison Charter Academy, a charter school for grades K through 6, located at 660 Syracuse St. The school's mission is to develop educated, independent, self-motivated children who are critical thinkers, technologically aware and socially astute.
Manitou Springs School District 14
405 El Monte Place
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
685-2024, mssd14.k12.co.us
The students of the Manitou Springs area are served by one high school, one middle school and two elementary schools.
What distinguishes this district: Manitou Springs is a small town, and D-14 is a small district. But as Manitou alumni, students, teachers and administrators will attest, it's a fine school system. Expect quirky, smart students and sympathetic and caring teachers and administrators.
K through 12 education: private schools
All Peoples Learning Center
4735 Town Center Drive, Suite B
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
634-5013, allpeopleseducation.org
Private Christian and home-schooling courses for grades K through 12.
American Christian Academy
2230 E. Bijou St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
633-1129 Grades 1 through 12.
Branson School Online
101 Saddle Rock Drive
P.O. Box 128
Branson, CO 81027
719/946-5531; 888/863-7850
E-mail: info@bransonschoolonline.com
Branson School offers an accredited K through 12 public education online or within a bricks-and-mortar school.
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind
33 N. Institute St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Voice 578-2100
TDD 578-2101, csdb.org
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind is a state-funded school that provides educational services to those under age 21 who are deaf or hard of hearing and/or blind or low-vision. For students beyond a reasonable commuting distance, on-campus living is available, as are after-school programs, athletics, peer advisers, Big Brother/Big Sister and work programs. A variety of living arrangements is offered, based on students' levels of independence.
Admissions: Students are required to have a documented hearing and/or vision loss, as defined by Colorado eligibility guidelines.
Colorado Springs Christian Schools
4855 Mallow Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
599-3553, cscslions.org
E-mail: admissions@cscslions.org
Nondenominational K through 12 Christian school that provides biblically-based education. Also offered are home-schooling programs, day care and the Handprints Early Education Center preschool.
The Colorado Springs School
21 Broadmoor Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
475-9747, css.org
The Colorado Springs School gives students in preschool through 12th grade the opportunity to "learn by doing." The curriculum allows students to apply academic concepts to classroom activities and to field studies on campus, in the community, in the nation and around the world. Teachers at the independent, coeducational, college-prep day school have small classes, so they know students as individuals and challenge them to give their best. The college counseling process, which begins in middle school, helps students find the right fit academically, socially and financially. Individualized guidance in high school coursework, testing tactics, essay writing and interviewing gives each student the tools to present the best possible profile to colleges and universities. The Colorado Springs School offers a variety of arts, athletics and service opportunities in a balanced program. Transportation, as well as before- and after-school care, are available. Financial aid and scholarships are available to students who qualify.
Corpus Christi Catholic School
2410 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
632-5092, corpuschristicos.org
Grades pre-K through 8.
Cornerstone Baptist Academy
3615 Vickers Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
593-7887 A K through 12 Christian school for church members only.
Divine Redeemer Catholic School
901 N. Logan Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
471-7771
divineredeemer.net/school/drschool.htm
Grades pre-K through 8.
Evangelical Christian Academy
2511 N. Logan Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
634-7024, ecaeagles.org
Secondary campus
4052 Nonchalant Circle South
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
597-3675
Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
390-7035, fvs.edu
Fountain Valley School, founded in 1930, is a private boarding and day school that stresses rigorous academics for grades 9 to 12.
Admissions: An application (available online), a personal interview with an admissions officer and standardized test scores (preferably the Secondary School Admissions Test) are required. Contact the admissions office at admission@fvs.edu for further information.
HillSprings Learning Center
1257 Lake Plaza Drive, Suite 120
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
576-3840, hillsprings.org
HillSprings Learning Center is a nonprofit, half-day learning center for K through 8 with learning disabilities or ADD.
Hilltop Baptist School
6915 Palmer Park Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
597-1880, hbccs.org
Grades K through 12.
Holy Trinity Catholic School
3115 Larkspur Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
634-1029, holytrinitycs.com
Grades K through 8.
Immanuel Lutheran School
828 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
636-3681, ilsfalcons.org
Grades pre-K through 8.
Our Lady of the Rockies School
815 S. 25th St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
634-0988
Additional information not available at press time.
Pauline Memorial Catholic School
1601 Mesa Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
632-1846
Grades pre-K through 8.
Pikes Peak Academy
5590 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
473-5745, pikespeakacademy.net An alternative Christian high school.
Pikes Peak Christian School
5905 Flintridge Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
598-8610, ppcseagles.net
Grades pre-K through 12.
The Renaissance Academy
2760 Fieldstone Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
475-2510, therenaissanceacademy.org
The Renaissance Academy is an independent day school for gifted students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
Admissions: Admission is based on a personal interview with the director for parents and the student. In addition, students must take either a Stanford-Binet or a Weschler IQ test administered by a clinical psychologist.
Contact the school for current tuition rates. Payment plans are available, as well as financial aid for one year only.
Springs Adventist Academy
5410 E. Palmer Park Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
597-0155, saaschool.org
Grades K through 9.
St. Mary's High School
2501 E. Yampa St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
635-7540, smhscs.org
Founded in 1885 by Sister Columa Gallavan of the Sisters of Loretto, St. Mary's High School was one of the first schools in the Pikes Peak region. St. Mary's High School now is an independent, coeducational Catholic high school with over 350 students.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School
631 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
575-0436, ststephensdayschool.org
Grades pre-K through 5.
