The Best Private Schools in Basalt, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Basalt. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aspen Country Day School
Independent School
Aspen Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the entire Roaring Fork Valley, including Basalt families. Located just 15 minutes from Basalt, the school offers a progressive, experiential education with small class sizes and exceptional teacher-student ratios. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, outdoor education, and academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top secondary schools. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The school's outdoor program includes regular wilderness experiences and environmental education that leverages the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
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Colorado Rocky Mountain School
Independent Boarding and Day School
Colorado Rocky Mountain School is a prestigious college preparatory school located in Carbondale, just 15 minutes from Basalt. Serving both boarding and day students, CRMS offers a rigorous academic program combined with extensive outdoor and arts education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, athletic fields, and a working ranch. The outdoor program includes rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, and wilderness expeditions. CRMS graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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St. Stephen's Parish School
Episcopal School
St. Stephen's Parish School is an Episcopal-affiliated independent school located in Glenwood Springs, approximately 25 minutes from Basalt. The school provides a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with a strong emphasis on character development, academic excellence, and community service. The curriculum includes daily Spanish instruction, integrated technology, and hands-on learning experiences. The school features modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, art studio, and outdoor learning spaces. St. Stephen's is known for its warm, inclusive community and strong parent involvement, with many families commuting from Basalt for the school's balanced approach to education and personal development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Basalt, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families living in Basalt, Colorado, and are they located in Basalt itself?
While Basalt is a smaller town, it is part of a renowned educational region in the Roaring Fork Valley. The most prominent private schools serving Basalt families are located in nearby communities. These include **Aspen Country Day School** (in Aspen, Pre-K-8), **Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS)** (in Carbondale, 9-12 boarding/day), and **St. Stephen's Parish School** (in Glenwood Springs, Pre-K-8). Many Basalt families commute to these schools, which offer robust transportation or carpool networks. There are limited private school campuses physically within Basalt's town limits, making the surrounding valley schools the primary choice.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Basalt, CO area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado or local organizations?
Tuition in the Basalt area reflects the cost of living in the Roaring Fork Valley. For the 2024-25 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $30,000-$40,000+ for day schools and significantly more for boarding at CRMS. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. Additionally, Colorado has the **Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit**, which provides a state income tax credit for donations to promote child care, which can include private school scholarships. Local community foundations, like the **Aspen Community Foundation**, also administer funds that can support tuition assistance for qualifying families in the valley.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Basalt, Colorado, offer that leverage the local mountain environment?
Schools in this region deeply integrate the Colorado Rocky Mountain environment into their curricula. **Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS)** has a legendary wilderness and outdoor program, with required expeditions. **Aspen Country Day School** emphasizes "place-based education," using the surrounding ecosystems for science and ecology studies, including regular outdoor classroom time and ski Fridays in winter. **St. Stephen's** also incorporates outdoor education and local field studies. Common specializations include environmental science, sustainability programs, and winter sports, aligning with the active, outdoor lifestyle prevalent in Basalt and the wider valley.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Basalt, CO, and how competitive is admission?
The timeline is similar to independent schools nationwide but with local nuances. The main admission cycle runs from fall (open houses) to winter (application deadlines, often in January or February), with decisions released in March. Due to the high demand for limited spots, especially in lower grades, the process can be competitive. Key steps include a campus visit (highly recommended), application forms, student assessments/visits, teacher recommendations, and parent interviews. For Basalt residents, demonstrating a commitment to the school's community and educational philosophy is crucial. It's advisable to initiate inquiries 12-18 months before desired enrollment, particularly for sought-after grades.
For a family considering both, what are the key differences between Basalt's public schools (e.g., Basalt Elementary, Middle, and High School) and the surrounding private school options?
Basalt's public schools, part of the **Roaring Fork School District**, are highly rated and offer a strong, tuition-free education with diverse programs. The key differences lie in scale, specialization, and educational approach. Private options like ACDS, CRMS, and St. Stephen's offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), distinct pedagogical philosophies (progressive, expeditionary learning, or parish-based), and more tailored student attention. They also provide unique programs like intensive outdoor education or a specific arts focus. The choice often comes down to a family's preference for a large, comprehensive public school community versus a smaller, mission-driven private school environment, balanced against the significant financial investment of private tuition.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Small Private Schools in Basalt, Colorado for Your Child
For families in Basalt, the search for "small private schools near me" is often driven by a desire for an intimate educational setting that mirrors the close-knit, community-oriented spirit of the Roaring Fork Valley itself. Nestled between the rugged peaks and flowing rivers, our town values connection, personalized attention, and an education that extends beyond the classroom walls. Fortunately, the area surrounding Basalt is home to several exceptional small private schools, each offering a distinct approach while sharing a commitment to fostering individual growth in a supportive environment.
When considering small private schools, the benefits are particularly pronounced in our mountain community. Smaller class sizes mean teachers truly know each student—not just their academic strengths, but their passions for skiing, hiking, or river ecology. This allows for curriculum that can be tailored and often integrated with our incredible local environment. The search for "small private schools near me" in Basalt isn't just about proximity; it's about finding a learning community where your child is seen and heard, and where education feels like an extension of family. The daily commute is also a significant factor, and the schools in and near Basalt offer the advantage of minimizing travel time through challenging mountain weather, allowing for more family time and engagement in after-school activities.
Looking at specific options, families will find a wonderful range of philosophies. Aspen Country Day School, located a short drive away in Woody Creek, emphasizes a rigorous academic foundation combined with extensive outdoor and arts programs, embodying a classic independent school model with a strong sense of community. Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) in Carbondale offers a distinctive college-preparatory boarding and day program, where the ethos of "work, service, and community" is woven into daily life, appealing to families seeking a structured yet expansive environment. For those interested in a faith-based education, St. Stephen's Parish School in nearby Glenwood Springs provides a nurturing, values-centered approach with small class sizes. Each of these institutions, while unique, prioritizes the individual student-teacher relationships that are the hallmark of small-school education.
As you research, we encourage you to look beyond the brochures and websites. The true essence of these small private schools near Basalt is best experienced in person. Schedule a visit, and pay attention to the interactions in the hallways and on the playgrounds. Do the students seem engaged and known by the adults? Does the school’s culture feel like a good fit for your family’s values? Talk to other Basalt parents about their experiences with the commute and community involvement. In the end, the right small private school will feel like a seamless extension of the supportive, vibrant community we cherish here in Basalt, a place where your child can build confidence, pursue their curiosities, and thrive academically and personally amidst the inspiring landscape we call home.
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