Fall/Spring 2009
Thanks for picking up the Independent's second guide of the year to learning in the Pikes Peak region. Once again, we checked in with public and private educational institutions to find out who can jump in and how interested parties can sign up.
Although our Education Guide doesn't reflect every single place from which to derive an education around here, it offers a fine variety of trade schools, arts centers and places that help students develop new skills or reignite old passions. There are also supplementary education camps and workshops, tutorial services and specialized prep courses. The best place to find more information (which we simply couldn't fit) is of course, the old standby, the local phone book ... or modernized informational tool, Google.
That said, if you know of an organization or institution that should be included in the categories laid out here, please don't hesitate to let us know by e-mailing scene@csindy.com.
Best of luck in all your educational pursuits, and thanks again for reading. Do remember, as A.A. Milne once said, "To the uneducated, an A is just three sticks."
The Indy staff
Post-secondary education
Beth-El College of Nursing & Health Sciences
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
3955 Cragwood Drive
Colorado Springs 80933
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 and Penrose St. Francis hospitals, 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 and sports health and wellness; and forensic health science. Additionally, Beth-El offers several certificate options for undergraduate and graduate students. Many courses are offered online.
Admissions: Call 262-3383 for information.
Accelerated BSN program: If candidate has a bachelor's degree, a BSN can be obtained in 16 months.
The Colorado College
14 E. Cache la Poudre St.
Colorado Springs 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. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks CC among the nation's top liberal arts colleges. 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.
University of the Rockies
(Formerly Colorado School of Professional Psychology)
555 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs 80903
442-0505
The University of the Rockies, operated by Bridgepoint Education, is a graduate school offering an M.A. in psychology, a Psy.D. in clinical psychology and a Psy.D. in organizational leadership. Founded in mid-1998, it opened its doors to doctoral students in January 2000. Specializations include marriage and family therapy, professional counseling and organizational leadership. The university also offers continuing-education programs for mental health professionals.
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 may be considered on a selective basis. Candidates must submit a California Psychological Inventory (CPI) and Miller Analogies Test (MAT), as well as a signed UoR No Criminal Convictions form. 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 81001
719/549-2462
Formerly the University of Southern Colorado, CSU-Pueblo is a member of the Colorado State University system. Its 275-acre campus is the fastest growing university in the state with an enrollment of more than 4,600 students and newly opened student recreation center, student recreation field, and football and track & field stadium. With 26 bachelor's degrees and six master's degrees, CSU-Pueblo offers multiple paths to define your future through the College of Science and Mathematics, the Hasan School of Business, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Education, Engineering and Professional Studies.
Continuing Education: In addition, the division of Continuing Education offers classes in several majors to meet the needs of working adults and military personnel in Colorado Springs. These classes are held at three locations in Colorado Springs, including the Citadel Center, Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base. The entire curriculum of upper-division courses for degrees in social science, sociology, sociology/criminology, liberal studies (elementary education) and social work is presently available, as well as some lower-division general-education courses. 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 80909
637-0600
College America's Colorado Springs branch 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 80907
800/559-9287
Colorado Technical University (CTU), founded in 1965, offers undergraduate, master's and doctorate degree programs for careers in business, management, criminal justice, public administration, 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, and a personal interview is required. A high school diploma or GED is also required. Various financial aid programs are offered.
DeVry University
1175 Kelly Johnson Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80920
632-3000
DeVry University's Colorado Springs campus offers career-oriented education 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 (at the campus or 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.
Everest College
1815 Jet Wing Drive
Colorado Springs 80916
638-6580
Everest College offers vocational programs designed to help graduates prepare for specialized and entry-level positions. They include accounting, administrative assisting, business administration, computer information science (networking, programming, Web design), criminal justice, legal assisting/paralegal services, massage therapy, medical administrative assisting, medical assisting and medical insurance billing/coding.
Admissions: Prerequisites for admission include the successful completion of a placement assessment and an interview with an admissions officer. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Fuller Theological Seminary
540 N. Cascade Ave., #202
Colorado Springs 80903
385-0085
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.
IntelliTec College
2315 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs 80909
632-7626
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 for 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 80909
387-4069
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 80918
590-8300
National American University (NAU), a private institution, offers master's, bachelor's and associate's degrees at its Colorado Springs campus. Courses include accounting, applied management, medical administrative assisting, medical assisting, business administration, health care and information technology. MBA and master's programs in management are available, along with traditional and online courses. Regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.
