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Military Family Services Program

Colorado Springs Education Information Guide

Prepared by

C/MFRC


Bldg 365
135 East Ent Ave
Peterson AFB
Colorado Springs, CO  80914-1115

Dear Military Member and Family,

It is important to be well informed when moving children to another school system and it is my hope that this guide will open the door of information required to help your children transition easily.

There are a number of steps you can take that will help you plan and prepare for a less stressful school transition:

  • Assess your present situation;
  • Research, research, research;
  • Identify special needs and special program requirements (i.e. English as a Second Language (ESL));
  • Obtain school records;
  • Begin good-byes and closure;
  • Look forward.

To ensure a positive reception at the new school and gain important information, some things you can do are:

  • Talk to the school counsellor;
  • Ask about special enrolment procedures;
  • Inquire about information and orientation for new students;
  • Ask about finding a school buddy;
  • Learn about routines.

The above mentioned points are emphasized by the Military Child Education Coalition, a non-profit organization in the United States which addresses the transition issues of military children when moving from school to school.

We, at the Canadian Community Program Coordinator’s office, wish to provide whatever information and guidance within our means so that your family will have the best start possible here in Colorado Springs. If there are any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at 719-556-6551 or DSN 834-6551.


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Table of contents

Section 1 – Colorado Department of Education

Section 2 – Colleges & Universities in Colorado Springs Area

Section 3 – Registration Requirements for Public Schools 

Section 4 – Schools (Elementary/Middle/High School) 

Section 5 - Alternative and/or Private Elementary/Middle/High School

Glossary of Terms 

Immunization Charts

Map of School Districts


Section 1 - National Defence Dependant Education Management (DEM) Website

This website deals with the education and related care of DND dependant students both inside and outside Canada.

Colorado Department of Education

Please note that appropriate e-mail addresses are available via most web sites, provided in the following information.

A. General Information
Address: 201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, Colorado, 80203-1799
Telephone: 303-866-6600
Fax Number: 303-830-0793
E-mail: state.board@cde.state.co.us
Web Site: http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_home.htm
B. Colleges and Universities
Address: Commission of Higher Education
1380 Lawrence Street, Suite 1200
Denver, Colorado, 80204
Telephone: 303-866-2723
Fax Number: 303-866-4266
E-mail: cche@state.co.us
Web Site: http://highered.colorado.gov/
C. Accreditation (Accreditation Information on K-12 schools)
Telephone: 303-866-6600
Web Site: http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_accredit.htm
D. Student Assistance Program

State Funding is only available to U.S. citizens. Contact the Support Services Officer 719-556-6328 at the CFSU(C) regarding Canadian Forces Personnel Assistance Fund (CFPAF). The CFPAF, established by the Chief of the Defense Staff, provides financial assistance to serving or former members of the Canadian forces and their immediate families. The Education Assistance Loan Program is available to encourage and assist eligible members and their families to obtain a post-secondary education. Each student is eligible to receive a maximum of $4,000 per year up to $16,000 over a lifetime. Web Site: English http://www.sisip.com/en/ French http://www.sisip.com/fr/

E. Elementary and Secondary Education
Telephone: 303-866-6817
E-mail: state.board@cde.state.co.us
Web Site: http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_sbe.htm
F. Distance Education

Information regarding correspondence courses to complete a high school diploma is available through each provincial board of education. Additional information can be found at the DEM website: http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dem-epcg/pd/oce-drf/index-eng.asp Select the Distance Education tab.

G. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Pikes Peak Workforce Center - Main Office
Address: 2306 E Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80909
Telephone: 719-667-3700
Web Site: http://www.coworkforce.com
H. Special Education

Contact the applicable school district office for information concerning ESL (English Second Language) as well as any other special concerns and requirements of your child. It is imperative that when looking for specific language programs, parents ensure the school they are assigned does provide a program for their child and transportation (if required). If your child has an IEP (Individual Education Plan), please bring all documentation for proper evaluation and placement.


