Service Learning

Lower School

The Lower School participates in Service Learning projects that support CSS and the surrounding community:

• PreK students pick up trash on the playground and around the creek that runs through The Colorado Springs School property.
• Kindergarteners spend time with seniors living at the Myron Stratton Home.
• First-grade students collect gently-used and new books for the Head Start preschool program at Stratton Meadows Elementary School. In addition, they connect with the Humane Society and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
• CSS's 2nd graders collect food for Care and Share.
• Students in the 3rd grade practice recycling and composting by picking up trash on campus and visiting the recycling center at the Garden of the Gods.
• Fourth-grade students visit their senior friends each month at the Broadmoor Court Senior Living Center, where they play games, share their school projects, and enhance their conversational skills.
• Fifth graders combine their Independent Study project on developing awareness for a nonprofit cause by donating time and money to their chosen organization.

Middle School

Our Middle School students participate in at least two Service Learning days each school year:

• Sixth graders connect with Care and Share, and other Colorado Springs-based food distribution centers to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the food production cycle and food insecurity.
• Seventh graders work on habitat conservation and trail maintenance with local environmental stewardship groups. This project helps them gain an appreciation for the natural landscape and manual labor while working as a large team to create very tangible outcomes.
• Eighth graders assist with giving back to their school and the greater community by engaging in service projects at CSS and at nonprofit organizations they identify with from throughout the region.

Upper School

CSS's Upper School students must meet a yearly graduation requirement of participating in a minimum of 18 hours of Service Learning. They take part in Service Learning both in school and on their own. Upper School students serve local food banks and senior organizations, participate in literacy projects, and perform environmental restoration and clean-up projects. Partner agencies include, but are not limited to:

• New Roots Farm
• El Pomar Youth Sports Park
• CPCD Head Start
• Care and Share
• Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center

Service outside of school is also encouraged as students dedicate time to pursuing their passions and helping meaningful organizations. Hours volunteering for charitable agencies must be supervised and certified by adults. Work around the house or for a family business does not qualify for Service Learning credit. Students may not receive any pay, credit, goods, or services in return for community service.

Many of our students exceed the required community service hours graduation requirements.