January 29, 2018
Dear CSS Families and Alumni,
At The Colorado Springs School, we never stop thinking about our role in the local and international educational landscape and our mission to prepare our students for a dynamic world. Education is a complicated topic and, with 15 grade levels at the school, we sometimes talk about trees, not forests. Today, I share six clear and informative images and diagrams that express the benefits of a CSS education and focus on the larger picture.
Portrait of a Colorado Springs School Graduate
Newly developed, our Profile of a Colorado Springs School Graduate articulates the skills, experiences, and mindset that CSS students develop over the course of their careers at the school.
The portrait (developed after a year of curriculum review and strategic planning) is based on the eight capacities that guide the CSS Digital Portfolio program and the educational targets that inspire our college preparatory curriculum, student-centered teaching practices, and experiential education seminars. The Eight Essential Capacities for the 21st Century originate from the National Association of Independent School’s Guide to Becoming a School of the Future and are adapted to CSS program and curricula.
Experiential Education
Our signature outdoor education and educational seminars are much more than good fun, they build students’ curiosity, leadership and teamwork, love of the natural world, and resilience.
The lessons learned on seminars aren’t forgotten when the vans pull on campus, They carry over into your child’s classrooms, and their work on our courts, and stages. As you can see, the entire program builds towards the new Senior Capstone Program where every CSS senior is given time and mentorship to develop their passions. Come see what our seniors have achieved on Senior Night, May 23, 2018.
Computer Science and Coding at CSS
Not every CSS student will have a career in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field, but that will be a personal choice, not a decision reached by default.
Every CSS student will learn Python in Middle School, one of the most relevant coding languages. Students also have the option to take Computer Science (including college credit) and access the Innovation Lab, if they so choose. Click here for a webcast from Academic Dean Eric Gaylord on Innovation and STEM at CSS.
National Association of Independent Schools Re-accreditation Visit
The Colorado Springs School has earned its place in the prestigious network of excellent independent schools around the state and the country.
The Colorado Springs School was first accredited by the prestigious National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in 1969, and has been re-accredited each cycle thereafter. February 11-14, 2018, we welcome the Association of Colorado Independent School’s (ACIS) visiting team to secure the school’s NAIS accreditation for the next ten years. Our faculty/staff have spent more than a year compiling our self-study report. The Visiting Team will dialogue with every member of our team, evaluate our work against compliance standards, and document mission congruence in the life of the school.
College Readiness
Lastly, take a look at the Class of 2017. We aren’t alone in thinking that CSS graduates have an exemplary preparation for college and life.
College and university admissions committees around the world agreed with our assessment that these young people have the skills, experiences, and mindset to gain admission to and thrive in selective colleges and universities.
Thanks for reading and for all you do support The Colorado Springs School.
Warmly,
Aaron Schubach
Head of School