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Section 2 – Colleges & Universities in Colorado Springs Area

* In State Tuition Rates for Active Duty Personnel Stationed in Colorado Springs and their Family Members:

Active duty members of US and Canadian Forces who are not bona fide residents of Colorado but who are permanently assigned to Colorado, and their family members, qualify for resident tuition rates at state supported institutions (Pikes Peak Community College, The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, The University of Southern Colorado, and Webster University). The value of this benefit can best be illustrated by observing that the resident tuition rate for the full time freshman student at UCCS is $1,245 plus fees, the non-resident pays $5,598 plus fees. The benefit is not automatically applied. The student, whether a sponsor or a family member must apply for the benefit each term. The applications can be obtained either from the school or from the Base Education Center.* Regardless of where the application form is obtained, the student must come to the Base Education Office (Building 1141, Room 106, phone # 556-4064) to have the form certified by a member of the education services staff. Some schools require that certification of the assignment status of the active duty member, others also require certification of the status of the dependant.* All schools require a facsimile copy of the student’s current ID card be provided when you submit the waiver to the school. What you need to bring with you to expedite the certification process depends on your status:

  • Active duty military students from other services (including Canada) stationed in the Peterson Complex. You need your ID card and a copy of your assignment orders or posting instructions.
  • Dependant student of the same. You need your ID card and your sponsor’s assignment orders or posting instruction.

*Examples of the “Verification of Assignment” form are available at the CFSU (C), and the “Tuition Classification Certification” form is available at the Base Education Office. Each institution has a different form.

Colorado Springs Post Secondary Institutions
Name: Beth El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Telephone: 719-262-4422
Fax Number: 719-262-4416
Web Site: http://web.uccs.edu/bethel/
Name: Peterson's Planner
Web Site: http://www.petersons.com/cci/520.html
Name: Colorado Christian University
Telephone: 719-528-5080
Fax Number: 719-573-6170
Web Site: http://www.ccu.edu
Name: Colorado College
Telephone: 303-963-3000
Fax Number: 303-963-3001
Web Site: http://www.coloradocollege.edu
Name: Colorado State University
Telephone: 970-491-6909
Web Site: http://www.colostate.edu
Name: Colorado Technical University
Telephone: 719-598-0200
Fax Number: 888-650-6555
Web Site: http://www.coloradotech.edu
Name: Nazarene Bible College
Telephone: 719-884-5000
Fax Number: 719-884-5199
Web Site: http://www.nbc.edu
Name: Pikes Peak Community College
Telephone: 719-502-2000
Web Site: http://www.ppcc.cccoes.edu
Name: Regis University
Telephone: 800-568-8932
Web Site: http://www.regis.edu
Name: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (CU-Colorado Springs)
Telephone: 719-262-3000
Fax Number: 719-262-3511
Web Site: http://www.uccs.edu
Name: University of Northern Colorado
Telephone: 970-351-1890
Web Site: http://www.univnorthco.edu
Name: University of Phoenix
Telephone: 866-766-0766
Web Site: http://www.phoenix.edu


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Section 3 – Registration Requirements for Public Schools 

  1. Verification of Residency in the District (current rental agreement);
  2. Birth Certificate and Passport with Visa;
  3. Immunization Record *; and
  4. Children enrolling in Kindergarten are required by State law to have a medical.

Note: Custody documation is also required if the student does not reside with both biological parents. Contact the appropriate school district office for specific requirements.

* The Colorado Immunization Law states that preschool students, kindergarten students, and students currently registering will be denied entry to school unless they meet the minimum immunization requirements.

It is recommended that parents review information at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/immunization/index.html with your family doctor prior to your posting to Colorado Springs.

Transfer students must provide immunizations records upon admission. Should their immunizations not meet Colorado requirements, the student(s) will complete an immunization plan and make progress towards compliance within 14 days.

