“He knew exactly what I wanted and where I’d thrive, and I’m forever grateful.”Alumna Kaylee Barker ’23, speaking about Director of College Counseling Erik Playe
Click the image to watch a video with Dr. Ira Pernick, Director of Upper School, and Erik Playe, Director of College Counseling, about Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School.
At The Colorado Springs School, AP (Advanced Placement) classes are undergoing an exciting transformation that enhances both the student experience and the school community as a whole.
This year, CSS expanded AP offerings across every core discipline and introduced a new expectation that students take the corresponding exam. Paired with comprehensive college counseling, this ensures students engage fully in rigorous coursework while understanding how AP classes and exam scores support college applications and future academic goals.
Previously optional, the AP exam is now expected, prompting students to tackle the full rigor of the course while teachers align instruction to match.
“We haven’t just added new courses—we’ve changed expectations. The expectation now is that students prepare for and take the AP exam,” said Dr. Ira Pernick, Director of Upper School. “That changes the mindset for students and teachers alike.”
AP scores range from 1 to 5 and measure mastery of college-level material. High scores can earn college credit or advanced placement, though submission is optional. The exam doesn’t affect Upper School grades but offers a meaningful measure of readiness.
Realigning AP classes also clarifies the academic journey. “Students can now see trajectories—like getting to AP Calculus BC—that didn’t exist before,” Dr. Pernick said. “It makes planning classes for next year, and the year after, much more sensible.”
Dr. Pernick, new to CSS this year, encourages all Upper School students to take at least one AP class, noting that “it’s important for students to challenge themselves in all aspects of life, including academically.”
At the same time, he emphasizes that CSS remains committed to supporting every student—whether or not they pursue AP—by understanding their individual goals and needs, a priority reinforced through highly personalized college counseling led by Erik Playe, Director of College Counseling (pictured below with students).
Mr. Playe spends roughly 50–75 hours with each student throughout Upper School, including classes, small-group meetings, and one-on-one sessions, whether their path leads to a large university, a small liberal arts college, or something unique.
“I want every single student to feel fully supported by me. We’re a team going through this,” he said. “And my goal is for parents to never lose sleep over the college application process, at least not without asking me whatever question is on their mind. I’m here to help.”
He introduces freshmen to the college process, explaining, for example, that good grades can equal money—a nod to merit aid based largely on academic success. Sophomores take his College Overview course, juniors attend 10 small-group meetings with him plus individual check-ins, and seniors participate in his four-day College Bootcamp.
His office is just nine feet from the senior lounge, allowing for frequent interactions with our soon-to-be graduates throughout the day.
Students and parents have nearly unlimited access to him; when a distressed parent emailed on a Saturday, he responded within 15 minutes with a reassuring phone call.
A hallmark of his approach is firsthand knowledge. Since joining CSS in 2021, Mr. Playe has visited 119 colleges across 34 states and Washington, D.C., and continues to add more. He considers which students might fit each campus and has even visited colleges that current students expressed interest in, just to speak with them afterward. He also helps students and families plan their own campus visits.
As part of his guidance, students complete a questionnaire. Mr. Playe provides a list of 30 colleges and universities that align with their interests and that he knows well enough to recommend confidently. He also hosts 50–70 college representatives at CSS each year, allowing students to meet directly with admissions officers and explore programs in depth.
"The work that Erik does is a true X-factor for The Colorado Springs School,” said Brooke Kelly Rawls, Director of Enrollment Management. “What I love most is how his expertise becomes this incredible advantage for our students, and it's all woven into the fabric of who we are as a school. Our families don't have to worry about finding outside help or navigating this alone—Erik's support is simply part of the CSS experience."
To connect with students beyond the classroom, Mr. Playe attends after-school events, cheering on Kodiaks and supporting theater and dance performances, and other events. He maintains those connections after graduation, staying in touch twice a year with each alum he’s guided—93 once the Class of 2026 graduates—and meets with our alum on college visits, sometimes even taking them to lunch. He’s trying to arrange his schedule to attend swim meets for two alums in the Midwest.
Mr. Playe is the reason CSS alumna Kaylee Barker ’23 chose Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, where she is pursuing a dual degree in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program—a school she calls her happy place.
"I never imagined I’d choose a school almost 2,000 miles from home, but once he introduced me to the campus and their excellent DPT program, I was sold. I applied to so many schools, and I think he knew I probably wouldn’t pick most of them, but he still encouraged me to explore every option," she said.
"At the same time, he was honest. If he didn’t think a school was the right fit, he’d tell me, and I really appreciated that balance of support and honesty. He knew exactly what I wanted and where I’d thrive, and I’m forever grateful."
College counseling runs in Mr. Playe’s family—his mother and cousin are also in the field. For him, supporting students isn’t just about the present. It’s about caring for their future, too.
“I’m interested in what our students end up doing,” Mr. Playe said. “I feel responsible for making sure they have good support even after leaving CSS. I like to learn the inside scoop about the colleges once students are there and know more about the experience, and I think it’s good for the school to build alumni relations right from the start.”
Learn more and meet Dr. Ira Pernick, Upper School Director, and Erik Playe, Director of College Counseling, at Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School on October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Trianon. RSVP here
Support Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School by making a gift to the Kodiak Pride Fund at bit.ly/CSS-Give.
Save the Dates for Upcoming Summit to Success Events in the Trianon
- September 24, 5:00-6:00 p.m.: Elevating Excellence in our Divisions, RSVP here
- October 8, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating Student Wellness at CSS, RSVP here
- October 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m.: Elevating Academic Excellence in Upper School, RSVP here
- November 6, 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Elevating STEM & Innovation at CSS, RSVP here
