Colorado Springs Schools Guide for Military Families
Colorado Springs is served by four major school districts, each with distinct strengths. Your neighborhood determines your default district, but Colorado's open enrollment policies give military families flexibility. This guide covers everything from ratings to enrollment timelines for families PCS'ing to Fort Carson and Peterson SFB.
School District Overview
| District | Area Served | Enrollment | Graduation Rate | Military Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-11 (Colorado Springs 11) | Central/downtown Colorado Springs | ~24,000 | 83% | ★★★☆☆ |
| D-20 (Academy 20) | North Colorado Springs, Briargate | ~27,000 | 94% | ★★★★★ |
| D-49 (Falcon 49) | East Colorado Springs, Falcon | ~21,000 | 89% | ★★★★☆ |
| D-8 (Fountain-Fort Carson 8) | Fountain, Security-Widefield, Fort Carson | ~9,500 | 88% | ★★★★★ |
District 20 — Academy School District (Best Overall)
Academy District 20 consistently ranks among the top school districts in Colorado and is the first choice for many military families, particularly those assigned to Peterson SFB. Serving north Colorado Springs and the Briargate area, D-20 features:
- Average GreatSchools rating: 8–9/10 across most elementary schools
- 94% graduation rate (one of highest in El Paso County)
- Strong AP and IB programs at Air Academy High School and Pine Creek High School
- Robust military student liaison program
- Free full-day kindergarten
Neighborhoods feeding D-20: Briargate, Northgate, Stetson Hills, Flying Horse, Wolf Ranch. Commute to Fort Carson from these areas is 35–50 minutes.
District 8 — Fountain-Fort Carson (Most Military-Connected)
D-8 serves the Fountain Valley and areas directly adjacent to Fort Carson, making it the district with the highest percentage of military-connected students — over 40% by some estimates. Key features:
- Strong School Liaison Officer (SLO) partnership with Fort Carson ACS
- Designated Purple Star schools recognizing military-friendly practices
- Fountain-Fort Carson High School JROTC program with Army unit sponsorship
- Smooth mid-year enrollment process for PCS families
- 88% graduation rate
Neighborhoods in D-8: Fountain, Security-Widefield, Lorson Ranch, parts of Widefield. Commute to Fort Carson: 10–20 minutes.
District 49 — Falcon School District
D-49 is the fastest-growing school district in Colorado, driven by rapid development in the Falcon/Peyton area east of Colorado Springs. It's the default district for Schriever SFB families:
- Newer school facilities — many built after 2010
- High school choice: Vista Ridge, Sand Creek, Falcon, Rampart, and others
- Strong STEM and career/technical education programs
- Military-connected student programs at most schools
- 89% graduation rate
District 11 — Colorado Springs School District
D-11 is the original and largest district in the city, serving central and downtown Colorado Springs. It offers the most diverse range of schools including traditional neighborhood schools, charter options, and magnet programs:
- Colorado Springs Early Colleges (charter) — grades 6–12 with free college credit
- Tesla STEM Academy — specialized science and technology focus
- Strong special needs / EFMP-compatible programs
- Lowest average school ratings of the four districts, but strong charter/magnet options
Enrollment Tips for PCS Families
- Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Fort Carson (719-526-5399) or Peterson (719-556-6141) before you arrive — they can connect you with school-specific contacts and smooth the enrollment process.
- Gather your child's records: immunization history, IEP or 504 documents, previous school transcripts, and birth certificate before arriving.
- Colorado accepts all standard military immunization records. You will not need additional shots for Colorado public schools.
- Mid-year PCS enrollment is handled smoothly in most Colorado Springs districts — schools are experienced with military families and do not require a waiting period.
For neighborhood-specific school information, see our Colorado Springs neighborhoods guide. For PCS planning, see the full PCS timeline and checklist.