The Best Private Schools in Bennett, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Bennett. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Regis Jesuit High School
Regis Jesuit High School
Regis Jesuit High School is a premier Catholic, Jesuit college preparatory school located approximately 20 miles from Bennett. The school operates with separate divisions for boys and girls while maintaining a co-institutional model. Known for academic excellence, Regis offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and robust arts offerings. The 85-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, athletic complexes, and performing arts spaces. The school emphasizes faith formation, service learning, and leadership development alongside strong college counseling.
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St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is a highly-regarded independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through high school. Located approximately 30 miles from Bennett, the school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, critical thinking, and character development. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and offers extensive extracurricular programs including robotics, debate, and competitive sports.
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Stargate School
Stargate School
Stargate School is a public charter school specifically designed for gifted and talented students, located approximately 25 miles from Bennett. While technically a public charter, it operates with private-school level selectivity and academic rigor. The school serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade with a focus on meeting the unique needs of gifted learners. Stargate offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for high school students, along with advanced STEM curriculum, comprehensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school features specialized learning spaces, technology integration, and individualized learning plans for all students.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Bennett, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for families residing in Bennett, Colorado, given that many top-rated schools are located in the Denver metro area?
While Bennett itself is a smaller community, families have several notable private school options, though most require a commute. Highly-regarded schools within a reasonable driving distance include Stargate School in Thornton (a K-12 charter school with a gifted focus), Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora (a Catholic, college-preparatory school with single-gender divisions), and St. Mary's Academy in Englewood (a PreK-12 independent school). It's important for Bennett parents to factor in commute times, which can range from 30 to 50 minutes depending on traffic to these campuses. Some families also explore smaller religious-affiliated schools in nearby Strasburg or Byers.
How does Colorado's school choice and funding environment impact private school tuition and financial aid for Bennett families?
Colorado operates under robust public school choice laws, but direct public funding for private education is limited. Bennett families should note that the state does not have a universal voucher or education savings account program. Therefore, tuition at schools like Regis Jesuit or St. Mary's Academy is primarily privately funded. However, these institutions typically offer substantial need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Additionally, Colorado allows tax deductions for contributions to qualified child education savings accounts (529 plans), which can be used for K-12 private school tuition. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are accessible to Bennett students at nearby private schools that may not be available locally?
The private schools accessible from Bennett offer distinct specializations. Stargate School is designed specifically for gifted learners, with an accelerated, project-based curriculum. Regis Jesuit High School offers a renowned corporate work study program for its Cristo Rey students, alongside robust STEM, arts, and athletics programs. St. Mary's Academy features an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for all students in grades 11-12, a rare offering in the region. For Bennett families, these programs provide alternatives to the curriculum of the Bennett School District, particularly in areas like gifted education, intensive college prep, and international curricula.
What are the key enrollment timelines and admission considerations for Bennett students applying to competitive Denver-area private schools?
Timelines are critical, as spaces are limited. For schools like Regis Jesuit and St. Mary's Academy, the admission cycle for the following academic year typically opens in August/September, with application deadlines between December and January. Entrance exams (like the HSPT or ISEE) are usually required in the fall or winter. Stargate School, as a public charter, has a mandatory open enrollment period (often November-January) with a lottery if applications exceed capacity. Bennett families must plan well ahead, as these deadlines are firm and often require school visits, testing, and interviews months before the public school registration period. Transportation planning is also a key part of the enrollment decision.
How do the educational environments and community aspects of a private school commute from Bennett compare to the local public school experience?
Choosing a private school commute from Bennett involves a significant trade-off between community connection and specialized environment. Bennett's public schools offer the convenience of a local, community-centered education with minimal commute. In contrast, commuting to a private school in the metro area provides a distinct educational philosophy (e.g., single-gender, IB, gifted focus) and often smaller class sizes, but your child's primary peer community will be geographically dispersed. This can impact participation in after-school activities and spontaneous socializing. Many commuting families form carpools with others from the Bennett/Strasburg area. The decision often hinges on how well a child's needs match a specific private program's offerings versus the value of a localized educational experience.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Non-Religious Private School Options in Bennett, Colorado: A Parent's Guide
For families in Bennett, Colorado, exploring private education often brings up an important consideration: the distinction between faith-based and secular learning environments. While our area is home to excellent religious-affiliated schools like St. Mary's Academy and Regis Jesuit High School, a growing number of parents are specifically seeking non religious private schools. This path offers a rigorous academic curriculum without a doctrinal framework, focusing instead on critical thinking, ethical development, and inclusive community values. Understanding this option is key for Bennett parents crafting the ideal educational journey for their child.
The search for non religious private schools in the Bennett area often leads families to look toward the broader Denver metro region, where several standout institutions exist. One prominent example is Stargate School, a charter school in nearby Thornton that serves gifted students. While charter schools have a public funding structure, Stargate’s model—with its focus on a specific, accelerated academic mission and an application process—shares many characteristics with private education and operates without a religious affiliation. For families in Bennett, this represents a crucial nearby option that prioritizes intellectual curiosity and personalized learning plans within a secular setting. The commute from Bennett to such schools is a practical reality, but many parents find the tailored academic focus well worth the drive.
Choosing a non religious private school involves more than just the absence of religious instruction; it's about selecting an educational philosophy that aligns with your family's values. These schools often emphasize global perspectives, scientific inquiry, and character education based on universal principles like respect, integrity, and social responsibility. For Bennett families who value a community-oriented lifestyle but desire an educational environment that is neutral on matters of faith, this model can be an excellent fit. It allows for the tight-knit community and high academic standards associated with private schooling, while ensuring the curriculum and school culture are built on a inclusive, secular foundation.
When evaluating options, Bennett parents should consider the unique benefits and logistics. Non religious private schools often offer robust STEM programs, arts integration, and project-based learning designed to engage diverse learners. Visiting schools, whether closer to home or in the metro area, is essential. Talk to administrators about their core values, observe classroom interactions, and ask how they foster a sense of community and ethical development without a religious lens. Consider the daily commute and involvement opportunities, as being part of a school community often extends beyond the classroom. For families in Bennett, the landscape of private education is rich and varied. By clearly identifying your priorities—whether they lean toward the faith-based traditions of a St. Mary's or the secular, gifted-focused approach of a Stargate—you can make a confident, informed choice that best supports your child's growth and your family's values in the unique context of Colorado's Front Range.
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