The Colorado Springs School Is Dropping Its High School Grades — Here's What Families Need to Know

The Colorado Springs School announced on November 6, 2026 that it will discontinue its high school program. The private independent school will no longer offer Grades 9 through 12, shifting its focus entirely to pre-K through Grade 8. Family meetings are scheduled for the week of November 9 through 13 to walk parents and students through the transition.

For families with children currently enrolled in the upper school, this is a significant and time-sensitive change. If your student is in Grades 9 through 12, you'll need to begin identifying alternative high school options now.

What Families with Upper School Students Should Do Now

The timeline matters here. High school enrollment processes in Colorado Springs — both public and private — often have deadlines, testing requirements, or waiting lists. Starting early gives your family the most options. Here's where to focus:

• Attend the family meeting this week. Bring questions about transcript transfers, official letters of enrollment status, and what transition support the school is offering.
• Request official documentation. Any new school or program will need transcripts, grades, and potentially a letter from The Colorado Springs School confirming the program change.
• Research your district's options. Colorado Springs families have access to high schools in D11, D20, and D49 depending on their address. Magnet and specialized programs like Discovery Canyon Campus (D20) and other charter options typically require a separate application.
• Consider private alternatives. Several private high schools in the Colorado Springs area may have space. Contact them directly about their application process and timelines.
• Look into online and hybrid options. Accredited online high schools and homeschool co-ops in Colorado offer another path for families who need flexibility during a transition.

High School Options in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has a range of public high school options across its major districts:

• D11 schools include Cheyenne Mountain High School, Doherty High School, and Coronado High School, among others.
• D20 schools include Palmer Ridge High School, Rampart High School, and Discovery Canyon Campus — the district's nationally recognized STEM-focused school.
• D49 schools include Falcon High School and Vista Ridge High School.

Each district has an enrollment office that can walk you through the process, including mid-year transfers. Contact your home district's enrollment office directly for the most current information on availability and timelines.

What's Next

If you have a student currently enrolled in Grades 9 through 12 at The Colorado Springs School, the most important immediate steps are attending this week's family meeting and beginning to research alternative schools. The transition timeline will likely be clarified through those meetings — but starting your research now means you'll be ready to act quickly once you have the full picture.

We'll continue to follow this story as more details become available about the transition plan and support resources for affected families.