The Best Private Schools in Aurora, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Aurora. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School, located just minutes from Aurora in Englewood, is one of Colorado's premier independent college preparatory schools serving the Denver metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous academic program with 22 Advanced Placement courses and maintains exceptional college placement records. Students benefit from outstanding facilities including the 52,000-square-foot Science & Innovation Center, state-of-the-art performing arts center, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes experiential learning, global education, and character development through diverse extracurricular opportunities and community engagement programs.
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Regis Jesuit High School
Regis Jesuit Schools
Regis Jesuit High School is a highly acclaimed Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school with separate divisions for boys and girls. The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum with 28 Advanced Placement courses and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities including modern science labs, performing arts centers, and extensive athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character formation and leadership development through comprehensive extracurricular programs and community service requirements.
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Aurora Christian Schools
Aurora Christian Schools
Aurora Christian Schools provides comprehensive Christian education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and spiritual development. The school features a challenging college preparatory curriculum with honors and AP courses, complemented by extensive fine arts programs and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes and offers individualized attention to support student success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Aurora, Colorado
What are the main types of private school options available to families in Aurora, Colorado?
Aurora offers a diverse range of private schools catering to different educational philosophies and needs. Prominent options include faith-based institutions like Regis Jesuit High School (Catholic, with separate campuses for boys and girls) and Aurora Christian Schools (interdenominational Christian, PreK-12). There are also prestigious independent college-preparatory schools like Kent Denver School, located in nearby Cherry Hills Village, which attracts many Aurora families. Additionally, Aurora hosts various smaller parochial, Montessori, and specialty schools. A key local consideration is that some of the most renowned private schools are located in the southern part of the metro area, bordering Aurora, so commuting patterns are an important factor for parents in the city.
How does tuition for private schools in Aurora, CO, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are available?
Tuition in the Aurora area varies widely but is generally aligned with or slightly above Colorado's private school averages. For the 2024-25 academic year, high school tuition at schools like Regis Jesuit approaches $20,000, while Aurora Christian Schools may range from $8,000 to $12,000. Kent Denver's tuition is higher, often exceeding $30,000. Importantly, Colorado has the "Choice in Colorado" initiative, which allows for tax-credit scholarships for lower-income families to attend private schools. Most major schools in the area offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Colorado's 529 College Savings plans can be used for K-12 private school tuition, providing a tax-advantaged savings option for Aurora parents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in the Aurora area?
Aurora-area private schools leverage Colorado's focus on outdoor education and innovation. Regis Jesuit High School offers robust STEM programs and a renowned robotics team, while its campus facilities support extensive athletic and arts programs. Aurora Christian Schools emphasizes integrated biblical worldview learning alongside strong academics and fine arts. Kent Denver School, though not in Aurora proper, is known for its exceptional college counseling, advanced STEM curriculum, and unique offerings like its May Term intensive courses. A distinctive local advantage is access to environmental and outdoor education programs, with many schools incorporating trips to the Rocky Mountains and partnerships with local tech and aerospace industries in the Denver-Aurora corridor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private high schools like Regis Jesuit or Kent Denver for Aurora residents?
The process for top-tier private high schools in the Aurora area is highly structured and begins early. For schools like Regis Jesuit and Kent Denver, the admission cycle for 9th grade typically starts in the summer or early fall a full year before enrollment (e.g., fall of 8th grade). Key steps include attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by January deadlines, taking entrance exams (like the HSPT or ISEE), and completing student interviews and shadow days. Aurora families should note that these schools draw from the entire Denver metro, making spaces competitive. It's crucial to check each school's website for specific dates and to explore financial aid applications, which often run concurrently with admissions.
For families living in Aurora, what are the key considerations when comparing top-rated public schools in the Cherry Creek or Aurora Public Schools districts with local private options?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Aurora's public school districts, like Cherry Creek (which serves parts of South Aurora), are highly rated and offer diverse magnet and IB programs at no tuition cost. Choosing a private school like those in Aurora often means seeking a specific religious foundation, significantly smaller class sizes for more individualized attention, or a particular pedagogical approach. A major practical consideration is commute: a private school like Kent Denver may require a daily drive, whereas a high-performing public school might be in your neighborhood. Furthermore, private schools offer continuity from elementary through high school in one community, which can be appealing compared to potential public school redistricting in the growing Aurora area.
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