The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School (CSS) is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through 12th grade.
Experiential Education, immersive learning.
Located on a beautiful 28-acre campus, CSS prepares students to succeed in college and beyond by fostering intellectual curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
CSS: An Overview
We are known for our Experiential Education, immersive learning. CSS blends rigorous academics with real-world experiences to cultivate critical thinking, leadership, and creativity. With small class sizes, a diverse and inclusive community, and a commitment to character development, students thrive in an environment that values academic excellence, outdoor education, arts, and global perspectives.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Experiential Learning – Real-world education that extends beyond the classroom.
- Challenging Academics – Rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum with small class sizes.
- Global & Outdoor Education – Unique travel and field-based learning experiences.
- Robust Arts & Athletics – A vibrant arts program and competitive sports teams.
- Beautiful 28-Acre Campus – A historic and inspiring setting for learning and growth.
- Future-Ready Graduates – Students develop leadership, confidence, and critical thinking skills for success in college and beyond.
A Day At The Colorado Springs School
At The Colorado Springs School (CSS), every day is an opportunity for students to explore, discover, and grow in an engaging and supportive environment. With a full school day running from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM. We offer before and after-school care to support busy families, as well as a variety of enrichment programs, clubs, and athletics that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Unlike traditional schools, CSS is rooted in experiential learning, meaning students don’t just absorb information: they actively engage with it. From conducting science experiments, participating in outdoor expeditions, or collaborating on creative projects, students at CSS develop critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for the real world. Our small class sizes and personalized approach ensure that every student is challenged, supported, and truly seen.
Beyond the school year, CSS offers exciting summer programs designed to keep students engaged through adventure-based learning, creative arts, and academic exploration. If you’re looking for a school where your child will be inspired, empowered, and encouraged to reach their full potential, CSS provides the dynamic and nurturing environment to help them thrive.
Early Childhood
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
Early Childhood
Early Childhood: The Beginning of Lifelong Learning
The Early Childhood program (Pre-K & Kindergarten) provides a nurturing and engaging environment where young learners develop a love for exploration, creativity, and discovery.
Through play-based learning, students build foundational skills in literacy, math, and social-emotional development. With small class sizes and caring educators, each child receives the attention and support they need to grow in confidence and curiosity.
Outdoor education, art, and music are woven into the curriculum, ensuring a well-rounded experience that sets the stage for future academic success.
Lower School
Lower School: Building Strong Foundations
Our Lower School (Grades 1-5) is designed to inspire a passion for learning while fostering independence, creativity, and critical thinking.
Students engage in interactive, experiential learning that brings subjects to life, including science experiments to collaborative writing projects. Our personalized approach ensures that each child is challenged at their own level, while small class sizes create an environment where every student feels known and valued.
Outdoor education, performing arts, and leadership development are integral parts of the curriculum, helping students grow academically and personally.
Middle School
Middle School: Expanding Knowledge & Independence
Middle school is a time of transition and growth, and at CSS, we provide a challenging yet supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore new ideas, take intellectual risks, and develop their unique strengths.
Our experiential curriculum allows students to apply learning to real-world scenarios through field studies, interdisciplinary projects, and leadership opportunities. A strong emphasis on public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving prepares students for high school and beyond.
With a balance of academics, arts, athletics, and outdoor education, middle school students at CSS build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed.
Upper School
High School: Preparing for the Future
The High School offers a rigorous, college-preparatory experience that empowers students to think critically, lead confidently, and embrace challenges with curiosity.
Our advanced curriculum, personalized college counseling, and experiential learning programs ensure that students graduate prepared for top colleges and careers.
Unique academic seminars, travel-based learning, and leadership initiatives set our students apart, helping them develop a global perspective and a deep understanding of their role in the world.
Including STEM, humanities, arts, or athletics, CSS high school students are challenged to reach their full potential in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Admissions Process
Our simple process makes applying easy and straightforward.
- Inquire: Submit the contact form below to connect with our admissions team.
- Visit: Schedule a tour or attend one of our open houses to experience the school firsthand.
- Apply: Complete your application and take the next step toward your child’s future.
Tuition
- Early Childhood Half Day: $18,000
- Early Childhood Full Day: $24,000
- Lower School: $25,840
- Lower School International: $31,600
- Middle School: $29,800
- Middle School International: $35,200
- Upper School: $32,800
- Upper School International: $41,200
Financial Aid program available: Designed to make a CSS education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds.
Experience a dynamic, Experiential Education at The Colorado Springs School, where curiosity thrives, learning extends beyond the classroom, and every student is empowered to reach their full potential.
Memorable Experiences From CSS Graduates:
"The Great Iron Pour Experience-Centered Seminar was, by far, the most impactful experience for me. It taught me how to complete – with a group – a task that would have otherwise been impossible alone. Being given the chance to do the Iron Pour ECS a second time as a teacher's assistant also taught me how to successfully lead a group. These relationships will stick with me for the rest of my life."
Ethan Hedden, 2021 Graduate
"I loved all my ECSs at CSS, but the one that impacted me the most was without a doubt our trip to Madagascar in 2019. As a group of 18 students, we traveled 10,000 miles away from home without any phones and placed our faith in our teachers to guide us. Any preconceived notions I had about the importance of scheduling and routine quickly disappeared as we changed plans by the minute and traveled throughout the country. What had initially been anxiety and hesitancy quickly gave way to excitement as I learned to embrace the joy of having no idea where we were going and what we were about to see next. Though the trip was only 18 days, I will remember all of it for the rest of my life."
Kaylin Patterson, 2021 Graduate
