The Best Private Schools in Amherst, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Amherst. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anthony Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Northeast Colorado
St. Anthony Catholic School is a highly-regarded private Catholic school serving the entire Northeast Colorado region, including Amherst families. With nearly 70 years of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances strong academics with Catholic values. The school features small class sizes, dedicated certified teachers, and a nurturing environment. Programs include integrated STEM education, fine arts, music, and religious formation. The school maintains strong parent involvement and community connections, serving as a regional educational hub for rural communities throughout Logan County and surrounding areas.
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Northeastern Junior College - Sterling Montessori
Northeastern Junior College
The Sterling Montessori program operated through Northeastern Junior College provides exceptional private education serving Amherst and the broader Northeast Colorado region. This Montessori school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, focusing on individualized learning, hands-on materials, and child-directed development. The program benefits from association with NJC's educational resources and facilities while maintaining the distinctive Montessori approach. Parents consistently praise the qualified Montessori-trained teachers, the beautiful learning environment, and the program's ability to foster independence and love of learning in students.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School in Fort Morgan serves as a regional private school option for families in Amherst and surrounding communities. With over six decades of operation, this Christian school offers a comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a classical approach that emphasizes core knowledge, critical thinking, and character development. The school features a strong music program, competitive athletics, and technology integration while maintaining small class sizes. The Christ-centered environment and dedicated teaching staff have earned strong parent satisfaction ratings, making it a preferred choice for families seeking quality private education in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Amherst, Colorado
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Amherst, Colorado?
Amherst itself is a very small town, so local private school options are limited. However, families in the Amherst area typically look to nearby communities. The primary options include St. Anthony Catholic School (a PreK-8 school) in Sterling, Trinity Lutheran School (a PreK-8 school) also in Sterling, and the Northeastern Junior College - Sterling Montessori program, which is a unique public-private partnership offering Montessori education. Given the rural setting of Amherst, CO, most private schooling requires a commute to Sterling, which is about a 20-minute drive. There are no private high schools directly in Amherst; families seeking private secondary education often need to consider boarding schools or longer commutes.
How does tuition at private schools in the Amherst, Colorado area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools serving the Amherst area is generally below the state average for Colorado's urban centers, reflecting the region's lower cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, annual tuition at schools like St. Anthony Catholic and Trinity Lutheran typically ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 for parish members and slightly more for non-members. The Sterling Montessori program may have different fee structures as it's affiliated with the community college. Financial aid is often available through the individual schools, and Colorado state programs like the Child Care Contribution Credit can provide tax benefits for donations to promote tuition assistance. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about scholarships, parish subsidies, and multi-child discounts.
What unique academic or specialized programs do private schools near Amherst, CO offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools near Amherst offer distinct educational approaches that cater to specific family values and learning styles. St. Anthony Catholic and Trinity Lutheran provide faith-based education integrated into daily curriculum, which is a primary draw. The Northeastern Junior College - Sterling Montessori program is particularly notable, offering an authentic Montessori method for early childhood through elementary, which is rare in rural eastern Colorado. This program emphasizes hands-on, self-directed learning. Additionally, these smaller private schools often feature multi-grade classrooms, allowing for personalized attention and community-like environments that larger, consolidated public school districts in Logan County may not be able to replicate.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools serving Amherst, Colorado families?
Due to the small size of these schools, enrollment is often on a first-come, first-served basis with limited seats, making early inquiry essential. The process typically begins in January or February for the following fall. For faith-based schools like St. Anthony or Trinity Lutheran, priority is usually given to active parish members. The process involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal records (if applicable), and often a family interview or student assessment. For the Sterling Montessori program, enrollment may be tied to the community college's semester system. Given the limited capacity, families in Amherst are advised to contact schools by early winter to secure a spot and understand any specific requirements for transferring from the local public school district, RE-1 Valley.
For Amherst residents, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Sterling?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and cost. Amherst is part of the RE-1 Valley School District, with students typically bussed to schools in Sterling. The key trade-off is between a tuition-free public system with potentially broader extracurricular offerings and a private school with a specific religious or pedagogical focus. The commute is similar, but private school adds a financial layer. Parents should consider if they value the faith integration of Catholic or Lutheran education, or the Montessori method, enough to invest in tuition. Additionally, private school class sizes in this region are significantly smaller, which can mean more individual attention. It's highly recommended to schedule visits to both the assigned public school and the private options to feel the community difference firsthand.