The Best Private Schools in Burns, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Burns. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School
Parker Core Knowledge
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School is a highly-rated public charter school serving students in PK-8th grade, located approximately 15 miles from Burns. The school follows the rigorous Core Knowledge sequence, providing a content-rich curriculum that builds knowledge systematically across grade levels. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school emphasizes academic excellence while developing character and citizenship. The campus features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, robotics, music programs, and various clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's challenging academic environment and supportive community atmosphere.
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Ave Maria Catholic School
Archdiocese of Denver
Ave Maria Catholic School provides a classical Catholic education for students in preschool through 8th grade, serving families throughout the Parker area including Burns. The school integrates Catholic faith throughout its rigorous academic program, featuring a classical curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, virtue development, and cultural literacy. Facilities include dedicated science labs, technology-enhanced classrooms, a chapel, and athletic fields. The school offers comprehensive extracurricular activities including competitive sports teams, choir, drama, and academic competitions. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's academic standards, faith-based environment, and strong sense of community.
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St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is a prestigious independent school located approximately 20 miles from Burns in Englewood, serving students from PK through 12th grade. As Colorado's first International Baccalaureate World School, it offers the full IB continuum alongside advanced college preparatory courses. The 22-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science and innovation labs, performing arts centers, athletic complexes, and extensive technology resources. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 and offers over 60 clubs and activities. With a long history of academic excellence, St. Mary's graduates consistently gain admission to top-tier universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Burns, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Burns, Colorado, given that the top-named schools are in neighboring towns?
While Burns itself is a very small, rural community, families typically look to nearby Parker and the broader Denver metro area for private education. The schools often considered, like Parker Core Knowledge Charter School (a public charter, not private), Ave Maria Catholic School in Parker, and St. Mary's Academy in Englewood, involve a significant commute. The primary consideration for Burns residents is transportation logistics, as bus service may not be provided from such a remote location. Exploring carpool networks with other local families is a common and necessary strategy for accessing these schools.
How does Colorado's school choice and voucher system impact private school affordability for Burns families?
Colorado has state-funded programs that can significantly aid Burns families with private school costs. The primary mechanism is the Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) for students with disabilities. More broadly, the state allows for tax-credit scholarships and has a robust network of Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Families in Burns should specifically inquire with schools like Ave Maria Catholic School about their participation in these programs and any available need-based financial aid, as these funds can help offset both tuition and the ancillary costs of a lengthy daily commute.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available at private schools accessible from Burns that leverage the Colorado environment?
Schools in the region often incorporate Colorado's natural landscape and heritage into their programs. For example, St. Mary's Academy, while college-preparatory, may offer outdoor education trips or environmental science programs that utilize the Front Range and Rocky Mountains. Ave Maria Catholic School might integrate stewardship of creation into its curriculum. A key advantage for Burns students is their direct access to rural and agricultural settings, which can be a living laboratory for projects that schools in more suburban settings might only simulate.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Ave Maria or St. Mary's Academy for a family from Burns?
The timeline is critical due to competitive admissions, especially for higher grades. Most Denver-area private schools begin their application cycles in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year, with deadlines often between January and February. As a Burns resident, it's vital to start early and be proactive. You should schedule tours and interviews well in advance, factoring in travel time. Clearly communicate your location during the application process to discuss potential logistical challenges and demonstrate strong commitment. Many schools have rolling admissions after priority deadlines, but spaces fill quickly.
For a family in rural Burns, what are the tangible benefits of choosing a private school with a long commute over the local public school district?
The decision hinges on specific family values and student needs. The benefits of a Denver-area private school can include smaller class sizes, specialized academic or religious instruction (like at Ave Maria), and a wider range of advanced coursework or arts programs than might be available in a small rural district. The commute, often 45 minutes to an hour each way to Parker or Denver, is a major trade-off. It provides exposure to a more diverse peer group and facilities but consumes significant family time. The local public school may offer stronger community integration and convenience. The choice often comes down to whether the desired educational specialization justifies the daily investment in travel.