The Best Private Schools in Calhan, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Calhan. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Colorado Springs School
Independent
The Colorado Springs School is a highly regarded independent day school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 miles from Calhan, CSS offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with distinctive programs including International Baccalaureate, extensive outdoor education, and experiential learning. The school features a 28-acre campus with modern facilities, small class sizes averaging 12:1 student-teacher ratio, and a strong emphasis on character development. CSS consistently achieves high college acceptance rates and offers robust arts, athletics, and leadership programs.
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Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Independent
Fountain Valley School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school located about 35 miles from Calhan. The school offers a challenging college preparatory curriculum with distinctive programs in global studies, outdoor education, and a nationally recognized equestrian program. The 1,100-acre campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, athletic complexes, and riding arenas. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, Fountain Valley provides personalized attention and has a strong track record of college placements at selective institutions. The school serves both local day students and boarding students from across the country.
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St. Mary's High School
Catholic
St. Mary's High School is Colorado Springs' oldest Catholic high school, located approximately 35 miles from Calhan. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum with strong emphasis on STEM education, theology, and character formation. St. Mary's features modern science labs, technology integration across all subjects, and competitive athletic programs. The school maintains a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and provides extensive college counseling services. With deep roots in the community and a commitment to academic excellence, St. Mary's graduates consistently gain admission to top colleges and universities nationwide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Calhan, Colorado
Are there any private schools located directly in Calhan, Colorado, or will we need to commute to nearby cities?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Calhan. Families seeking private education typically commute to institutions in the Colorado Springs area, approximately 30-45 minutes west. The top-regarded options include The Colorado Springs School (PreK-12), Fountain Valley School of Colorado (9-12, boarding/day), and St. Mary's High School (9-12). This commute is a significant factor for Calhan residents, requiring consideration of transportation logistics, potential carpooling, and the time commitment involved.
What is the average tuition for private high schools serving Calhan, CO students, and are there Colorado-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the private high schools accessible from Calhan varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, St. Mary's High School tuition is approximately $13,000-$15,000, The Colorado Springs School's upper school tuition is around $25,000, and Fountain Valley School's day student tuition is over $40,000. Colorado offers the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit" for donations to qualifying organizations that provide scholarships, which some schools participate in. More critically, each school has its own financial aid and merit scholarship programs. Families in Calhan should apply for aid directly through the school and the Clarity application, as aid can significantly offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools near Calhan offer that might justify the commute?
Schools in the Colorado Springs area provide specialized programs not typically found in Calhan's public district. The Colorado Springs School emphasizes experiential, project-based learning with global travel integrated into the curriculum. Fountain Valley School offers a distinctive boarding/day mix with a 1,100-acre campus, robust equestrian programs, and a focus on outdoor education that complements Calhan's rural setting. St. Mary's High School provides a structured, faith-based college preparatory environment with strong STEM and arts offerings. These programs offer curricular diversity and resources that are a key consideration for Calhan families.
How do the enrollment timelines and processes for Colorado Springs private schools work for families living in Calhan?
Enrollment for these schools generally follows an annual cycle, with applications opening in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key deadlines for financial aid applications are often in January or February. It is highly advisable for Calhan families to begin the process early—attending open houses in the fall, scheduling shadow visits for their student (factoring in the commute), and submitting applications by January or February. Rolling admissions may be available but waiting is risky for competitive grades. Building a relationship with the admissions office to discuss the unique context of commuting from Calhan is recommended.
For a family living in Calhan's rural setting, what are the primary considerations when choosing between the local public school and a private school in Colorado Springs?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Calhan's public schools (Calhan School District RJ-1) offer the convenience of a very short commute and a tight-knit community. Opting for a private school in Colorado Springs involves a significant daily commute but provides access to different educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, specialized programs (like advanced STEM, arts, or college counseling), and, in some cases, a more diverse student body. Families must weigh the value of these academic opportunities against the time, cost (tuition plus gas/vehicle wear), and the child's ability to handle longer school days with travel. For some, the unique programs justify the journey; for others, the local community school is the preferred choice.