West Valley Alternative High School
828 Wooten Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
635-1371
Founded in 1996, West Valley Alternative High School was created for at-risk students. Students are referred to West Valley by their home school district, which must be a Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services (see listing above) member district.
Admission: School officials, parents or students interested in learning more about the West Valley High School program should contact their high school counseling office or a West Valley staff member.
Montessori Schools
Montessori schools are based on principles developed in 1907 by Maria Montessori, Italy's first female physician. Learning through all five senses is emphasized, and children are allowed to learn at their own pace, choosing activities from numerous possibilities. Children are placed in multi-age groups, which encourages older children to share their knowledge with younger ones. The following Montessori schools are located in Colorado Springs:
Buena Vista Elementary School (part of School District 11)
1620 W. Bijou St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
328-4100, d11.org/buenavista
Giving Tree Montessori School
1110 W. Moreno Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
630-3763
Golden Mountain Montessori School 306 W. Brookside St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
632-0875
Hope Montessori Academy
2041 Chuckwagon RoadColorado Springs, CO 80919388-8818, montessorichild.com"
Hope Montessori Academy
6353 Stetson Hills Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80922, montessorichild.com"
Hope Montessori Academy 18075 Minglewood Trail
Monument, CO 80132, montessorichild.com
Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy
7675 Lexington Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
592-0900, rm-montessori.com
Woodland Hills Montessori School
3215 Woodland Hills Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
594-0611
Other public school resources
Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services
4825 Lorna Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
570-7474, ppboces.org
Founded in 1968, the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services serves 15 school districts in the Pikes Peak region. The Pikes Peak BOCES helps local school districts find the best use of educational dollars by offering services in technology planning and implementation, program development for non-English-speaking students, and more.
Homeschool support
CMCA Home School Connection
2948 E. Fountain Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
477-6715
A one-day-a-week enrichment program for home-schoolers in grades 1 through 8.
Continuing education and the arts
Bemis School of Art
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
30 W. Dale St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
475-2444, csfineartscenter.org
Founded in 1968, Bemis offers art classes to children and adults. A variety of media is covered, from drawing, painting and photography to ceramics, music, drama and more.
Admissions: Preschoolers through adults may register at the Fine Arts Center or use the online mail-in registration form. Tuition varies per class.
City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
1401 Recreation Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
385-5940, springsgov.com
The city of Colorado Springs offers a multitude of learning opportunities for people of all ages through recreation centers, community centers and senior centers. Cooperative agreements with schools and recreational facilities provide facilities to supplement the city's facilities. Classes range from academic to recreational.
Colorado Springs School District 11 Community Education
Mailing Address: 1115 N. El Paso St.
Walk-in Registration: 1033 N. Franklin St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
520-2000, cssd11.k12.co.us/communityed District 11 offers dozens of community education classes for children and adults, from ballroom dancing to Spanish to managing rental property. They take place in the district's schools year-round.
Colorado State University at Pueblo, Division of Continuing Education
2200 Bonforte Blvd.
Pueblo, CO 81001-4901
719/549-2316, 800/388-6154
CSU-Pueblo CONED also offers extension sites in Pueblo and in Colorado Springs at the Citadel Center, Pikes Peak Community College, Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base.
Cottonwood Artists' School
25 Cimino Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
520-1899, cottonwoodartistsschool.com
Cottonwood Artists' School offers a variety of visual art classes, workshops, instructional video screenings and open studio sessions for all levels. Instructors are experienced artists. For class schedules, visit the Web site.
Falcon School District 49 Community Education
10850 E. Woodmen Road
Falcon, CO 80831
495-3601, d49.org/communityed This new program takes place in district schools, offering a variety of classes for children and adults in the community.
Globelink International Services, Inc. / Foreign Language Center
102 S. Tejon St., Suite 1100
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
532-0300, globelinkservices.com
Globelink International offers foreign language and cultural awareness classes for individuals and businesses, as well as translation services. Twenty-seven languages offered, including Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. It offers a variety of classes, study groups and translation services in more than 60 languages. During summer, the center offers group language classes for school-aged children.
PILLAR
30 E. Rio Grande St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903 633-4991, visitpillar.org
The Peak Institute of Living, Learning and Rejuvenation (PILLAR) has been offering classes that are open to all. More than 200 volunteers in the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization develop the curriculum, instruct classes and provide organizational structure. Classes range from music and travel to computers and astronomy. Locations and fees vary.
Pikes Peak Library District
The Pikes Peak Library District offers book discussion groups, computer classes and numerous other learning activities for the community. Meetings and classes take place at PPLD libraries, branch libraries and online. Most activities are free or require a nominal fee. The PPLD has also opened an eBranch, which can be found online at ebranch.ppld.org.
Briargate Branch
9475 Briar Village Point
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
260-6882
Cheyenne Mountain Branch
1785 S. Eighth St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
633-6278
East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
531-6333
Fountain Branch
230 S. Main St.
Fountain, CO 80817
382-5347
Monument Branch
1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive
Monument, CO 80132
488-2370
Old Colorado City Branch
2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
634-1698
Palmer Lake Branch
66 Lower Glenway
Palmer Lake, CO 80133
481-2587
Penrose Public Library
20 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
531-6333
Rockrimmon Branch
832 Village Center Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
593-8000
Ruth Holley Branch
685 N. Murray Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
597-5377
Sand Creek Branch
1821 S. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
597-7070
Ute Pass Branch
8010 Severy Road
Cascade, CO 80809
684-9342
