Top 5 School Districts Near Colorado Military Bases

Quick Highlights:

• Academy District 20: High academic performance, military liaisons, and Purple Star Schools.
• Lewis-Palmer District 38: Exceptional academics, family-friendly programs, and strong military support.
• Cheyenne Mountain District 12: Ranked #1 in Colorado for 2025, small class sizes, and tailored military resources.
• Falcon District 49: Growing district with unique Military Student Transition Consultants.
• Colorado Springs District 11: Convenient for Peterson Space Force Base, improving academics, and Purple Star Schools.

Quick Comparison Table:

Whether you’re stationed at Peterson Space Force Base, Fort Carson, or another installation, these districts offer strong academics and dedicated military family support. Colorado’s open enrollment policy allows flexibility to choose the best fit for your child. Keep reading for detailed insights into each district.

27 Colorado schools receive state’s first Purple Star School designation

1. Academy School District 20

Academy School District 20 is a popular choice for military families, thanks to its strong academic reputation and convenient location near major military bases. The district stands out for its commitment to high educational standards and its focus on supporting military-connected students, making it an essential part of the Colorado Springs community.

Proximity to Military Bases

One of the district’s key advantages is its close proximity to military installations. Two of its schools are located on the United States Air Force Academy grounds, and other key bases, such as Fort Carson, Peterson Air Force Base, and Schriever Air Force Base, are within a 30-mile radius. Graduations are even held at Clune Arena, underscoring the district’s connection to the military community. For families living in USAFA neighborhoods, this setup ensures easy access to both schools and military facilities.

Academic Performance and Rankings

Academy District 20 consistently delivers impressive academic results. For 15 years in a row, the district has earned the "Accredited with Distinction" rating, a testament to its excellence through August 2023. On Niche.com, the district holds an overall grade of A, with A ratings for academics and A‑ ratings for both teachers and college preparation.

Student performance data further highlights the district’s success:

• Math proficiency: 47%
• Reading proficiency: 63%
• Average SAT score: 1,220
• Average ACT score: 28
• Graduation rate: 94%

Additionally, schools like The Classical Academy High School and Pine Creek High School rank 9th and 45th in the state, respectively, showcasing the district’s academic strength.

Support for Military-Connected Students

Academy District 20 goes the extra mile to welcome and support military families. As the district itself puts it:

"Whether you’ve just had a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or just want to connect, find your military community at Academy District 20! Students and families can feel at home among our staff and faculty, who are well-versed in the complex and unique lives of the military household."
– Academy District 20

The district employs dedicated Military Liaisons to assist families with transitions, ensuring students have access to the resources they need. Some schools also offer Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) who provide confidential support to children dealing with deployment, PCS moves, or other challenges. These counselors, all holding advanced degrees, help with issues like self-esteem, communication, and grief management.

In recognition of its efforts, three schools – Douglass Valley Elementary School, Eagleview Middle School, and Ranch Creek Elementary School – received Colorado’s first-ever Purple Star School designation in April 2025. This award celebrates schools that excel in supporting military-connected students and families.

The district’s commitment to the Interstate Compact further ensures a smooth academic transition for military students moving into the area.

2. Lewis-Palmer School District 38

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 stands out as a top choice for military families, combining strong academic performance with a welcoming community. Covering Palmer Lake, Monument, Woodmoor, and northern Black Forest, the district is conveniently located and offers tailored support for students, particularly those from military backgrounds.

Proximity to Military Bases

Situated in Monument, roughly 20 miles north of Colorado Springs and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), the district provides easy access to key military bases. Commuting to Colorado Springs is straightforward via Interstate 25, with additional options like biking along the New Santa Fe Regional Trail. This accessibility, paired with the district’s academic reputation, makes it an appealing choice for military families.

Academic Performance and Rankings

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning the "Accredited with Distinction" designation in 2023 and 2024. This recognition places it among the top 9% of school districts in Colorado. The district boasts impressive student outcomes, including:

• 60% math proficiency and 82% reading proficiency rates
• CMAS scores of 59.6 in English Language Arts and 53.3 in Mathematics
• A graduation rate exceeding 95%

Lewis-Palmer High School ranks #55 in the state, with approximately 85% of its graduates pursuing higher education. Additionally, 44% of high school students participate in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework.

