The Best Private Schools in Brighton, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Brighton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Benedict Classical Academy
Catholic Liberal Arts Education
St. Benedict Classical Academy in Erie serves families throughout the northern Colorado region, including Brighton residents seeking exceptional private education. The school offers a comprehensive classical education from preschool through 8th grade, emphasizing the liberal arts tradition with integrated STEM education. The curriculum includes Latin instruction beginning in 3rd grade, robust fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated science labs, performance spaces, and modern classrooms. With outstanding parent reviews and exceptional academic results, St. Benedict attracts families from Brighton who value its rigorous classical approach and strong community environment.
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St. Augustine Catholic School
Archdiocese of Denver
St. Augustine Catholic School is a highly-regarded private institution serving Brighton and surrounding communities since 1957. The school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning combined with rigorous academics. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and strong community atmosphere. The school maintains excellent academic standards with graduates consistently performing above national averages and successfully transitioning to top high schools in the region.
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Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Archdiocese of Denver
Located in nearby Northglenn, Immaculate Heart of Mary School serves families throughout the northern Denver metro area, including Brighton. This classical Catholic school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a rigorous curriculum that includes Latin instruction, comprehensive STEM programs, and rich fine arts offerings. The school is known for its strong academic performance, traditional values, and exceptional teacher quality. Facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, and dedicated spaces for music and art. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with many families commuting from Brighton for the school's outstanding reputation and proven educational outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Brighton, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families in Brighton, Colorado, and what are their educational philosophies?
Brighton, CO, is primarily served by three faith-based private schools, each with a distinct approach. **St. Augustine Catholic School** (PreK-8) offers a traditional Catholic education integrated with standard academics. **Immaculate Heart of Mary School** (PreK-8) is also a Catholic parish school focusing on faith formation and a well-rounded curriculum. **St. Benedict Classical Academy** (K-12) provides a unique classical, liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic tradition, emphasizing the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) and great books. For secular or other religious private options, families in Brighton often look at schools in neighboring communities like Thornton or Denver, as the local in-city choices are exclusively religious.
How does tuition at Brighton's private schools compare to the Colorado state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at Brighton's private schools is generally below the state average for Colorado private schools, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 school year, elementary tuition ranges from approximately $5,500 to $8,000 annually. St. Benedict Classical Academy, as a K-12 school, has tiered tuition that increases for higher grades. All three schools offer need-based financial aid, and importantly, they participate in Colorado's **Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers)** and the **Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC)** program. These state-specific programs can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible families, making private education in Brighton more accessible than in many parts of the state.
What specialized academic or extracurricular programs are offered by private schools in Brighton that differ from local public schools?
Brighton's private schools leverage their smaller size and specific missions to offer specialized programs. A standout is the **classical education model** at St. Benedict Classical Academy, which includes Latin instruction, logic, and rhetoric—programs rarely found in public elementary/middle schools. All three schools have strong **faith and character education** integrated throughout the day. Extracurriculars often include targeted offerings like competitive chess clubs, specific service-learning projects tied to the local community (e.g., partnering with Brighton food banks), and, due to their religious affiliation, sacramental preparation and choir. While Brighton public schools may offer broader athletic programs, private schools provide depth in these niche academic and formative areas.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Brighton, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Brighton's private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to existing families and parishioners (for the Catholic schools). Open houses are usually held in early winter. The process involves submitting an application, academic records, and often a family interview or student assessment. Due to their smaller size and limited seats, **waitlists are common, especially for popular grades like Kindergarten and 6th grade** (middle school transition). A key local consideration is that St. Benedict Classical Academy, as the only private high school option in the immediate area, has a more competitive admissions process for incoming 9th graders. It's highly advised to initiate inquiries a full year in advance.
For families considering both sectors, what are the key practical differences between private and public schools in Brighton, Colorado?
The key differences in Brighton are scale, focus, and community. **Public Schools** (School District 27J) are larger, offering more diverse elective choices, extensive sports leagues, and specialized services like robust ESL programs. **Private Schools** in Brighton are much smaller, leading to smaller class sizes and a close-knit community feel. Their defining difference is the integration of religious and moral instruction. Academically, private schools here often have more traditional, structured curricula with less emphasis on standardized test preparation. A major practical consideration is transportation; District 27J does not provide busing to private school students, so families must arrange their own transportation, which is a significant factor in this geographically spread-out community.
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