“Launch Pad is a program, not a place. Our exceptional teachers are ready to deliver the complete curriculum experience—regardless of location—bringing expert instruction, purposeful executive functioning skills, and thorough middle school preparation to your children."”Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School Division
Above: Middle School students break ground on the Launch Pad Learning Garden during a service day project.
“Every great journey begins with the right launching point—and we’re excited to introduce the Launch Pad Learning Garden, opening this fall. This new space is a vibrant symbol of curiosity, exploration, and innovation at CSS.”Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower & Middle School Division
Introducing the Launch Pad Learning Garden: A Game Changer for Student Growth
The Launch Pad Learning Garden is a dynamic, hands-on program that will transform our school garden into a year-round living laboratory for all students at The Colorado Springs School. Fully integrated into the curriculum, it blends horticulture, botany, pollinator studies, and nutrition education into meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
More than just a garden, this thoughtfully designed space serves a dual purpose: as a cornerstone of our Launch Pad program—supporting 4th and 5th grade students through the pivotal transition to Middle School—and as an engaging, interactive learning environment for students across all grade levels.
These transitional years are both magical and formative for our rising Middle School students. While they seek greater independence and academic challenge, they continue to thrive with the structure and encouragement that build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning. The program kicks off in August, with the classrooms expected to open in late September.
Thoughtfully Crafted Learning Spaces
Our Launch Pad Learning Garden features intentionally designed spaces that support diverse learning styles and foster both collaboration and creativity:
- Flexible classrooms for collaboration and independent discovery
- Outdoor learning areas that blend STEM with nature
- Technology integration to foster digital literacy and creativity
- Quiet nooks for reflection alongside vibrant group spaces
- Seamless indoor-outdoor flow for more natural, engaging learning
A New Approach to Middle School Readiness: The Launch Pad Advantage
Our Launch Pad program is transforming how we prepare students for Middle School success:
- Gradually increasing independence within a supportive structure
- Project-based learning that builds real-world problem-solving skills
- Integrated life skills like organization, time management, and study strategies
- Social-emotional learning tailored to these developmental moments
STEM Takes Root: The Launch Pad Learning Garden Experience for All CSS Students
Launching with Lower School students, the program will gradually expand to include all divisions—from PreKindergarten through 12th grade—engaging learners in a year-round outdoor classroom designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and discovery.
Students will explore STEM concepts through planting, harvesting, measuring, budgeting, and experimenting while gaining a deeper understanding of soil science, sustainability, and healthy food choices. The program grows with each grade level, from foundational gardening skills to advanced design challenges and scientific inquiry.
Future plans include expanding community involvement through family workdays, student-led farmers markets, and service learning projects that connect the garden to the wider community.
Above: Students in PreK through 5th grade plant seeds for the garden—such as zucchini, tomatoes, and pumpkins—with Kelley Jefferson (center), our registrar, who is also earning her certification as a master gardener and will be teaching our horticulture classes.