One of the following must be provided at registration:

  1. A Certificate of Immunization signed by a licensed physician or authorized representative indicating the day, month, and year for all immunizations. If your student had the chicken pox disease, a laboratory test showing immunity or written documentaton verifying history of the chicken pox disease from your healthcare provider is required.
  2. If immunization creates a health risk for your child, a Certificate of Immunization with the medical exemption on the reverse side must be signed by a licensed physician.
  3. If immunization is against your religious or personal beliefs, you must sign the religious or personal exemption on the reverse side of the Certificate of Immunization.
Preschool Medicals

Pre-school medicals are required by Colorado State law. Medicals may be obtained prior to leaving Canada but must be current. If a medical has not occurred before registration, the medical must be completed within 30 days of school registration in Colorado. Please check with the appropriate pre-school to confirm specific details.

If you require more specific information regarding Preschools, please contact the Canadian Community Program Coordinator’s Office at 556-9269 and we will do our best to assist you.

Canadian Dependant Education Allowances for Junior Kindergarten Funding
  • Junior Kindergarten - Members with students who will be 3 years 8 months as of 01 September may be entitled to a half-day Junior Kindergarten allowance. Contact the CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.
Enrolment into Kindergarten and Grade 1
  • Kindergarten – Kindergarten is provided in Districts 11, 20 and 49 without charge. Members with students who will be 4 years 8 months as of 01 September are eligible to receive schooling in Districts 11, 20, and 49 within Canadian age parameters. Contact the CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.
  • Grade 1 – Members with students who will be 5 years 8 months as of 01 September are eligible to receive schooling in Districts 11, 20, and 49 within Canadian age parameters. Contact the CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.

* It is not mandatory in the state of Colorado that children attend kindergarten.


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Enrolling Middle School and High School Students

Students enrolling in Middle School (grades 6-8) or in High School (grades 9-12) may be required to attend a guidance counselling appointment. Testing session's may be required by many school districts to ensure the proper placement of children in their coming year. It is highly recommended that you contact the “the new school” as soon as possible, to schedule any necessary appointments.

  • If you have a child who will be registering in Middle school or High school, it is important to have a copy of previous school transcripts, and/or report cards, as well as course descriptions.
  • Students participating in intramural and interscholastic athletics/activities are required to have physicals. Athletic physical forms are available at all schools, and at the District Offices.

* Please check with the appropriate school district for any specific requirements. Note specific immunization requirements for your child. This information is generally available on their web sites.

The DEM website may provide additional information. Go to http://www.cmp-cpm.forces.gc.ca/dem-epcg/pd/oce-drf/part-partie-02-eng.asp Preparations for Move Outside Canada.

Public School Districts in the Colorado Springs Area

Some school districts offer “choice schools”. Choice schools offer programs or opportunities that are different from neighbourhood schools. This may include schedule and/or curriculum focus.

An example of a choice school is the International Baccalaureate Program. Currently, District 20 and District 11 offer “choice schools”. Visit the web site or call the appropriate school district for further information.

Based on input from other Canadian families, it is strongly recommended that parents visit the district office during their HHT. If the student's mother tongue is not English, the school administrator may want to do a quick language test before finalizing registration. In order to register for High School, the student must select the classes they wish to take with the school guidiance councellor. Classes may be offered on a first come, first serve bases, so it may be wise to register in the spring. The school system is different than in Canada it is important to discuss your child's placement with the guidance councellor.

Academy School District 20**
Address: 1110 Chapel Hills Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Telephone: 719-234-1200
Fax Number:719-234-1299
Web Site: http://www.asd20.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-536-4817
French Language: French Immersion at Academy International (Grades1, 2, 3,4 and 5). French Courses at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-260-6600.
Summer School Credit Program: 719-260-6600
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-260-6600 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-234-1410
* Registration: Registration of students to attend school in District 20 is a continuous process. Registration can begin for a family once residence has been established within the district. There is a two step process and both steps must be completed before your student is registered.
  • Step 1: To register a student, complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORMS, or on your home computer using the web site at www.asd20.org;
  • Step 2: Go to the Central Registry office between the hours of 7:30 and 4:00 with all documentation listed on previous page. Each child’s registration takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Cental Registry is located at the Education and Administration Center, 110 Chapel Hills Drive. This is the northeast corner of Chapel Hills and Jamboree Drives. Please enter the main entrance on the East side of the building.