The Denver Gazette ranked the district as the sixth best among Colorado’s 166 school districts, further highlighting its achievements. Assistant Superintendent Amber Whetstine noted:

"District 38 continues to be recognized as one of the top performers in the state."

Niche.com also gives the district an overall A grade, with high marks in academics, teaching quality, college preparation, and extracurricular activities.

Family-Friendly Programs and Environments

Beyond academics, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 fosters a supportive and inclusive environment for military families. One notable offering is Camp Edge, a summer camp that provides a 10% military discount. Weekly enrollment costs $149.95, with a registration fee of $69.99 and a daily rate of $34.99.

The district also supports families through its Early Childhood Program and D38 Transition Services, which cater to students aged 18–21 with special needs. Community involvement is a priority, with initiatives like the "Harvest of Love" fundraiser, "Powerful Parent Safety Academy", Bearbotics STEM programs, and trauma-informed education aimed at addressing the specific challenges faced by military children.

Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri shares her pride in the district’s collaborative efforts:

"I am incredibly proud of this district’s high level of achievement as it is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and collaboration between our students, educators, and families."

Support for Military-Connected Students

The district actively honors and supports military families, hosting events such as Veteran’s Day assemblies to celebrate their service. In 2024, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 received the Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award and the John Irwin Award from the Colorado Department of Education, further affirming its commitment to academic growth and excellence.

Through these efforts, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 creates an environment where military-connected students feel valued and supported, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally.

3. Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 stands out in Colorado Springs for its dedication to addressing the educational needs of military families. By combining strong academics with tailored support, the district ensures that military-connected students thrive.

Proximity to Military Bases

The district’s location near Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station makes it a convenient option for families stationed at major military bases like Fort Carson, Schriever Space Force Base, Peterson Space Force Base, and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Academic Performance and Rankings

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 holds the prestigious "Accredited with Distinction" status from the Colorado Department of Education. It has been ranked as the #1 Best School District in Colorado for 2025 by Niche.com, earning the top spot among districts with over 2,000 students [31, 33].

The district boasts impressive academic achievements:

• Nearly 90% of graduates pursue higher education.
• Around 40% of high school students take Advanced Placement (AP) courses, with a pass rate nearly 30% higher than the national average.
• Cheyenne Mountain High School ranks #18 in Colorado, with a 95% graduation rate. Additionally, 88% of its students excel in reading, and 66% show proficiency in math [32, 33, 34].

With a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, the district fosters personalized learning. Cheyenne Mountain High School has also earned the College Success Award in multiple years, including 2018 through 2022 and again in 2024 [34, 35]. Beyond academics, the district cultivates a welcoming environment, particularly for military families.

Family-Friendly Programs and Environments

Thanks to Colorado’s open enrollment policy, families can choose schools that best fit their needs. Additionally, School Liaison Officers at nearby military bases provide crucial support, helping families navigate the education system [36, 37].

Support for Military-Connected Students

Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 participates in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This initiative reduces challenges for military families by streamlining school transfers and enrollment processes for students moving between districts. It’s a vital resource for ensuring continuity in education during relocations.

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4. Falcon School District 49

Falcon School District 49 is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing districts and a top pick for military families living in Colorado Springs.

Proximity to Military Bases

Spanning 133 square miles across Colorado Springs and the Falcon area in El Paso County, District 49 is ideally located for military families. It offers convenient access to major military installations, including Peterson Space Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Schriever Space Force Base, the Air Force Academy, and Fort Carson. The district’s central office, located at 10850 E. Woodmen Road in Peyton, Colorado, ensures statewide enrollment is easily accessible.

Academic Performance and Rankings

In the 2021–2022 school year, District 49 ranked 62nd out of 179 school districts in Colorado for math and reading proficiency. Serving 25,877 students across 32 public schools, the district maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 19:1. Recent achievements include nearly 80% of K–3 students meeting or exceeding DIBELS benchmarks by the end of the 2023–24 school year. Additionally, 70% of third graders performed at or above the standard, surpassing the national benchmark of 56%.

Math proficiency in the district improved by 11%, though it currently stands at 27%, slightly below the state average of 32%. Reading proficiency, on the other hand, is 46%, which is slightly above the Colorado average of 45%. The district also boasts a 56% graduation rate and has earned a 7/10 rating from Public School Review. These academic results are paired with tailored support services designed specifically for military-connected students.

