Colorado Springs Early Colleges

CSEC is the best thing that has ever happened to me. The school is about what you want to get out of it. The students are driven to excel. Parents are involved and communicate with teachers. Teachers, administrators, and staff go above and beyond to support their students. Counselors work with students on scholarship programs for the remainder of their college tuition. (A student recently received a full ride scholarship to the Colorado School of Mines.) The school has daily tutoring available through an Enrichment program. Regarding the comment about sports. MANY students participate in sports programs through nearby schools. As for art and music, CSEC has on-site art and music classes and features a talent and variety show, but students also participate in local arts programs, such as the Millibo Art Theater. There are so many opportunities here, not the least of which is having little to no college loan debt. What do you want out of your high school experience?
—Submitted by a teacher

The academics here are superb. However, with that comes absolutely no high school experience. There are no clubs, very few electives, one sports team which isn't even ours, and only one dance per year (two if you're a junior or senior). They put WAY too much pressure on you to find a job or start looking for a good college AS A FRESHMAN! They also expect you to suddenly mature because you're taking college level classes. If you're choosing based solely on academics then choose here. If you actually want your child to have fun while in high school or to actually go to several dances per year, then DON"T GO HERE!!! Anyone who wants to go here is essentially wishing away their high school experience.
—Submitted by a student

I am currently enrolled in csec but not for much longer. Dont get me wrong, the school is great! It is a fabulous opportunity to earn a college degree. Students also receive alot of freedom. However, it does come with responsibility. The school is designed to give students the opportunity to receive college credit in high school and save a bunch later on. The faculty is pretty ok. This school is not for the kid who loves music or art or sports. When going to this school, you give up a normal high school experience. No clubs and only 1 sport and that is basketball. I would recommend this school to the kid who is shooting straight for college, but if the kid loves art and music and sports, then i would suggest a different direction.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter graduated from CSEC with almost 60 college credits and transferred into UCCS as a Junior. It's a great opportunity for high school students. My family's experience with CSEC was great. The leadership team, staff and faculty sincerely care about the students and many staff members work way beyond 40 hours each week to make this school a success. I think parents who expect CSEC to be a 'normal' high school are often disappointed. Those who 'get' that CSEC is a very unique, 'out of the box' school are a lot happier. I highly recommend CSEC!
—Submitted by a parent

I wish we had a school like this when I was growing up! The average student-loan debt of borrowers in the college class of 2011 rose to about $26,500, a 5 percent increase from about $25,350 the previous year. Graduating from high school with an Associate's degree or even a Bachelor's degree can save your child (or you) thousands of dollars. If my daughter graduated high school with college credits and no debt from those classes, it would definitely encourage her to finish her degree. Great idea!

As a teacher at CSEC, I have to express my enthusiasm for this school and these students and families. What a great place to work! CSEC is very, very different than the typical public high school. We have standards for behavior, dress, and academics that encourage and support excellence. These kids are preparing for college then entering college far more prepared and capable than I've seen in the public schools. It is truly a unique and wonderful experience for kids and teachers.
—Submitted by a teacher

As a staff member of CSEC, I see a lot of aspects that students and parents don't see. In every school in every city, there are flaws...it is not a perfect system and education in our country has many challenges to overcome. CSEC is a great school for students willing to work hard and are motivated to succeed. The administration has a passion for seeing these students through to the end and put a lot of sweat and tears into the vision and mission of our school. The opportunity that CSEC provides is needed so badly in today's economy and society and I couldn't imagine grabbing on and not letting go if I had the chance!
—Submitted by a teacher

Colorado Springs Early Colleges is a great school. We are offering students the opportunity to get college credits for free. Where else can you get college for free? This school is different from any other school here in Colorado. Not only do we offer college classes to our students but we have implemented many different programs to help all of our students succeed. All of these "safe guards" were designed for all types of students. We support every student that enters our school. We have standards for students regarding dress codes, behavior, and academic excellence. Even the teachers follow the dress code. Students that attend CSEC will be prepared to enter other colleges and the work force with a better understand of what is expected of them and how to handle those responsibilities. CSEC is truly a one of a kind school.
—Submitted by a teacher

