When looking for schools for kids in Colorado Springs, most people talk about public school districts like D-20 or D-12.

However, for moms like me who are considering private schools, finding information can be quite challenging. So, I looked up tuition costs one by one.

First, the most noticeable option is Colorado Springs Christian Schools, abbreviated as CSCS. The Colorado Springs campus is a Christian school that operates from kindergarten through 12th grade. It emphasizes biblical values in its curriculum while also focusing on general academics.

But since it's private, the most curious aspect is the cost. For the 2026-27 school year, the official tuition for high school grades 9-12 is $11,175 per year. If you break it down monthly, it comes to about $931. Middle school tuition is $9,825 for 6th grade, $10,250 for 7th and 8th grades, and elementary school ranges from $7,450 to $8,800 depending on the grade.

Sending two kids there is not a small expense. However, there is a tuition reduction for the second child. The second child gets a $500 discount, the third child $750, and each subsequent child receives a $1,000 reduction. There is also a $200 discount per student if you pay the annual tuition in full. However, there is an initial application fee of $50 and a separate fee of $250 after acceptance, and additional costs may apply for student fees, sports, or field trips.

That said, there's no need to give up right away if you think, "Our family can't afford over $10,000 a year."

CSCS has a tuition assistance program that considers family circumstances, and according to the school, over 38% of students receive such assistance. So, if you're interested, it's best not to just walk away after seeing the full price but to inquire about the actual amount of assistance available.

Another frequently mentioned option is The Classical Academy, or TCA. However, this is not a private school. It is a K-12 public charter school operated through Academy District 20. Therefore, there is no tuition. The school clearly describes itself as a tuition-free public charter school. It does not operate like a private school that requires entrance exams to enroll.

However, since the educational approach is somewhat different from regular public schools, some parents feel it resembles a private school. It emphasizes classical education, focusing on reading, writing, logical thinking, and traditional academic subjects. The Colorado Department of Education also confirms that TCA is a charter school under D-20.

From a mom's perspective, this is appealing. The thought of "a private-like educational environment with no tuition" is enticing. However, since charter schools have a clear educational philosophy, it's important to first consider whether it aligns with your child's personality.

Evangelical Christian Academy, or ECA, is also known as a Christian private school. However, the currently available school information varies by source regarding grade structure and tuition. One source lists the annual tuition as approximately $10,250, while another indicates it serves grades PK-12, so if you're considering high school enrollment, it's safest to check directly with the school for the current grade offerings and tuition for the 2026-27 school year.

Ultimately, when you crunch the numbers, the choices become a bit clearer. CSCS high school tuition is around $11,000 per year, while TCA is a public charter school with no tuition. You should also compare it with the many good public schools in D-20.

I personally wouldn't decide just based on the school name. If I were to choose a private school while paying over $10,000 a year, I would need to see if my child truly benefits from being in a small community or receiving a Christian education. Conversely, if my child adapts well to a larger school and studies independently, there may be no need to pay for private school tuition.

And definitely visit the open house at private schools. Listen to the principal, see the classrooms, and observe the students' expressions.

Choosing a school isn't like buying a car based solely on a spec sheet. Ultimately, the person who will be living there all day is not the mom, but our child.