The Best Private Schools in Castle Rock, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Castle Rock. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Castle Rock Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Castle Rock Christian Academy is a highly-regarded private school offering comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview framework, featuring small class sizes and individualized attention. Their robust college preparatory program includes Advanced Placement courses, while their STEM program incorporates hands-on learning and technology integration. The school maintains strong parent satisfaction through regular communication and community involvement, with modern facilities supporting both academic and extracurricular activities including athletics, fine arts, and leadership development programs.
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St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides a classical Catholic education serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school combines rigorous academics with faith formation, featuring a distinctive Spanish immersion program and comprehensive STEAM curriculum. Their classical approach emphasizes critical thinking, language arts, and Western tradition while incorporating modern educational methods. The school boasts excellent facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic fields. Parent satisfaction remains high due to strong community atmosphere, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded student development programs that include music, art, and competitive sports.
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Lutheran High School Parker
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Located in nearby Parker, Lutheran High School serves the broader Castle Rock area with a comprehensive college preparatory program for grades 9-12. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum including honors and Advanced Placement courses, complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities in athletics, fine arts, and leadership. Their Christ-centered education focuses on developing students academically, spiritually, and socially. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains strong college acceptance rates and high parent satisfaction through personalized attention and a supportive community environment that attracts families from throughout Douglas County.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Castle Rock, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available within Castle Rock, Colorado, and what are their educational philosophies?
Castle Rock offers a few core private school options, each with a distinct approach. **Castle Rock Christian Academy** provides a Protestant Christian education integrating faith with a rigorous academic curriculum from preschool through 12th grade. **St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School** offers a Pre-K through 8th-grade education rooted in Catholic values and traditions. For high school, many Castle Rock families consider **Lutheran High School Parker**, located just north in Parker, which offers a college-preparatory curriculum from a Lutheran Christian perspective. There are also several smaller private preschools and academies, but for K-12 continuity, these three are the primary institutions serving the community.
How does tuition for private schools in Castle Rock, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Castle Rock is generally in line with or slightly above Colorado private school averages, reflecting the area's cost of living. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $7,000-$12,000 for elementary grades and $10,000-$15,000 for high school. All major schools offer financial aid programs, often based on demonstrated need through applications like FACTS Grant & Aid. Additionally, Colorado has the **Child Care Contribution Credit** and the **Opportunity Scholarship Fund**, which can provide tax credits or scholarships for eligible families using non-public schools. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and deadlines.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Castle Rock private schools offer that leverage the Colorado environment?
Schools in Castle Rock often incorporate Colorado's landscape and culture into their programs. For example, **Castle Rock Christian Academy** may include outdoor education and field trips to state parks as part of its science curriculum. **Lutheran High School Parker** offers robust athletic programs that compete in the 3A Metro League, with opportunities for skiing/snowboarding and mountain biking. Many schools also emphasize environmental science and sustainability projects relevant to Colorado's ecosystem. This local focus complements strong core academics and, in the case of the faith-based schools, character education.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Castle Rock, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Castle Rock private schools typically begins in January or February for the following fall, with re-enrollment for current families taking priority. Open houses are often held in the winter. Due to limited seats, especially in popular grades like kindergarten and 6th grade, **waitlists are common at St. Francis of Assisi and Castle Rock Christian Academy**. The process usually involves an application, family interview, student assessment, and submission of past records. For **Lutheran High School Parker**, which draws from a wider region, applying by their early deadline is advisable. We recommend contacting schools a full year in advance to understand their specific cycle.
For families moving to Castle Rock, how do the local private schools compare to the highly-rated Douglas County School District public schools?
This is a key consideration in Castle Rock. The **Douglas County School District** is consistently highly ranked in Colorado, offering strong academic programs. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy and community. Private schools here offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students), a specific faith-based foundation, and a consistent curricular approach. Public schools offer greater diversity, extensive extracurricular options, and no tuition. Many families choose private schools for their aligned values and close-knit community, while others appreciate the academic rigor and resources of the large public system. It's highly recommended to tour both types to feel the difference in environment.
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