The Best Private Schools in Arlington, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Arlington. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Schools
St. Mary's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving southeastern Colorado communities including Arlington. With over six decades of educational excellence, this PreK-8 school offers a comprehensive Catholic education with strong emphasis on faith formation, academic rigor, and character development. The school features modern facilities, small class sizes, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community values that prepare students for high school success.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School in La Junta serves families throughout the Arkansas Valley region, including Arlington residents seeking quality private education. This established Catholic school offers PreK-8 education with a classical approach that emphasizes critical thinking, moral development, and academic excellence. The school features a robust technology program with 1:1 device integration, comprehensive music and arts education, and strong community partnerships. With small class sizes and experienced faculty, St. Patrick's provides individualized attention and a values-based education that consistently earns high parent satisfaction ratings.
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Baca County Christian School
Independent Christian School
Baca County Christian School serves students from across southeastern Colorado, including Arlington families seeking a comprehensive Christian education. This well-established private school offers K-12 education with a strong college preparatory focus and biblical worldview integration across all subjects. The school features unique programs in agricultural science reflecting the region's farming heritage, along with competitive athletics, fine arts, and technology education. With a track record of graduating students who excel in college and career, the school maintains small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a tight-knit community atmosphere that parents highly value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Arlington, Colorado
What are the private school options for K-12 education in Arlington, Colorado, and what are their core affiliations?
Arlington, Colorado, is a small rural community, and private school options are limited but community-focused. The primary options are faith-based institutions: St. Mary's Catholic School (likely Pre-K through elementary/middle grades), St. Patrick School (also Catholic-affiliated), and Baca County Christian School. These schools typically offer a structured, values-based education with smaller class sizes than the local public district. Given the rural setting, these may be the only private alternatives, and they often serve families from Arlington and surrounding areas in Baca County. It's important to contact each school directly to confirm their current grade offerings, as configurations in small towns can change.
How does tuition at private schools in Arlington, CO, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado?
Tuition at private schools in rural communities like Arlington is often lower than in Colorado's metropolitan areas, but it remains a significant consideration for local families. While specific figures vary by school and grade, you can expect rates potentially ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 annually. A key Colorado-specific financial consideration is the availability of the "Choice Scholarship" program, which is a tax credit scholarship for students from low-income families or those with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to attend a participating private school. Additionally, some schools may offer parish subsidies for church members or need-based aid. It's crucial to ask each Arlington school about their tuition, fees, and participation in state scholarship programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Arlington, CO, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Arlington often integrate their rural setting and faith-based missions into their programs. Academically, you might find a strong emphasis on core subjects with integrated religious studies. Given the agricultural backdrop of Baca County, programs may include hands-on science projects related to local ecology or agriculture. Extracurricular options are necessarily limited by size but often focus on community and character-building activities, such as local service projects, 4-H partnerships, or faith-based clubs. Sports are typically limited but may involve cooperative agreements with other small schools or the public district. The unique value is the close-knit, personalized attention and a curriculum intertwined with community values.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in Arlington, Colorado?
Due to their small size, private schools in Arlington may not have rigid, big-city enrollment deadlines, but they do have limited seats. The process usually involves contacting the school for a tour and application packet, which may include pastoral references for religious schools. Enrollment often opens in early spring (February/March) for the following fall, but it's advisable to inquire as early as January. Priority is frequently given to siblings of current students, children of parish members (for Catholic schools), and then the wider community. Because these schools can fill up, especially in specific grade levels, initiating contact during the winter is a recommended strategy for Arlington parents.
For families in Arlington, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school district and a private school?
The decision in Arlington often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and religious instruction. The public school, likely part of a consolidated county district, may offer broader resources, more diverse extracurriculars, and standardized state curricula. The private schools (St. Mary's, St. Patrick, Baca County Christian) offer smaller, more intimate learning environments with explicit integration of Christian or Catholic values throughout the day. For families seeking a specific faith-based education or concerned about larger class sizes in a consolidated rural district, private school is the clear choice. Transportation can also be a factor, as private schools may not provide district busing. Ultimately, it's a choice between the community-focused, values-driven environment of a private school and the potentially wider program offerings of the public system.
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