Support for Military-Connected Students

District 49 stands out as the only district in the region with a dedicated Military Student Transition Consultant (MSTC). This role acts as a bridge between military families, the district, military bases, and community partners. Approximately 20% of the district’s students are military-connected.

"D49 is committed to ensuring military families have a smooth transition into our district, in addition to continual support throughout their time in the Pikes Peak region."

The district also provides specialized resources like Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs), who are available in several schools. These counselors help students with challenges like self-esteem, communication, life skills, and behavioral concerns.

Family-Friendly Programs and Environments

District 49 prioritizes military families through programs like Student to Student initiatives, teacher training under the Mission DNA program, and summer math camps for elementary students. As a member of the Home Front Military Network, the district strengthens its support system for military families.

The district also celebrates military families with events and recognition programs. For example, in April 2024, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera visited Falcon High School to sign a proclamation declaring April as the Month of the Military Child. Schools across the district participated by celebrating Purple Up day on April 15, followed by a Military Child Celebration Fair on April 20.

5. Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 is one of the longest-standing school districts in Colorado Springs, making it a popular choice for military families stationed in the region.

Proximity to Military Bases

District 11 is conveniently located near several key military installations, particularly Peterson Space Force Base. Families living on the base have access to three feeder schools within the district: McAuliffe Elementary, Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy, and Mitchell High School. These schools offer direct bus transportation from housing on Peterson SFB, simplifying the commute for students.

The district’s 55 schools are strategically positioned, with many located in the East and Northeast areas near Central and Powers, ensuring easy access to Peterson Space Force Base. Additionally, schools in Southeast Colorado Springs are just west of Peterson SFB and the Colorado Springs Airport, providing even more convenient options for military families. This close proximity, combined with ongoing academic improvements and military support programs, makes District 11 an attractive option for those stationed in the area.

Academic Performance and Rankings

District 11 has made notable progress in recent years. In 2023, the district climbed from 158th to 79th place in state rankings out of 179 districts – a major leap forward.

Currently, 36% of elementary students in the district meet or exceed proficiency levels in reading, while 29% meet math standards. At the middle school level, 32% of students achieve proficiency in reading, with 19% meeting math benchmarks. High school students show stronger results in reading, with 54% proficiency, though math proficiency remains at 29%.

The district has also seen significant improvements in school performance categories. In 2023, five schools previously classified as "turnaround schools" moved up at least one level. Additionally, the number of schools achieving the highest "Performance" category rose from 18 in 2022 to 29 in 2023. Schools on the state watchlist dropped from 15 to 8 during the same period, reflecting district-wide progress.

District 11 stands out within El Paso County as one of only two districts to improve performance in both English and math, highlighting its dedication to academic growth.

Support for Military-Connected Students

District 11 extends its appeal by providing targeted support for military-connected students. Several schools in the district have earned the Purple Star School designation, which recognizes their commitment to supporting military families.

For example, Jenkins Middle School has maintained its Purple Star designation since 2021. The school serves about 80 students with military parents and organizes monthly activities specifically for military children. McAuliffe Elementary School offers the Anchored 4 Life program to help students build social and leadership skills while easing their transition into the school community. Additionally, McAuliffe has a full-time Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC) provided by the Department of Defense.

Family-Friendly Programs and Environments

Purple Star Schools in District 11 assign dedicated military liaisons to ensure comprehensive resources are available for military-connected students. These resources include counseling, academic planning, and mentorship programs.

Thanks to Colorado’s Open Enrollment policy, military families have the flexibility to choose schools outside of their designated district boundaries, giving them more options to find the right fit for their children’s education.

With its extensive network of 55 schools, District 11 offers a wide range of educational opportunities. From specialized programs like aerospace academies to traditional neighborhood schools, the district provides options that cater to various academic interests and career aspirations.

School District Comparison Chart

Choosing the right school district for your military family involves weighing several important factors. Below is a detailed comparison showcasing the strengths of each district.

Academic Performance Highlights

Cheyenne Mountain District 12, Lewis-Palmer District 38, and Academy District 20 stand out for their consistent Accredited with Distinction status since Colorado introduced its accountability system in 2009. These districts are among only four in the state to achieve this level of recognition year after year. Academic performance is a key factor to consider when choosing a district.

District Size and Accessibility

Smaller districts, like Cheyenne Mountain District 12, offer a close-knit community atmosphere. On the other hand, larger districts such as Academy District 20 and Colorado Springs District 11 provide a broader range of programs and school choices, giving families more options.

