🎒 Top Public School Districts Across Southern Colorado

🐝 Intro: Where Learning Takes Flight!

Whether your little one is just buzzing into kindergarten or your teen’s counting down to graduation, Colorado’s public schools are where lifelong learning takes off! 🏫✨

From mountain-view classrooms in Woodland Park to high-tech academies in Castle Rock, each district brings its own community, culture, and charm. So grab your backpack and let’s explore the best of the best public school districts — from the heart of Colorado Springs all the way up to Douglas County!

🌟 El Paso County & Colorado Springs Area

1️⃣ Academy District 20 (D20)
📍 1110 Chapel Hills Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80920
One of the most sought-after districts in Colorado, known for strong academics, competitive athletics, and innovative programs like Air Academy High.
🌐 asd20.org

2️⃣ Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11)
📍 1115 N El Paso St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Historic heart of the city — with a focus on creativity, inclusion, and world-class arts programs.
🌐 d11.org

3️⃣ Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (D12)
📍 1775 La Clede St., Colorado Springs, CO 80905
High-performing district known for academic excellence, music, and advanced placement programs.
🌐 cmsd12.org

4️⃣ Falcon District 49 (D49)
📍 10850 E Woodmen Rd., Peyton, CO 80831
Fast-growing eastside district blending traditional and innovative learning — home to schools like Vista Ridge and Banning Lewis Ranch.
🌐 d49.org

5️⃣ Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (D38)
📍 146 Jefferson St., Monument, CO 80132
Community-centered district with small-town heart and strong academic traditions.
🌐 lewispalmer.org

6️⃣ Widefield School District 3 (D3)
📍 1820 Main St., Colorado Springs, CO 80911
Known for early childhood education programs and excellent career/technical options.
🌐 wsd3.org

7️⃣ Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (D8)
📍 10665 Jimmy Camp Rd., Fountain, CO 80817
Military-family-friendly district with strong STEM programs and career prep.
🌐 ffc8.org

8️⃣ Harrison School District 2 (D2)
📍 1060 Harrison Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Focused on equity, innovation, and college readiness — features the award-winning Sierra High.
🌐 hsd2.org

9️⃣ Manitou Springs School District 14 (D14)
📍 405 El Monte Pl., Manitou Springs, CO 80829
Scenic mountain district emphasizing experiential and outdoor learning.
🌐 mssd14.org

🔟 Peyton School District 23-JT
📍 18320 Main St., Peyton, CO 80831
Small district with personalized education and strong agricultural science programs.
🌐 peyton.k12.co.us

11️⃣ Calhan School District RJ-1
📍 800 Bulldog Dr., Calhan, CO 80808
Rural community school where class sizes are small and school pride runs deep!
🌐 calhanschool.org

12️⃣ Ellicott School District 22
📍 322 S Ellicott Hwy., Ellicott, CO 80808
Family-focused and community-driven — offers dual-credit programs and small classroom environments.
🌐 ellicottschools.org

🏔️ Teller County

13️⃣ Woodland Park School District RE-2
📍 155 Panther Way, Woodland Park, CO 80863
“City above the clouds” — focuses on STEAM education and outdoor exploration.
🌐 wpsdk12.org

14️⃣ Cripple Creek-Victor School District RE-1
📍 410 N B St., Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Small mountain-town schools with close-knit classrooms and individualized learning.
🌐 ccvschools.org

🐻 Douglas County

15️⃣ Douglas County School District RE-1
📍 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104
One of Colorado’s largest and most respected districts — known for high test scores, innovation labs, and competitive athletics.
🌐 dcsdk12.org

16️⃣ Highlands Ranch Feeder Area (Part of DCSD)
📍 Multiple Campuses • Covers elementary through high school
Top-ranked schools like ThunderRidge, Mountain Vista, and Rock Canyon call this area home.
🌐 dcsdk12.org/schools

17️⃣ Parker Feeder Area (Part of DCSD)
📍 Multiple Schools • Includes Legend, Chaparral, and Ponderosa High Schools
Academic excellence with a community feel — family favorite for its safe neighborhoods and school culture.
🌐 dcsdk12.org

18️⃣ Castle Rock Feeder Area (Part of DCSD)
📍 Multiple Schools • Includes Castle View and Douglas County High
A mix of traditional and innovation-based schools with great extracurricular programs.
🌐 dcsdk12.org

📘 Nearby District Extensions

19️⃣ Edison School District 54 JT – Rural edge of El Paso County; small but strong rural learning community.
🌐 edison54jt.org

20️⃣ Miami-Yoder School District JT60 – East El Paso County; focused on individualized education and agricultural programs.
🌐 miamiyoder.org

🌻 Education with a Buzz!

From the mountains to the plains, Colorado’s public schools are bursting with opportunities to grow, learn, and shine. ✨ Whether your family values arts, academics, STEM, or small-town community — there’s a district in this list ready to welcome you with open arms (and probably a bake sale 🍪).

So go on, take a tour, meet some teachers, and find the district that fits your hive.
Because no matter where you land — you’ll always find your Family Buzz right here in Colorado! 💛🐝

#FindYourFamilyBuzz #BeeBeyondFun #ColoradoSpringsSchools #DouglasCountySchools #ColoradoEducation #SupportLocalCO