Did a little research and may have good news for you. It looks like El Paso County only has restrictions for medical marijuana businesses, not private residences, with regards to schools. http://car.elpasoco.com/clerktothebo...MMJ_Policy.pdf. Colorado Springs' website just refers to presenting an affirmative defense.

Generally, if you're growing for yourself, you're of little interest to authorities. You can sign up with an mmc and still grow for yourself, but you can also shop at an mmc without signing over anything. That's your choice, so don't let them tell you otherwise. Clones, or "immature plants" to the state, are legal as long as they are in a 2 inch by 2 inch medium and no taller than 8 inches. After that, they become a plant.

One word of advice: think a lot about how you set up your grow, as costs can spiral quickly. I talk to a lot of caregivers that are basically breaking even or are spending more than they thought they would.

That being said, growing for yourself is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Just try to avoid the temptation to harvest early! Good luck.