Colorado Springs Early Colleges

Posted: March 14, 2026

We moved my son here halfway through his freshman year. He was "lost in the sauce" at a large high school & needed peer influence that was more academically focused. Almost overnight he went from a D/F student to an A/B student at CECCS. Their AN program and IEP supports are exceptional and he was able to make up lost time and graduate on time with college credits! He found a love for learning and discovered how smart and capable he actually was. Highly recommend!!

Posted: March 14, 2026

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Posted: August 28, 2024

As a student this is my second year and it's amazing. The culture, community, and staff are great and respect us as long as we respect them. They're tutoring room known as SI studios provides so much help. They reduce the stress of missing and losing points on homework. Plus has a principle that knows how to run a school. Ultimately of all the school I've been in is this school shows that they care and want us to succeed in our near future.so definitely recommend this school.

Posted: August 28, 2024

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Posted: October 2, 2023

Better food, for high-school fridays are half days, avaliable councilors, you can get a free degree, and it is individualized so you can fit your classes to what you want to do. Best school I've been too.

Posted: October 2, 2023

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Posted: December 14, 2021

Posted: December 14, 2021

Posted: December 14, 2021

My high schooler is doing well in this school except in math. He has seen multiple math teachers and tutors and they can't seem to explain the material so that he can grasp it to do well in this discipline. I'm also saddened that there are no extra curricular activities here, so my kids have had to make the choice to stay or give up activities they've enjoyed for years (or pay an extra cost for these activities outside of school).

As for my middle schooler, he is failing half of his classes. Of course, this is mostly his fault, and he does have learning and mood disabilities, but his father continues to take him out of school just about every week for no discernable reason. The staff says there is nothing they can do about it when I tried to stop it. Instead, because I'm the mother, they called DHS on me (but not on Dad). I had been following up with the school, have always been involved and the only one to help with homework, but apparently I'm responsible. This was completely humiliating, degrading, and DHS ruled this was unfounded. In fact, they found issues with Dad, not me. Sexist much? I have always been VERY involved in my kid's schooling, volunteered in the classroom when I could, even while working full time, and encouraging the kids to do their best. Thanks to this judgmental accusation, I will never show my face at this school to help in the classrooms or events. I wish my oldest didn't like the school so much or they'd both be moved to their neighborhood school next semester. I still may move my middle schooler and insist that he repeat his current grade since he needs more help than this school or I can give him.

Posted: December 14, 2021

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Posted: May 25, 2021

Awesome school - once your child is college ready (Passing the acuplacer at PPCC in English and Math) , they can start taking college classes at PPCC or UCCS to fulfil high school credits. So instead of wasting time taking AP classes which may or may not transfer to college, my child took only college courses starting her junior year and thus became the first in our family to graduate from college prior to graduating from high school. ( She graduated from PPCC with a Associates Degree a week before she graduated from CSEC. ) She will graduate from UNCo this Dec with her B.A., -effectively costing me only a year and a half of tuition because of CSEC paying for her Associates degree. I highly recommend this school for students who are bored in a regular high school , for students who would rather have a certificate and go right into the work force after high school (ie: CNA, EMT, Mechanic, Chef, etc) with a skill set that is marketable, or for students who do not have the money to attend college. Letting CSEC pay for my daughter's associate degree made college very affordable for our family. SHe transferred in her junior year from a traditional high school where she felt like she was just biding time - bored and frustrated. CSEC let her dictate her schedule, and with the help of both CSEC and PPCC counselors, she was able to take courses that interested her and would apply towards her four year degree. She ended up transferring 76 college credits via her Associates Degree to UNCO. Can't say enough about how great this school was for our family. (Only downside - no sports except basketball) But she did sports her freshmen and sophomore year and decided that she'd rather work towards her college degree.

Posted: May 25, 2021

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Posted: April 9, 2021

This website does not accurately score / rate this school. Several aspects that this website deems important are not accurately reflected.
-College Readiness - 90+% of students graduate with their Associates' degree or 60+ credits towards their Bachelor's degree.
- This site sees it as a negative that students stay in "high school" for 5 years. However, that is because they have the opportunity to stay in "high school" and complete more FREE college credits.
- SAT scores are on the lower side - however that is because many students don't take the SAT since they are already accepted into college.
- AP Courses - This school does concurrent enrollment instead of dual enrollment. Students at this school can take the actual college course, not an AP class.
- Student Teacher Ratio is never more than 24 to 1, but it averages 18 to 1... this website does not take into account the number of college adjuncts from PPCC and CSU Pueblo that teach on the campus.

Posted: April 9, 2021

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Posted: October 5, 2014

This school is amazing. Helps you take a step forward in your life. Yes a lot of work, but hard work = success

Posted: September 23, 2013

Our son left the Vanguard school with a sigh of relief! He was being taught by uncredentialed self important, heartless, despotic instructors! He blew out the Accuplacer test and is enrolled in all college classes. He has a goal to finish his B.S. degree and High School at the same time. Our 14 year old is a very intelligent child with a learning disability and the staff at CSEC and PPCC have been very supportive. He has turned over a new leaf and is soaring. The school so far seems to fit his learning style. Our oldest is at Stanford University and had received 5's on almost all of his 5 AP tests. He was considering medical school but found that he would have to take Bio. Calc. Chem. and English over as medicacl schools do not accept high school AP courses as prerequisites classes. We are also excited that our 14 year old's college will be paid. He still participates in fencing and rocketry at his old school. He is considering running track with his old school as well. For those students who want a high school experience you can participate at your last school. High school experiences were over rated. You will have better experiences in college and grad. school!

Posted: May 11, 2013

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?

Posted: May 10, 2013

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.

Posted: May 9, 2013

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.

Posted: February 16, 2013

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!

Posted: February 10, 2013

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!

Posted: February 7, 2013

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.

Posted: February 7, 2013

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!

Posted: February 7, 2013

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.

Posted: February 7, 2013

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.

Posted: February 7, 2013

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.

Posted: February 7, 2013

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.

Posted: February 6, 2013

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.

Posted: February 5, 2013

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.

Posted: January 24, 2013

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.

Posted: July 23, 2012

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.