CSS

The Upper School (9th -12th Grade)

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Building Solid Bridges to the Future...

The challenging Upper School program addresses the unique needs and interests of the maturing pre-university learner. We strive to offer opportunities for students to develop self-confidence, compassion, and a love of learning in and beyond our school. In order to meet these challenges, we support our students through strong relationships with our faculty both so that they gain skill in taking responsibility for their learning, seeking help when needed, and can connect school-based learning to real life. We believe that knowledge becomes more meaningful when it is purposefully connected to experience; therefore, our rigorous, research-based college-prep curriculum is approached through active learning, field applications, interdisciplinary analysis, and problem solving. CSS seeks to prepare and enable each of our students to gain admission to the colleges and universities that are a "best fit."

Regular Communication with Parents

Communication between the student, teacher, and parents is frequent:
  • Upper School announcements are placed in the Daily Bulletin and are available to all parents through PowerSchool.
  • Grades are posted on PowerSchool and parents can access them online at any time.
  • Detailed individualized written comments accompany final (end-of semester) grade reports.
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled in the fall and are available as needed or requested throughout the year.

Advisor System

Each of our students is assigned to a faculty advisor who monitors the student's progress, sets goals, establishes a supportive relationship, and communicates with parents. Advisors act as a liaison between parents and the school, and parents are encouraged to contact the advisor or individual teachers whenever there is a kudo or a concern.

Community Service

The Colorado Springs School values being a part of the Colorado Springs Community and commits to investing time, energy, and good will to benefit our city and to enable our students to give of themselves as they learn the value of service to others. All CSS Upper School students must meet a yearly graduation requirement of participating in a minimum of 24 hours of community service. Students participate in a combination of individual service project and the Service Day sponsored by the Upper School each semester. In the past, we have served such organizations as the local food bank, senior organizations, literacy projects, and with environmental restoration and clean-up projects.

Student Government

The Upper School student government organization is called Forum and is affiliated with the National Student Council Association. Members are elected to serve for a one-year term. Forum leads social and service events in the school and community.

Minimum Graduation Requirements

  • 4 units of English
  • 3 units of mathematics (through Algebra II);
    4 units of mathematics will be required beginning with the class of 2010
  • 3 units of science (through Chemistry)
  • 3 units of history
    (including World History, Western Civilizations, and U.S. History)
  • 3 units of foreign language (completion of Level III)
  • 2 units of arts (including courses in studio art, music and theatre)
  • 4 units of Experience Centered Seminars (1 unit per year)
  • 4 units of Athletics/Activities
  • College Overview
  • Public Speaking
  • Community Service: 24 hours per year

Additional Program Highlights

  • Mountain Caravan:
    At the beginning of the year, the entire Upper School community spends two days at a mountain camp retreat. This is a time for returning and new students and faculty to get better acquainted in preparation for a year of collaboration and partnership. We participate in a variety of activities, such as swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and a ropes course, which encourage active participation and interaction.

  • Fall and Spring Plays:
    Our dynamic Theater Department prides itself in the variety of shows that are produced. From Shakespeare to musicals, avant-garde to traditional, the Upper School puts on at least three shows per year, as well as a children's touring theater option as a rotating seminar in our Experience Centered Seminar program. The quality of our productions is high and at least one third of the Upper School students are involved in our exciting productions each year.

  • Yearbook:
    Our students employ traditional and digital photographic techniques to create Et Apres, our 200+ page CSS yearbook. Students learn to use professional graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and PageMaker. Advertising is sold to help subsidize the printing costs.

  • Visual Arts:
    The visual arts are an integral part of the CSS program. Student work is continually displayed in the J. Randolph Campbell Gallery in the Trianon, in the Louisa Performing Arts Center, in the art studios in the Carriage House, and in the El Pomar Academic Center. Students participate in local art shows, as well as regional and national shows.