Admissions: You may call or write to NAU and request an application form, or apply online. Federal financial aid programs are available for those who qualify.
Nazarene Bible College
1111 Academy Park Loop
Colorado Springs 80910
884-5000
Founded in 1967, Nazarene Bible College seeks to train adults for the ministry. It offers associate of arts degrees in church ministries, Christian ministries, early education and women's studies. Bachelor of arts degrees in ministry are available with majors in pastoral ministry, Christian education ministries, Christian school education, music ministries, leadership and ethics, counseling for Christian ministry, 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 80909
573-5395
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
Pikes Peak Community College was established in 1968 as 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 80906
The Downtown Studio Campus
100 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs 80903
Rampart Range Campus
11195 Hwy. 83
Colorado Springs 80921
Falcon Campus
11990 Swingline Road
Falcon 80831
456-6847
Switchboard: 502/719-3800
Pima Medical Institute
Colorado Springs Campus
3770 Citadel Drive North
Colorado Springs 80909
866/431-7462
The Colorado Springs branch of Pima Medical Institute offers dental assistant, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician and veterinary assistant programs. The school offers a full range of student services, including financial aid and lifetime 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 School of Ministry
Mailing address: P.O. Box 26538
Colorado Springs 80936
264-8604
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 holistic ministry (for nurses only) and pastoral holistic counseling. Theology/religious studies also has bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs.
Admissions: An online application is available. Tuition costs vary depending upon the program.
Regis University
7450 Campus Drive, #100
Colorado Springs 80920
264-7000
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 College of 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 are available; for assistance, call the financial aid office at 800/568-8932.
Remington College
6050 Erin Park Drive
Colorado Springs 80918
532-1234
remingtoncollege.edu/coloradosprings
Remington College offers various programs and degrees, where students can earn an Associate or Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice. Diploma programs for careers as a medical assistant and pharmacy technician are also offered.
Admissions: A high school diploma or equivalent is required for most programs. 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
8610 Explorer Drive, #101
Colorado Springs 80920
265-8769
A regionally accredited institution, Troy University 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 innovative weekend format that allows students to earn credit over the course of two or three weekends. Classes are held on the Fort Carson campus at 1675 Long St., and the classroom at 5825 Delmonico Drive, #120.
Admissions: Call the number above for information.
University of Phoenix
866/766-0766
The University of Phoenix offers undergraduate, graduate and associate's degrees, as well as doctorates, 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 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 adviser.
South Circle Drive Learning Center
2864 S. Circle Drive
Colorado Springs 80906
527-9000
Southern Colorado Campus
5725 Mark Dabling Blvd., #150
Colorado Springs 80919
800/834-4646
Pueblo Student Resource Center
121 W. First St., Suite A
Pueblo 81003
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.
Colorado Springs 80918
262-3000; 800/990-8227
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, and 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, #2300
USAF Academy 80840
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, #100
Colorado Springs 80919
590-7340
Webster University's main campus is in St. Louis, but one of more than 100 campuses across the world is in Colorado Springs. 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. Webster also offers a certificate program in government contracting. 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 80903
520-2000
District 11 consists of 41 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools, seven charter schools and six alternative schools. D-11 is the largest and most centrally located school district in Colorado Springs.
Academy School District 20
1110 Chapel Hills Drive
Colorado Springs 80920
234-1200
District 20 consists of 18 elementary schools, five middle schools, six high schools and one charter school. Its test scores, graduation rates, college admissions/scholarships and student achievement awards put D-20 among the top-rated school districts in the state.
Harrison School District 2
1060 Harrison Road
Colorado Springs 80906
579-2000
The second-oldest organized school district in El Paso County, District 2 was officially organized on Aug. 20, 1874. It currently consists of 15 elementary schools, one K-through-8 school, three middle schools, three high schools, including New Horizons Opportunity School, and four charter schools.
Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
1775 LaClede St.
Colorado Springs 80906
475-6100
District 12 consists of six elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school and one charter school. In 2009, the charter will become part of the state.
The Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy is located at 1832 S. Wahsatch Ave., designed for grades K through 11. It uses the Direct Instruction method for reading, math and spelling, practices the CHAMP model for on-task behavior, and provides instruction for grammar and writing. The Hirsch Core Knowledge series provides a systematic and incremental sequence of content-rich topics. Their phone number is 471-1999.
Falcon School District 49
10850 E. Woodmen Road
Falcon 80831
495-1100
Falcon District 49 is one of the fastest-growing school districts in the area. It consists of nine elementary schools, three middle schools, three high schools and two academies. The district strives to keep a small-town atmosphere as it grows.
Lewis-Palmer School District 38
146 Jefferson St.
Monument 80132
488-4700
Lewis-Palmer School District consists of five elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and one charter school. It prides itself on its relatively small size, which increases opportunities for individual attention.
Widefield School District 3
1820 Main St.
Colorado Springs 80911
391-3000
The students of District 3 are served by one preschool, nine K-through-6 elementary schools, three junior high schools and three high schools. The Community Center S.A. Wilson Preschool is located in District 3 but not partnered with the district, along with James Madison Charter Academy, that serves grades K-7.
Manitou Springs School District 14
405 El Monte Place
Manitou Springs 80829
685-2024
The students of the Manitou Springs area are served by one high school, one middle school and two elementary schools. Manitou Springs is a small town, and District 14 is a small district, with an accomplished student body that represents the quirky nature of the community.
K-through-12 education: private schools
American Christian Academy
2240 E. Bijou St.
Colorado Springs 80909
633-1129
Currently offers tutoring services for grades 1 through 12, as well as an ESL (English as a second language) program.
The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind
33 N. Institute St.
Colorado Springs 80903
Voice: 578-2100
TDD: 578-2101
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 from Sunday evening to Friday afternoons, as are after-school programs, athletics, peer advisers and work programs. Various living arrangements are available 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 School
4855 Mallow Road
Colorado Springs 80907
599-3553
Colorado Springs Christian School, a nondenominational K-through-12 Christian school, provides biblically based education. Also offered are home-schooling programs and the Handprints Early Education Center preschool.
The Colorado Springs School
21 Broadmoor Ave.
Colorado Springs 80906
475-9747
The Colorado Springs School gives students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to "learn by doing." The college-prep curriculum allows students to apply academic concepts to classroom activities and field studies on campus, the community, the nation and around the world. Small classes, a college counseling process that begins in middle school, and individualized guidance in high school coursework adjoined with testing tactics, essay writing and interviewing help every student present the best possible profile to colleges and universities.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to students who qualify. Transportation to the school is available throughout Colorado Springs.
Corpus Christi Catholic School
2410 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs 80907
632-5092
Grades pre-K through 8.
Cornerstone Baptist Academy
3615 Vickers Drive
Colorado Springs 80918
593-7887
A K-through-12 Christian school for church members only.
Divine Redeemer Catholic School
901 N. Logan Ave.
Colorado Springs 80909
471-7771
Grades pre-K through 8.
Evangelical Christian Academy
Pre-K-through-6 campus:
2511 N. Logan Ave.
Colorado Springs 80907
634-7024
Grades 7-through-12 campus:
4052 Nonchalant Circle South
Colorado Springs 80917
597-3675
Fountain Valley School
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs 80911
390-7035
Fountain Valley School, founded in 1929, 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 and a campus visit.
HillSprings Learning Center
1257 Lake Plaza Drive, #120
Colorado Springs 80906
576-3840
HillSprings Learning Center is a nonprofit, half-day learning center for K-through-8 students with learning disabilities or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
Hilltop Baptist School
6915 Palmer Park Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80915
597-1880
Grades K through 12.
Immanuel Lutheran School
828 E. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs 80903
636-3681
Grades pre-K through 8.
Pauline Memorial Catholic School
1601 Mesa Ave.
Colorado Springs 80906
632-1846
stpaulcos.org/paulinememorial.html
Grades pre-K through 8.
Pikes Peak Academy
5590 N. Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs 80918
473-5745
An alternative Christian high school.
Pikes Peak Christian School
5905 Flintridge Drive
Colorado Springs 80918
598-8610
Grades pre-K through 12.
Springs Adventist Academy
5410 E. Palmer Park Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80915
597-0155
Grades K through 9.
St. Mary's High School
2501 E. Yampa St.
Colorado Springs 80909
635-7540
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 nearly 400 students.
