Navigating Autism-Friendly & Special Education Schools in Colorado Springs

Introduction

‍Choosing the right school for a child on the autism spectrum is a deeply personal and often challenging process. In Colorado Springs, families have access to a variety of educational options, from specialized private schools to public district programs, each designed to support different needs, learning styles, and goals. This guide highlights some of the autism-friendly and special education programs in the Springs, so you can make a more informed decision.

Autism / Special Education Schools & Programs in Colorado Springs

1. Kishami Academy

• Type: Private school
• Grades: 3-High School
• About: Kishami Academy is specifically designed for students with autism and special needs who may feel underserved by traditional public school settings.
• Approach: Customized curriculum, intake assessments, life-skills, social skills, emotional management, and self-advocacy.
• Important Note: Kishami is not “one-on-one care”; students should be relatively independent.
• Accreditation: Not accredited currently. Their diploma focuses on mastered strengths rather than a standard “graduate high school” diploma.
• Tuition: 
  
  • $24,000/year for full-time academic (M 11am-3pm, T-F 9am-3pm) 
  • $12,000/year for half-day academic (T-F 9am-12pm)

2. Pikes Peak BOCES - School of Excellence (SOE)

• Type: Public cooperative (BOCES - Board of Cooperative Educational Services) program
• About: The School of Excellence houses multiple specialized programs, including the LIBERTY and Pathways programs, serving students with behavioral, social, emotional, and autism-related needs.
• LIBERTY Program:
  
  • Structured classroom for students with dual diagnosis and/or on the autism spectrum.
  • Uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior principles to teach language, social, academic, and group learning skills.
  • Very low student-to-teacher ratio (average ~3-4 students per teacher) to provide tailored support.
• Pathways Program:
  
  • Emphasis on social and emotional skills, behavior support, and structured instruction.
  • Staffing: typically 1 special education teacher + paraprofessionals per 6-8 students.

3. Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 (CMSD12) - Special Education Services

• District: CMSD12, serving parts of southern Colorado Springs.
• Services: Their Special Education department supports students from preschool through age 21, offering a continuum of services tailored to individual needs.
• Program Strengths:
  
  • Uses IEP (Individualized Education Plan) to support academic, social, and behavioral needs.
  • Professional staff including speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and more.
• Useful for: Families who want a free public school setting (no tuition) with structured SPED support and access to district resources.

4. Thomas MacLaren School

• Type: Charter public school (no tuition)
• Special Ed Programming: They serve students with IEPs, offering resource services and contracted related services per the Colorado Department of Education’s guidelines.
• Admission Considerations:
  
  • Students’ IEPs are carefully reviewed for alignment with MacLaren’s service delivery model.
  • If program needs don’t align, they hold a transfer IEP meeting with parents, district, and school.

5. Seven Stars Autism Boarding School

• Type: Private boarding school for students with autism
• Grades / Ages: Typically serves middle and high school students (ages 12-18). 
• About: Seven Stars offers a structured residential program for students with autism, focusing on individualized education plans, social-emotional support, and life skills.
• Program Highlights:
  
  • Residential living to support independence and routine.
  • Academic curriculum aligned with each student’s learning goals.
  • Therapeutic support including behavioral interventions and social skills development.
  • Small class sizes and highly trained staff.
• Why Consider: Ideal for families looking for an immersive, structured environment where students can gain independence while continuing their academic and social development.
• Tuition: “Seven Stars is a private pay program. Families might get a portion of tuition back from insurance, but if and how much depends on individual insurance plans. Please call us, at 844-601-1167, for additional information on the cost and pricing structure of Seven Stars’ program”

6. Other District Special Education Services

• District 11 (D11): Offers special education support to students via their Individualized Education Department, serving ages 3–21.
• Academy District 20 (D20):
  
  • Their Special Education department offers Communication Social Development (CSD) programs for students with autism who need structured social communication support.
  • Also provides inclusion supports and IEP-based services.

Things to Think About When Choosing a School for Your Autistic Child

1. Needs Assessment: Start with understanding your child’s strengths and challenges (behavioral, social, academic). Their IEP (or evaluation) will guide what kind of program makes sense.
2. Structure vs Independence: Some programs are very structured and use ABA principles, while other settings may offer more inclusive or less behavior-focused educational experiences.
3. Staffing Ratios: Low student-to-teacher ratios are often more supportive, especially for kids on the autism spectrum.
4. Transition Support: Does the program support transition planning (i.e. high school → adulthood)?
5. Logistics: Consider location, transportation, and cost (for private schools like Kishami).
6. Program Philosophy: Make sure the school’s teaching philosophy matches your family’s values and your child’s learning style.
7. Parental Involvement: How does the school involve parents? How transparent is the IEP process? Etc.

Conclusion

Colorado Springs offers a robust mix of autism-friendly and special education options. Whether you're looking for a highly specialized private school, a structured BOCES-based program, or public district support through CMSD12, there are many choices depending on your child’s needs.