Private Schools in Boulder, Colorado

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.

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.

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.