Tailored Support for Military Families

Each district has tailored programs to support military families. For instance, Falcon District 49 employs a Military Student Transition Consultant, while Academy District 20 offers Military Family Life Counselors. These specialized resources aim to ease transitions and provide meaningful assistance.

Purple Star Schools

The Purple Star School designation is a mark of excellence in supporting military families. As of April 10, 2025, 27 schools across Colorado have earned this recognition, with several located in these districts.

Proximity to Military Bases

Geography plays a significant role for military families. Academy District 20’s location near the U.S. Air Force Academy and District 11’s closeness to Peterson Space Force Base make daily commutes easier.

"The goal of the School Liaison Office is to empower parents to be their child’s best advocate in the education process and to help parents navigate the school system and ‘level the playing field’ for military families by ensuring that military children are given the opportunities to achieve their highest potential at any assigned location." – Jackie W., School Liaison Program Manager, Peterson Space Force Base

Open Enrollment Flexibility

Colorado’s open enrollment policy offers flexibility, allowing military families to enroll their children in schools outside their immediate district boundaries if space allows.

This side-by-side comparison aims to help you make an informed decision about the best district for your family’s educational and logistical needs.

Conclusion

Proximity to military bases, strong academics, and tailored support programs are key priorities for military families in Colorado Springs. The five districts highlighted in this guide each bring something distinct to the table. For example, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12 is known for its academic excellence, while Academy School District 20 stands out for its supportive environment.

Frequent relocations make it essential for military families to find schools that provide stability and understanding. Colorado Springs has shown a strong commitment to supporting military-connected students, with districts receiving statewide recognition for their efforts.

When choosing a school district, consider factors like the dedicated resources offered by districts such as Falcon School District 49. With initiatives like military family liaisons and Purple Star Schools recognition, these districts are well-equipped to assist families during transitions.

Thanks to Colorado’s open enrollment policy, families have the flexibility to explore schools beyond their assigned district. Additionally, School Liaison Officers at local bases can be a valuable resource, helping families navigate the education system to ensure their children receive the support they need.

"The goal of the School Liaison Office is to empower parents to be their child’s best advocate in the education process and to help parents navigate the school system and ‘level the playing field’ for military families by ensuring that military children are given the opportunities to achieve their highest potential at any assigned location."

• Jackie W., School Liaison Program Manager, Peterson Space Force Base

Take the time to visit schools, connect with other military families, and assess your child’s unique academic and social needs. Whether you’re looking for small class sizes, specialized programs, or a strong sense of community, the districts in Colorado Springs offer a solid foundation for your child’s education.

For those considering a permanent move, exploring neighborhoods within these districts can provide long-term stability and access to quality education.

FAQs

What programs do Purple Star Schools provide to support military families and their children?

Purple Star Schools are designed to meet the unique needs of military-connected students and their families, who often face frequent relocations and transitions. These schools provide specialized training for staff, helping them better understand and support the challenges military families encounter. Additionally, they offer activities and clubs specifically for students, creating opportunities to build connections and foster a sense of belonging.

To make school transitions smoother, these schools provide valuable resources that help students stay on track academically while addressing their emotional and social needs. The goal is to create a welcoming and stable environment where military families can feel supported as they settle into new communities.

How does Colorado’s open enrollment policy help military families find the right school for their children?

Colorado’s open enrollment policy offers military families the freedom to enroll their children in schools beyond their assigned districts. Instead of being restricted by their residential address, families can select schools based on factors like academic reputation, distance from home, or specialized programs.

This flexibility is particularly valuable for military families, who often face frequent relocations. It ensures children can access consistent, quality education tailored to their needs, making transitions between moves much easier.

What sets the top school districts near Colorado military bases apart in terms of academics and support for military families?

The school districts near Colorado Springs military bases are well-regarded for their strong academic programs and support systems designed for military families. Colorado Springs District 11 and Academy District 20, in particular, are often highlighted for their impressive student performance, high graduation rates, and focus on preparing students for college.

For military families, these districts go the extra mile by offering services like counseling, tutoring, and transition programs to help children adjust to new schools and environments. Their welcoming communities and close proximity to military bases make them a practical and appealing option for those in the armed forces.

Related Blog Posts

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• Monument vs Peyton: Comparing Colorado Communities
• Q&A: Family Amenities Near Colorado Military Bases