St. Stephen's Classical Academy
631 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs 80903
575-0436
ststephensclassicalacademy.com
Grades pre-K through elementary. Will add grades 7-12 by 2010.
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:
Born of the Golden Mountain Montessori School
306 W. Brookside St.
Colorado Springs 80906
632-0875
Buena Vista Elementary School (part of School District 11)
1620 W. Bijou St.
Colorado Springs 80904
328-4100
Giving Tree Montessori School
1110 W. Moreno Ave.
Colorado Springs 80905
630-3763
Hope Montessori Academy
2041 Chuckwagon Road
Colorado Springs 80919
388-8818
Hope Montessori Academy
6353 Stetson Hills Road
Colorado Springs 80922
573-5300
Hope Montessori Academy
18075 Minglewood Trail
Monument 80132
488-8723
Mountain View Montessori School
923 N. Wahsatch Ave.
Colorado Springs 80903
634-2707
Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy
7675 Lexington Drive
Colorado Springs 80920
592-0900
Woodland Hills Montessori School
3215 Woodland Hills Drive
Colorado Springs 80918
594-0611
Other public school resources
Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services
4825 Lorna Place
Colorado Springs 80915
570-7474
Founded in 1968, the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services serves nine school districts in the Pikes Peak region. The Pikes Peak BOCES helps member 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 80910
477-6715
A one-day-a-week enrichment program for home-schoolers in grades 1 through 11.
Online resources
college-scholarships.com/colorado.htm
Provides comprehensive information on Colorado colleges, universities, career colleges, technical colleges, vocational colleges, technical schools, vocational schools and online degree programs.
The U.S. Department of Education Web site provides links to higher education options, grant information, common questions and state information before finding a college.
This link has a high school timeline to help students plan out the next phase, college. Research programs, apply to schools and learn more about financial aid in an organized way through Embark.
This site offers a free federal resource for preparing for and funding education beyond high school.
Continuing education
City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
1401 Recreation Way
Colorado Springs 80905
385-5940
The city of Colorado Springs offers a multitude of learning opportunities for people of all ages through recreation centers, community centers and senior centers. Facilities include those owned by the city and those secured through cooperative agreements with schools and recreationally focused entities. 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 80903
520-2384
District 11 offers dozens of community education classes for children and adults, with classes that range from various kinds of dancing and foreign languages to beginning computer skills and 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 81001
549-2316
CSU-Pueblo CONED also offers extension sites in Pueblo and in Colorado Springs at the Citadel Center, Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base.
Paragon Culinary School
3125 Sinton Road
Colorado Springs 80907
578-5740; 866/FOOD-101
Run by local five-star Chef Victor Matthews, Paragon Culinary School (PCS) is designed to be an alternative to larger culinary schools. It is a 24,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art site featuring an open kitchen, comfortable classrooms, banquet hall, art gallery, locker room, offices and dorms. PCS focuses solely on culinary arts and restaurant management, with intensive training by award-winning chefs and world leaders of the field. Beyond a general college or school for regular hospitality managers, PCS is designed to assist in the creation of great future chefs and restaurateurs. PCS also offers three-year certifications.
The PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning
30 E. Rio Grande St.
Colorado Springs 80903
633-4991
The PILLAR Institute for Lifelong Learning offers classes to all. More than 40 volunteers in the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization develop the curriculum, instruct classes and provide organizational structure. Class topics range from history and personal safety information to spiritual cinema. There are classrooms on-site with some at various locations around town, 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 80920
260-6882
Cheyenne Mountain Branch
1785 S. Eighth St., #100
Colorado Springs 80905
633-6278
East Library
5550 N. Union Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80918
531-6333
Fountain Branch
230 S. Main St.
Fountain 80817
382-5347
Monument Branch
1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive
Monument 80132
488-2370
Old Colorado City Branch
2418 W. Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs 80904
634-1698
Palmer Lake Branch
66 Lower Glenway
Palmer Lake 80133
481-2587
Penrose Library
20 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs 80903
531-6333
Rockrimmon Branch
832 Village Center Drive
Colorado Springs 80919
593-8000
Ruth Holley Branch
685 N. Murray Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80915
597-5377
Sand Creek Branch
1821 S. Academy Blvd.
Colorado Springs 80916
597-7070
Ute Pass Branch
8010 Severy Road
Cascade 80809
684-9342