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12
Address: 1775 LaClede Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 - District and Administration Building
Telephone: 719-475-6100
Fax Number: 719-475-6106
Web Site: http://cmsd.k12.co.us/
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with individual school
French Language: Courses available at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-327-2823
Summer School Credit Program: 719-475-6100, or 475-6110 for High School summer credit
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-327-2823 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-475-6105
Registration: All students (Grades K-12) enroll at the district administration building with the documentation previously listed.
Colorado Springs District 11
Address: 1115 N El Paso St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Telephone: 719-520-2000
Web Site: http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-520-2384
French Language: Courses available at the Middle School and High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-328-2978 http://www.d11.org/doi/esl/
Summer School Credit Program: 719-520-2018
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-520-2148 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-520-2940 http://www.d11.org/busschedules.htm
Registration: Ensure required documentation provided.
Falcon School District 49
Address: 10805 E Woodman Rd., Falcon, CO 80831
Telephone: 719-495-3601
Fax Number: 719-495-0832
Web Site: http://www.d49.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with individual school
French Language: Courses available at the High School
Summer School Credit Program: http://www.d49.org/summer_school/
Elementary Department: 719-495-1118
Secondary Department: 719-495-1132
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-495-1114 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-495-0020
Registration: Refer to website for registration packet.
Fountain - Fort Carson School District 8
Address: Administration Building - 10665 Jimmy Camp Road, Fountain, CO 80817
Telephone: 719-382-1300
Fax Number: 719-382-7338
Web Site: http://www.ffc8.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 382-1300, 382-1490, 382-1400, 382-1340, and 382-1370
French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact the ESL program director at 719-382-1300
Summer School Credit Program: 719-382-1300
Elementary Department: 719-382-1300
Secondary Department: 719-382-1300
Social Services: 719-382-1300
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-382-1300 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-382-1300
Registration: Visit the website for details regarding registration dates. Contact either the individual school or call the District Administration Office. Registration forms are available on the website under Parent Info. It is advisable to complete the school registration form as soon as possible.
Harrison School District 2
Address: 1060 Harrison Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone: 719-579-2000
Fax Number: 719-579-4874
Web Site:http://www.harrison.k12.co.us
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): 719-579-2616
French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact the ESL program director at 719-579-2986
Summer School Credit Program: 719-579-2067
Elementary Department: 719-579-2068
Secondary Department: 719-579-2067
Social Services: 719-579-2061
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-579-3240 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-579-4900
Registration: Enrollment is at neighbourhood school based on address of residence. If you are uncertain which school your child should attend call 579-2550 to verify attendance area. Refer to website for specific details and dates.
Lewis Palmer District 38
Address: 146 Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132
Telephone: 719-488-4700
Fax Number:719-488-4704
Web Site: http://lewispalmer.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): YMCA downtown 481-8728
French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-488-4700
Summer School Credit Program: Check with Individual School
Elementary Department: 719-488-4700
Secondary Department: 719-488-4700
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-488-4700 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-488-4711
Manitou Springs School District 14
Address: 405 El Monte Place, Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Telephone: 719-685-2024
Fax Number: 719-685-4536
Web Site: http://sd14web.mssd14.k12.co.us
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): YMCA downtown 481-8728
French Language: Courses at the High School
General Interest: 719-685-2003
Summer School Credit Program: 719-685-2024
Elementary Department: 719-685-2024
Secondary Department: 719-685-2024
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-685-2013 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-684-9573
Widefield School District 3
Address: 1820 Main St., Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Telephone: 719-391-3000
Fax Number: 719-390-4372
Web Site: http://www.wsd3.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): N/A
French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-391-3000
Summer School Credit Program: 719-391-3020
Elementary Department: 719-391-3000
Secondary Department: 719-391-3000
Social Services: Contact the Wilson Center 719-391-3050
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-391-3000 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-391-3540
Woodland Park District RE-2
Address: 151 North Baldwin St., Woodland Park, CO 80866
Telephone: 719-686-2000
Web Site: http://new.wpsdk12.org
Childcare Services: (Before and After School programs): Check with each individual school
Adult Basic Education: Through Pikes Peak Community College
French Language: Courses available at the High School. Contact ESL program director at 719-686-2012
Summer School Credit Program: 719-686-2012
Elementary Department: 719-687-6048
Secondary Department: 719-687-6048
Social Services: Contact the appropriate school
Student Services, Special Education Programs: 719-686-2012 (including Speech and Language Services)
Transportation (Routes and Schedule Information): 719-687-4411

