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Admissions FAQs

When is the Application Deadline?
Is an Interview Required for Admission?
What Does ECS Stand For, and What Is It?
What is the Advisor System?
What are the School's Hours of Operation?
Are there Before or After-School Programs?
Does CSS Offer Bus Transportation?
What Accreditation does the School Hold?
What Competitive Sports are Offered?
Are International Students Required to Participate in the Homestay Program?
When is my Family's Indexed Tuition Application Due?
If my Family Chooses to Withdraw After the Withdrawal Deadline, How Do We Initiate this Process?

When is the Application Deadline?

The CSS admission application deadline for priority consideration is January 15. Receipt of all other applications is preferred prior to February 15. Learn more about the application process here.

Is an Interview Required for Admission?

Yes, an interview is a required component of the CSS application process. International students who do not visit the CSS campus may arrange for a remote interview.

What Does ECS Stand For, and What Is It?

ECS stands for Experience-Centered Seminar. These Upper School seminars are a central element of the school’s academic year. Each March, Upper School students participate in a three-week program that immerses them in academic subjects through a first-hand, interdisciplinary experience. Academic requirements include oral and written presentations, term papers, group work, projects and final exams.

The developmentally-appropriate comparison to ECSs in the Middle School are Seminars and in the Children’s School are Fall Adventure and Colorado Expedition.

What is the Advisor System?

Regular meetings with advisors help students stay on target academically and socially by setting focused goals. Each advisee group is made up of approximately 12 students. The advisor becomes the advocate and mentor for each student and serves as another point of contact for parents.

Middle School
Each student in the Middle School has a faculty advisor who monitors progress and establishes a supportive relationship. The advisor stays with the same advisee group through a student’s tenure in Middle School. The advisory group is comprised of students in the same grade.

Upper School
In Upper School, the advisory group includes students representing grades 9 through 12. Students have the same advisor through to graduation.

What are the School's Hours of Operation?

Classes begin promptly at 8 a.m. and conclude at 3:15 p.m. daily, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The school day begins at 9 a.m. every Wednesday throughout the academic year and concludes promptly at 3:15 p.m. Faculty and staff are available on campus for extended hours.

Are there Before or After-School Programs?

The Children’s School offers caring, on-campus supervision – known as Extended Care – at an additional charge daily from 7 to 7:45 a.m. (7 to 8:45 a.m on Wednesdays) in the mornings and from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. in the afternoons for students grades PreK through five. Homework Lounge is also available to Middle School students from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day, and from 7 to 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday mornings in the Trianon Library.

Does CSS Offer Bus Transportation?

Yes, bus stops are located throughout the community and, based on demand, may include stops in Monument, Powers Corridor, and Pueblo. Visit our transportation page for information.

What Accreditation does the School Hold?

The Colorado Springs School is accredited by The Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) and is a proud member of The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

National Association of Independent Schools
The NAIS is the national voice of independent education representing approximately 1,400 independent schools to ensure these schools uphold high education standards.

The Association of Colorado Independent Schools
The ACIS is dedicated to the improvement of member schools by accrediting, supporting, and promoting each school and by fostering excellence in teaching and learning.

What Competitive Sports are Offered?

Our athletic offerings include soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country, tennis, lacrosse, swimming and golf. Visit the Athletics page for more information.

Are International Students Required to Participate in the Homestay Program?

Though not required, it is highly recommended that international students participate in a Homestay experience. Some international students live with family members who reside locally.

When is my Family's Indexed Tuition Application Due?

Beginning in mid-October, parents may access the online Indexed Tuition Clarity Application for the following school year. Applications submitted by January 15 will receive priority consideration. All other applications submitted prior to February 15 will be accepted and awarded based on the availability of funds at that time.

See the Tuition page for more information on Indexed Tuition.

If my Family Chooses to Withdraw After the Withdrawal Deadline, How Do We Initiate this Process?

Should a family be required to withdraw their child from CSS for any reason, all formal withdrawal requests must be made in writing to the Admission Office (cc: Business Office) to be considered valid. If in paper and mailed, the envelope must be postmarked before the dates for partial tuition reimbursement.

  • Contact the Admission Office to begin a conversation.

  • The School cannot refund tuition or cancel unpaid obligations if a child chooses or is forced to withdraw during the academic year. Read more about Dewar's Tuition Insurance.

  • Should you wish to return to CSS at some point, please know that we cannot guarantee a spot will still be available.