Understanding School Districts in Colorado Springs: A Focus on Academy District 20

Understanding School Districts in Colorado Springs: A Focus on Academy District 20

When considering moving to Colorado Springs, one of the key factors for families is the quality and availability of school districts. Colorado Springs is home to several reputable school districts, each offering unique programs and opportunities for students. One standout district is Academy District 20 (ASD20), known for its strong academic performance and robust School Choice program. This post will delve into what makes ASD20 special, with a particular focus on the School Choice options.

Overview of Academy District 20 (ASD20)

Academy District 20 is a well-regarded school district located in the northern part of Colorado Springs. Known for its high academic standards, the district serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade. ASD20 schools consistently receive high ratings for academic performance, extracurricular activities, and overall student satisfaction.

Other Notable School Districts in Colorado Springs

1. Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11):
   • Overview: As one of the oldest districts in the region, D11 serves the central part of Colorado Springs and offers a variety of programs, including International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
   • Schools: Palmer High School, Coronado High School, and Jenkins Middle School are some of the notable schools within this district.
2. Harrison School District 2 (D2):
   • Overview: Located in the southern part of the city, D2 focuses on providing personalized education and offers unique programs like the Pikes Peak Early College.
   • Schools: Sierra High School, Harrison High School, and Carmel Middle School.
3. Falcon School District 49 (D49):
   • Overview: Serving the eastern part of Colorado Springs, D49 is known for its innovative approach to education, including blended learning and STEM programs.
   • Schools: Vista Ridge High School, Sand Creek High School, and Skyview Middle School.
4. Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (D12):
   • Overview: Located in the southwestern part of Colorado Springs, D12 is highly regarded for its academic excellence and beautiful campus settings.
   • Schools: Cheyenne Mountain High School, The Vanguard School, and Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School.

School Choice in Academy District 20

ASD20 offers a School Choice program that allows parents and guardians to apply for their children to attend a school other than their designated neighborhood school. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families seeking specific academic programs, extracurricular activities, or a school environment that best suits their child's needs.

Participation in School Choice

Families can apply for School Choice if they wish their child to attend a different school within the district or if they live outside the district boundaries. Here’s a closer look at the process and considerations:

Application Acceptance & Considerations

• Eligibility: The School Choice program is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Priority Order: Applications are accepted based on space availability and in the following order:
  • In-district families with siblings already attending the selected school
  • In-district families with no siblings attending the selected school
  • Out-of-district employee children
  • Returning out-of-district students
  • New out-of-district students
• Lottery System: If more students apply than there are available seats, a lottery is held following the same priority order.

Non-Participating Schools

While most ASD20 schools participate in the School Choice program, there are a few exceptions:

• Aspen Valley Campus
• Home School Academy
• Village High School
• Village Middle School
• The Classical Academy
• New Summit Charter Academy
• Preschool programs

Transitioning Students

• In-District Students: Students transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school who are currently participating in School Choice will automatically be enrolled in the middle or high school on the feeder path of their current school.
• Out-of-District Students: These students must reapply for School Choice when transitioning from elementary to middle school or middle to high school.

How to Apply for School Choice

Applying for School Choice in ASD20 is straightforward:

1. Submit an Application: Complete the online School Choice application. This form becomes available when the School Choice window opens.
2. Email Confirmation: After submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation from the Central Registry Office with any additional instructions or next steps.
3. Notifications: School Choice notifications will be sent out according to the schedule posted on the School Choice Window page.

Important Terms to Know

• Registration: The process all parents/guardians must complete for their student(s) to become enrolled and attend ASD20. This includes providing household, parent/guardian, emergency contact, and student information, along with necessary documentation like address verification, birth certificate, immunization records, and custody documents.
• School Choice Application: The application process to attend a school other than the student's neighborhood school.
• Neighborhood School: The designated school assigned to an address within ASD20 boundaries.
• Assigned School: The school a student attends after being accepted through School Choice.
• Feeder Schools or Feeder Strand: The set of schools a student’s enrollment will follow from initial enrollment through 12th grade.
• In-District Families: Families living within ASD20 boundaries.
• Out-of-District Families: Families living outside ASD20 boundaries.
• All Families: All families, regardless of whether they live in or out of ASD20 boundaries.

Academy District 20's School Choice program provides flexibility and opportunities for families to select the best educational environment for their children. Whether you are a current resident or considering moving to Colorado Springs, ASD20 offers a range of options to meet your child’s educational needs.

For more detailed information, visit the Academy District 20 School Choice webpage here or check the application and procedures on the official ASD20 School Choice Application page.

Additional Resources for Researching Schools in the Colorado Springs Area

Schools in the area can be researched via several websites. Here are a couple for you to pursue that will give a broader look at the school districts as a whole. You can look up each school and see how they are performing, as well as a host of helpful stats to help with your decision process:

• Niche: Best School Districts in the Colorado Springs Area
• GreatSchools
• Hoodmaps: Colorado Springs Neighborhood Map
• Gazette: Colorado Springs Area District Leaders Explain School Choice

School District Links

• Academy District 20
• Colorado Springs District 11
• Falcon District 49
• Fountain-Fort Carson District 8
• Harrison School District 2
• Lewis-Palmer District 38
• Widefield School District 3

Military Family Open Enrollment in Public Schools

• Military Family Open Enrollment

Feel free to reach out with any questions about the School Choice process or other details about living in the Colorado Springs area. I am here to help make your transition as smooth as possible!