The Best Private Schools in Boulder, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Boulder. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dawson School
Independent
Dawson School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving Boulder County and the surrounding region. Founded in 1970, the school offers a comprehensive educational program for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. Dawson emphasizes character education alongside academic excellence, with a curriculum that balances rigorous college preparation with extensive arts, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities. The school maintains small class sizes and has a strong track record of college placements at selective universities.
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Boulder Country Day School
Independent
Boulder Country Day School is a premier independent school located directly in Boulder, offering education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School implementing the IB Primary Years and Middle Years Programs. BCD emphasizes a balanced approach to education with strong academic foundations complemented by arts, athletics, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and outdoor learning spaces. Known for its inclusive community and individualized attention, BCD prepares students for success in high school and beyond with a focus on critical thinking and global citizenship.
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Alexander Dawson School
Independent
Alexander Dawson School (now part of Dawson School) has served the Boulder area since 1970, providing a comprehensive independent school education. The school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with particular strengths in environmental science, utilizing its 112-acre campus as an outdoor classroom. Dawson's program includes advanced placement courses, extensive arts programs in visual and performing arts, and competitive athletics. The school emphasizes community engagement and leadership development through required service learning. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, the school provides personalized attention and has a strong record of college matriculation at top-tier institutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Boulder, Colorado
What are the main differences between the top private schools in Boulder, like Dawson School, Boulder Country Day, and Alexander Dawson, in terms of educational philosophy and campus culture?
While all are highly regarded, each Boulder private school has a distinct identity. The Dawson School (often just called "Dawson") in Lafayette emphasizes character, leadership, and a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a strong outdoor and experiential learning component. Boulder Country Day School (BCD) focuses on a balanced, whole-child approach from preschool through 8th grade, known for its intimate, nurturing environment and project-based learning. Alexander Dawson School (now simply Dawson School) is the same institution as the first. Parents should note that Boulder also has other notable options like Shining Mountain Waldorf School (Waldorf philosophy) and Friends School Boulder (Quaker values). Visiting each campus is crucial to feel the culture, as the setting—from BCD's central Boulder location to Dawson's expansive campus—significantly influences the student experience.
How does the tuition for private schools in Boulder, CO, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Boulder's top private schools is generally at the higher end of the Colorado spectrum, reflecting the area's cost of living and the schools' resources. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition for grades K-12 at these schools often ranges from approximately $30,000 to $38,000 annually. This is above the Colorado private school average, which is closer to $20,000-$25,000. However, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust financial aid programs. For instance, Dawson School and Boulder Country Day award millions in need-based aid annually. The process requires applications through services like SSS (School and Student Services) and considers family income, assets, and expenses. It's essential to apply for aid concurrently with admissions, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Boulder private schools offer that leverage the local Colorado environment?
Boulder private schools deeply integrate the local Rocky Mountain environment into their curricula. Signature programs include extensive outdoor education, such as Dawson School's "Ventures" program with wilderness trips, rock climbing, and sustainability initiatives. Many schools have robust environmental science programs that utilize nearby open space, foothills, and the CU Boulder ecosystem for fieldwork. Unique offerings may also include entrepreneurship labs tied to Boulder's tech startup culture, comprehensive arts programs inspired by the city's vibrant creative community, and wellness/outdoor physical education that emphasizes hiking, skiing, and cycling. This "Boulder advantage" provides an education that is academically rigorous while fostering a deep connection to the natural world and local innovation economy.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Boulder, and how far in advance should parents apply?
The admissions process for Boulder's sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins well over a year before desired entry. The key timeline typically runs from September to February for the following fall. Parents should attend open houses in the fall (September-November), submit applications by January deadlines, and ensure student visits/assessments are completed in winter. Admission decisions are usually released in March. For competitive grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, planning should start 18-24 months in advance. Sibling and legacy applicants often receive priority, making spots for new families in these entry grades particularly limited. It's highly recommended to engage with schools early, as demonstrating genuine interest through visits and conversations is a noted part of the holistic review process in Boulder's close-knit educational community.
For families considering both options, how do the academic outcomes and environments of top Boulder private schools compare to the highly-rated Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) public schools?
This is a central consideration for Boulder families. BVSD public schools, like Fairview High School, are consistently top-ranked in Colorado and offer exceptional academics, extensive AP offerings, and strong extracurriculars at no tuition cost. The primary differentiators for private schools in Boulder are often smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students vs. 25-30+ in public), highly individualized attention, a specific educational mission (e.g., Waldorf, college-prep leadership), and a more curated community environment. Private schools may offer more flexibility in curriculum innovation and deeper student-teacher relationships. The choice often comes down to fit: families seeking a tailored, mission-driven community with ample resources may prefer private, while those valuing a larger, more diverse socioeconomic setting and saving on tuition might find BVSD an excellent fit. Many families use the strong public system as a baseline and opt for private for specific philosophical or programmatic reasons.
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