The CSEC Mission Statement is "Every student, regardless of background or skill level, will achieve mastery and will demonstrate that they can succeed in high school, in college, and in their chosen career. No exceptions. No excuses." Every year this school improves, and every staff member and teacher strives to achieve this mission statement. Expectations are high, but the possible bar that this school has raised has yet to reach a ceiling. It is growing and changing, but getting better every year. This is a great place to work, and no high school will offer your student the kind of opportunity that this school will.
—Submitted by a teacher

As a teacher at CSEC, I have to say it is the best school I have worked at. We have an amazing passionate staff that cares about student success, not only in the classroom but also in life. We have standards and expectations that lead to student success. We offer free college classes and you can graduate high school with an associate s degree.
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has been attending this school for almost 3 years. We love the school and the idea of her having an Associates Degree when she graduates from High School. This saves us two years of having to pay for College ourselves. I know of another student who graduated with a Bacheolors Degree.
—Submitted by a parent

If your child is ready for Academic rigor and the challenge of College during High School, this is the school for you. My son has been thriving here for two years now. Financially there has been no cost to us and he has completed almost half of an Associates degree already. However, parents must be prepared for going the extra mile to help their student be successful. Students who want to rise to the challenge, this school is for you.
—Submitted by a parent

CSEC is the perfect school for students who want to fast track to college. Not only are there competent counselors to advise students on their career path, but the teachers will teach and support students on a path toward success and excellence. The best part are the "safety nets" put in place to ensure success for students who struggle. Submitted by a current staff member.
—Submitted by a teacher

Know your child before considering CSEC! I have a gifted student who has been here since 9th grade. He is now a sophmore. He has almost completed the high school requirements. He is now taking college credits. My 15-16 yr old doesn't have the comprehension level to attend some of these colege classes. It is difficult for me, a college graduate, to understand some of the material. Although they offer up the college classes many!!! students are failing them. Work ethic is low in a lot of high schoolers, and the content is difficult. Another problem is that students have a lot of free time. Unless you can pick them up from school they may have hours of free time. The college classes are usually Tue/Thur or mw/f . There are a lot of students who don't drive who have hours of sitting around the campus. Is this time well spent? There are few if any electives/ afterschool activities. If your student likes those elective classes, art, band, jewelry making etc. this may not be the best school. The staff turnover seems high as well.
—Submitted by a parent

THis school needs intervention, training in whole school, proactive evidenced based antibullying program, and every adult needs training on being a role model to prevent bullying. If you send your teen here you need to read the Co charter school act, Colorado revised statues on education, discipline, and all the federal education laws. So you know what they are suppose to do. They do not follow their own polices and dont know the laws.
—Submitted by a parent

While the opportunity is great, CSEC is a failure at organization. While Robin Zooks was in charge of enrollments and new students it was fantastic...now it is horrible. I and many friends enrolled children with CSEC this year and were told they were enrolled. NOW we find out they are NOT enrolled, and many of us can't get our kids into the school. This has been a nightmare and caused many tears and anxiety. GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER!!!! If you could do that it would be great -- but right now it is just a nightmare. If you say they are enrolled and everything is good to go, you'd better have it right. Right now, you don't. Get the paperwork together and this will be a 5* place. Right now it is at best 2* because CSEC cannot do what they say they will do.

While this is a great opportunity to attend college while in high school, the school is lacking competent leadership. They make up the rules as they go to fit their agenda (appears to be Christian) then will back peddle when confronted about not following State regulations, laws and guidlines. A constant battle with administration to simply have them follow the rules.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is great to get a free college degree and really excel but in my experience and a friend's experience they are extremely unorganized. My credits have been "lost" and I haven't been put on a schedule to help my grad progress more than once. If they really reigned in their organization and took control it would be a much better school. If you are willing to put up with all this, and take the risk, the school has a lot to offer in the end. Good luck!
—Submitted by a student

This school is a really great opportunity. I've been going there for two years. It is, however, truly for those willing to work hard. If you want to slack off all day, go to a different school. It is also not for those whose main interest is sports or music, as there are virtually no extracurricular programs. I, however, am using this opportunity to the fullest and will probably save $50,000 on tuition.
—Submitted by a student

This school is great opportunity for those wanting to earn college credits while still in high school, however, it does not focus on students needs. it is strictly work all day, with absolutly no extracurricular activities, sports, of clubs.The teachers do not have teaching degrees and students are often times considered a number and do not recieve enough attenttion.
—Submitted by a student