“If you love small groups, building relationships and endless opportunities, then CSS is right for you.”Ethan Hedden '21, CSS Lifer since PreK
The School seeks students and families with diverse backgrounds, talents and interests. Criterion for admission includes:
- Student interest and character
- Academic aptitude and achievement
- Recommendations
- Interview & Assessment
The School-family-student match is an essential part of the decision-making process. In addition to evaluating individual merit and the appropriateness of a CSS education for each student, the composition of each class and what a student will bring to that dynamic is also considered.
Step 1
Submit an official inquiry to The Colorado Springs School.
Step 2
Attend an upcoming Admissions event, Personal Campus Tour, or Virtual Information Session.
Step 3
Beginning in mid-October, complete and submit an Online Application for The Colorado Springs School, including the $125 non-refundable application fee. The CSS admission application deadline for priority consideration is January 15. Receipt of all other applications is preferred prior to February 15. Applications submitted after February 15 will be processed as space becomes available.
PreKindergarten applicants must be three-years-old as of September 1 of the desired entry year in order to be considered for enrollment. In addition, all PreKindergarten applicants must be toilet independent prior to beginning at CSS. International students, visit our International Student Homestay webpage for more information and to review the application process.
Note: Once you have submitted an application you will have access to the CSS SchoolAdmin Portal and personal checklist that includes information on all of the steps and documentation necessary to complete your student’s application process. You will receive an email upon application submission with access information.
*You must complete ALL required checklist items in order for your student’s application to be considered ready for an admissions decision.
Step 4
If so desired, create a FACTS account and complete your Indexed Tuition Application. The Indexed Tuition Application is available as one of your Admission Application checklist items and its completion is optional.
All Admission 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. In order to apply for Indexed Tuition, an admission application must be fully completed.
See the Tuition page for more information.
Step 5
As part of the application process CSS conducts age-appropriate assessments.
PreK-Kindergarten
1st-3rd grade
4th-8th grade
9th-11th grade
PreK-Kindergarten
Gesell Assessment
In-house at time of shadow visit
No additional fee
1st-3rd grade
- Dibels assessment
In-house outside of shadow visit
No additional fee
4th-8th grade
ERB Milestones assessment
Online at home or in-person at CSS
- Timing: 90 minutes
Two 40 minute modules with 10 minute break
Outside of shadow visit
No additional fee
9th-11th grade
ERB ISEE assessment
Online at home or in-person at CSS or another testing site
- Timing: 3 hours
Includes two 10 minute breaks
Outside of shadow visit
- Additional Fee Applies
$150-200
Step 6
An admission decision is made! Decision letters and Indexed Tuition award letters will be sent on February 1 for all applicants who have submitted an application by the January 15 priority deadline. Decisions for applications submitted by the February 15 preferred admissions deadline will be sent on March 1.
Upon acceptance, completing the online enrollment contract and submitting your child's tuition deposit will guarantee a place for your child in their respective grade level.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Admission Office by phone at (719) 434-3500 or by email admission@css.org with questions regarding the application process.