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Section 4 – Schools (Elementary/Middle/High School) 

Refer to Section 3, regarding appropriate School District, for contact information about for specific schools.


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Section 5 - Alternative and/or Private Elementary/Middle/High School

A. Instruction at Home/Home Schooling

Parents interested in home schooling must provide a letter of intent to home-school to any Colorado public school district office within 14 days of starting a program. Programs must include at least 172 days of instruction, with an average of four hours of instruction per day.

Colorado Springs Home School Support Group
P.O. Box 26117
Telephone: 719-598-2636
Web Site: http://www.hschool.com
District 11 Home Schooling
Telephone: 719-520-2216
Web Site: http://www.cssd11.k12.co.us/homeschool/
Christian Home Educators of Colorado
Telephone: 720-842-4852
Web Site: http://www.chec.org/
Homeschool Central
Email: information@homeschoolcentral
Web Site: http://www.homeschoolcentral.com

Additional information can be found on the DEM Web site:(www.forces.gc.ca/dgcb/educat) Part XI – Instruction at Home. Contact the CFSU (C) Orderly Room for more details.

B. Parochial Schools (Roman Catholic)

Members with entitlement to Roman Catholic education should contact CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.

Corpus Christi School
Address: 2410 N Cascade Ave.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Telephone: 719-632-5092
Grade Range: PK-8th
Divine Redeemer Catholic School
Address: 901 N Logan Ave,
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Telephone: 719-471-7771
Grade Range: PK-8th
Holy Trinity School
Address: 3115 Larkspur Dr.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Telephone: 719-634-1029
Grade Range: K-8th
Pauline Memorial Catholic School
Address: 1601 Mesa Ave.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone: 719-632-1846
Grade Range: PK-8th
St. Mary's Central High School
Address: 2501 E Yampa,
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Telephone: 719-635-7540
Grade Range: 9th-12th
St. Stephens Episcopal Day School
Address: 631 N. Tejon,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone: 719-575-0436
Grade Range: Preschool–5th
C. Other Private Schools:
Aspen Leaf Christian School
Address: 1930 W Colorado Ave,
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Telephone: 719-473-1439
Grade Range: K-9th
The Colorado Springs School
Address: 21 Broadmoor Ave,
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone: 719-475-9747
Grade Range: PK-12th
Colorado Springs Christian School
Address: 4855 Mallow Rd.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Telephone: 719-473-1439
Grade Range: PK-12th
Trinity Christian School
Address: 5055 El Camino Dr.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Telephone: 719-599-4136
Ellicott Baptist School
Address: R.R.#2,
Calhan, CO 80808
Telephone: 719-683-2658
Grade Range: PK-12th
Evangelical Christian Academy
Address: 4050 Nonchalant Circle S,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Telephone: 719-597-3675
Grade Range: K–12th
Evangelical Christian Upper Academy
Address: 4050 Nonchalant Circle S,
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Telephone: 719-597-3675
Grade Range: 7th-12th
Fountain Valley School
Address: 6155 Fountain Valley School Rd.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Telephone: 719-390-7035
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Hilltop Baptist School
Address: 6915 Palmer Park Blvd.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Telephone: 719-597-1880
Grade Range: PK-12th
Immanuel Lutheran School
Address: 828 E Pikes Peak Ave.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Telephone: 719-636-3681
Grade Range: PK–8th
Junior Academy Private Elementary School
Address: 4750 El Camino,
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Telephone: 719-598-2095
Grade Range: PK-4th
Pikes Peak Christian School
Address: 5905 Flintridge Dr.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Telephone: 719-598-8610
Grade Range: PK–8th
Cornerstone Baptist Academy
