

Prepared by
C/MFRC
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:
To ensure a positive reception at the new school and gain important information, some things you can do are:
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.
This website deals with the education and related care of DND dependant students both inside and outside Canada.
Please note that appropriate e-mail addresses are available via most web sites, provided in the following 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 |
| 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/ |
| Telephone: | 303-866-6600 |
| Web Site: | http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_accredit.htm |
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/
| Telephone: | 303-866-6817 |
| E-mail: | state.board@cde.state.co.us |
| Web Site: | http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_sbe.htm |
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.
| 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 |
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.
* 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:
*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.
| 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 |
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:
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.
* It is not mandatory in the state of Colorado that children attend kindergarten.
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.
* 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.
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.
Refer to Section 3, regarding appropriate School District, for contact information about for specific schools.
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.
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 |
| 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 |
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.