The Best Private Schools in Aguilar, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aguilar. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinidad Catholic School
Diocese of Pueblo
Trinidad Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving southern Colorado communities including Aguilar. With over 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program with strong emphasis on faith-based education, academic rigor, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science labs, and comprehensive language arts. Extracurricular programs include competitive sports teams, music programs, and community service opportunities. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction and serves as a regional educational hub for families in Las Animas County and surrounding areas.
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Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Fountain Valley School
Fountain Valley School of Colorado is an elite independent boarding and day school that serves students from across Colorado, including those from rural communities like Aguilar. With nearly a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum featuring 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 1,100-acre campus provides exceptional facilities including modern science centers, performing arts spaces, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's outdoor education program and global studies curriculum provide unique learning opportunities. Financial aid programs and boarding options make this prestigious institution accessible to qualified students from throughout southern Colorado, with transportation services available for regional students.
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Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences
Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences
Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences is a highly-rated charter school that serves as a premier private education option for families throughout southern Colorado, including those from Aguilar. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on both STEM education and arts integration. Serving students from elementary through high school, PSAS features advanced placement courses, state-of-the-art science laboratories, and comprehensive arts programs including theater, music, and visual arts. The school boasts high college acceptance rates, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and a strong track record of academic achievement. Transportation options and extended campus services make it accessible to students from rural communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aguilar, Colorado
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Aguilar, Colorado?
No, there are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Aguilar itself. Families in Aguilar looking for private education typically consider schools in nearby larger communities. The closest options often include Trinidad Catholic School in Trinidad (about a 30-minute drive), and schools in Pueblo, such as Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences, which is approximately a 45-minute to one-hour drive. This means commuting or transportation planning is a significant factor for Aguilar residents seeking private school education.
What are the tuition assistance options for Colorado families, like those in Aguilar, considering private schools?
Colorado offers several financial aid avenues that Aguilar families can explore. The most significant is the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit, which provides a state income tax credit for donations to promote child care in Colorado, including scholarships for private schools. Many private schools also offer their own need-based financial aid. Additionally, some families may utilize the "Choice Scholarship" program through their local school district if available, though this is less common in rural areas. It's crucial to contact schools like Trinidad Catholic or Fountain Valley School directly to discuss their specific aid packages and application processes.
How do the academic and extracurricular programs at private schools near Aguilar, like Fountain Valley School, differ from the local public school options?
Private schools accessible to Aguilar families often provide specialized programs that may not be available in smaller rural public school districts. For example, Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs (a longer commute) offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with distinctive programs like equestrian studies, extensive outdoor education, and global travel opportunities. Trinidad Catholic School provides a faith-based education with smaller class sizes. In contrast, Aguilar's public schools focus on serving the local community with general education curricula. The choice often hinges on seeking a specific pedagogical approach, religious education, or specialized programs not feasible in a small public district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Aguilar, CO area?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Trinidad Catholic School or Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences generally begin in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year, with deadlines often in the spring. The process typically involves an application form, submission of past academic records, teacher recommendations, a family interview, and sometimes student assessment/testing. For Aguilar families, it's vital to initiate contact early due to the distance; scheduling tours and interviews requires more advanced planning. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines if spaces remain. We recommend contacting your school of interest by November to understand their specific cycle.
Given Aguilar's rural setting, what transportation or boarding options exist for private school students?
Transportation is a primary consideration. Most private schools near Aguilar do not provide district-wide bus service to and from Aguilar. Families often form carpools or make private arrangements for the daily commute to schools in Trinidad or Pueblo. For schools farther away, like the boarding-focused Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, a weekly or term-based boarding option becomes a practical solution. This allows students from rural communities like Aguilar to live on campus during the week or full-term, returning home for weekends and holidays, thereby accessing a wider range of educational opportunities without a daily long-distance commute.
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