The Best Private Schools in Arapahoe, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arapahoe. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Anne's Episcopal School
St. Anne's Episcopal School
St. Anne's Episcopal School offers an exceptional International Baccalaureate program for students in preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Denver, this highly-regarded school serves families throughout the Arapahoe area with its innovative curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, global citizenship, and character development. The school features a unique outdoor education program, extensive arts integration across all subjects, and small class sizes that ensure personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty and the school's nurturing yet academically challenging environment.
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St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is a highly respected independent school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located just minutes from Arapahoe in Englewood, this prestigious institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional STEM programs, comprehensive arts education, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Known for its strong academic outcomes and character development programs, St. Mary's consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Thomas More Catholic School
Archdiocese of Denver
St. Thomas More Catholic School provides an outstanding faith-based education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Located in nearby Centennial, this well-established school serves the Arapahoe community with a comprehensive academic program that includes advanced STEM courses, robust fine arts instruction, and competitive athletic teams. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, a dedicated art studio, and extensive outdoor facilities. Known for its strong community atmosphere and academic excellence, St. Thomas More prepares students for success in high school and beyond while emphasizing moral development and service learning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arapahoe, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available within Arapahoe, Colorado, and what are their educational philosophies?
Arapahoe, Colorado, is served by several notable private schools, each with a distinct approach. St. Mary's Academy is a prominent independent, Catholic, co-educational school offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum from preschool through 12th grade, emphasizing intellectual excellence and character. St. Anne's Episcopal School provides a progressive, project-based learning environment from preschool through 8th grade, focusing on inquiry and social-emotional development within an inclusive community. St. Thomas More Catholic School offers a faith-based, classical education for students in preschool through 8th grade, integrating Catholic teachings with a strong academic foundation. These schools represent the core private options directly serving the Arapahoe community.
How does tuition at private schools in Arapahoe, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools in the Arapahoe area is generally at or above the Colorado state average for private education, reflecting the high quality and resources of these institutions. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition ranges can be approximately $15,000 to $25,000+ annually depending on the grade level and school. Importantly, all three major schools—St. Mary's, St. Anne's, and St. Thomas More—offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need. Additionally, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit" for donations to certain child care and preschool programs, and families should inquire about individual school scholarships and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Arapahoe private schools offer that leverage Colorado's local environment and culture?
Private schools in Arapahoe capitalize on Colorado's unique setting through specialized programs. St. Mary's Academy integrates outdoor education and environmental science, with trips to the Rocky Mountains that complement its STEM curriculum. St. Anne's Episcopal School emphasizes place-based learning, often utilizing the nearby High Line Canal and local ecosystems for science and art projects. St. Thomas More Catholic School may incorporate Colorado history and Catholic social teachings on stewardship of the environment into its classical curriculum. Furthermore, schools often have strong outdoor athletic and experiential education programs that take advantage of the state's proximity to wilderness areas for hiking, skiing, and team-building retreats.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Arapahoe, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Arapahoe's competitive private schools typically begins in the fall, a full year before desired entry. Open houses are held from September to November, with application deadlines often in January or February. The process usually includes a completed application, student assessments or classroom visits, parent interviews, and submission of records. Admissions decisions are commonly communicated in March. Due to high demand, especially for early childhood and lower school grades, waitlists are common. It is highly advisable for parents to start the process early, attend open houses, and apply by the priority deadlines to maximize chances of acceptance.
For families in Arapahoe, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Littleton Public Schools) and a private school?
The decision often hinges on several Arapahoe-specific factors. Littleton Public Schools (LPS) is a highly-rated public district, offering a standardized curriculum, no tuition, and extensive extracurriculars. Choosing a private school in Arapahoe typically involves seeking a specific educational philosophy (Montessori, classical, faith-based), smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, and a particular community environment. For example, families may choose St. Thomas More for integrated religious education or St. Anne's for a progressive, inquiry-based model not found in the public system. Considerations also include commute, as private schools may draw from a wider area, and the value placed on a consistent, mission-driven education from preschool through middle or high school, which can differ from the public school's grade reconfiguration points.