Address: 3615 Vickers Dr.,
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Telephone: 719-593-7887
Grade Range: PK-12th
Seventh Day Adventist Christian Academy
Address: 5410 Palmer Park Blvd,
Colorado Springs, CO 80915
Telephone: 719-597-0155
Grade Range: 1st–9th
D. Please Note:
  1. Elementary students in grades K to 8, or Quebec grades K to 6, as applicable; and Secondary students in Ontario grades 9 to 12, or Quebec Secondary I to Secondary V or general pre-university CEGEP I and II, accompanying the member to the post are expected to be educated at a local non-fee paying elementary or secondary (as applicable) state school.
  2. Junior kindergarten students aged 3 years 8 months as of 1 September of the school year may be entitled to an education allowance. Contact CFSU (C) Orderly Room for details.

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Glossary of Terms 

Charter Schools – Charter schools were established by Colorado law in the ‘The Charter Schools Act’. A charter school is a public school intended to provide an avenue for parents, teachers and community to create new, innovative and more flexible ways of educating children. Charter schools can seek waivers from school district policies and procedures as well as from state law. The school district grants the proposed charter and the charter school is accountable to the district’s Board of Education.

Choice – District 20 and District 11 host a Choice Enrolment period. During this period, students may apply to attend any district school beginning the following fall semester. Once the student is accepted in the choice school, that becomes his/her home school, and the student will follow the feeder system for that school. Space availability dictates the number of applicants accepted into the choice school. If a student wants to move out of the choice school, another application will have to be completed during the next available choice enrolment period.

Feeder System – The feeder system is a system for moving students from one level to the next level, to the next (i.e. elementary to middle to high school).

Home School – Once you enrol in a school, that school becomes your designated attendance school (Home School), regardless of where you live. Once you enrol in a school, you forfeit any spot you previously held at any other school. Attendance at a Home School means you will attend the middle or high schools in that feeder system, unless you apply during the Choice window to leave that feeder system or strand.

Neighbourhood School – A neighbourhood school is the school a family would attend according to their address. Some schools do not serve a specific neighbourhood. For example the following schools in District 20 are not dedicated neighbourhood schools: The Classical Academy, The Black Forest School and Aspen Valley High School.

Overflow – Each year, the Board of Education designates one or more schools as overflow schools. When a student moves into a neighbourhood and there is no space available in that neighbourhood school, the student is assigned to an overflow school until space becomes available in the neighbourhood school. The overflow school does not become the student’s home school unless the student “choices” into that school during the January choice enrolment period.

Resident – A resident is defined as living within the District 20 boundaries when verified by a warranty deed, a bill of sale, a settlement statement from closing, a current formal lease agreement, a current El Paso County tax notice, or a quarters assignment letter from Air Force Academy Housing, plus Custody documentation if the student does not reside with both biological parents. If the student resides with one biological parent, the documentation must be a court order detailing custody arrangement.

School-Within-A-School Models – a particular focus area to interested students (i.e. International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program) while simultaneously offering a standard curriculum to the other students within the same building. These schools also serve neighbourhood areas.


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