The Best Private Schools in Como, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Como. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montessori School of Evergreen
American Montessori Society
The Montessori School of Evergreen is a highly-regarded private school serving mountain communities including Como. With a 4.8 rating from parent reviews, this AMS-accredited institution offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 2.5 through 14. The school features small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and a strong emphasis on outdoor education that complements the mountain environment. Their curriculum integrates hands-on learning with academic rigor, fostering independence and critical thinking. The campus includes specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and access to natural environments that support their holistic educational approach.
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Denver Academy
Denver Academy
Denver Academy is a premier private school serving students from across Colorado, including mountain communities like Como. With a 4.7 rating and 50 years of educational excellence, DA specializes in differentiated learning that meets each student's unique needs. The school serves grades 1-12 with a college preparatory curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning and individual growth. Campus facilities include state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. Their experiential education program includes mountain trips and outdoor learning that particularly appeals to families in the Como area. The school has a strong track record of preparing students for college and beyond.
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Platte Canyon Elementary School
Platte Canyon School District (Private program)
Located in nearby Bailey, Platte Canyon Elementary serves families throughout Park County including Como. With a 4.5 rating, this school offers a comprehensive private education program with strong academic foundations. The school emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention, with curriculum that includes robust STEM programming, literacy development, and outdoor education that leverages the mountain setting. Facilities include modern classrooms, technology labs, and outdoor learning spaces. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through strong teacher-student relationships and a community-focused approach to education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Como, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Como, Colorado, given the listed top schools are not in Como itself?
Como is a very small, historic mountain town with no private schools within its immediate boundaries. The closest and most referenced options, like the Montessori School of Evergreen (approx. 30 min drive) and Denver Academy (approx. 60 min drive), are in the broader Front Range region. Families in Como must consider a significant commute, making transportation a primary factor. Exploring options in nearby Bailey, Fairplay, or even the wider Park County area may yield smaller, local alternatives, but most private school seekers in Como will be looking at schools in the Evergreen, Conifer, or Denver metro areas.
How does the rural mountain location of Como, Colorado, impact tuition and financial aid at nearby private schools?
The mountain location adds unique cost layers. While tuition at schools like Montessori School of Evergreen or Denver Academy is set by the institution, Como families must budget extensively for transportation (fuel, vehicle maintenance for mountain roads, potential for a second car) and time. Some Colorado private schools offer geographic-based financial aid or carpool matching services to assist rural families. Additionally, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit" for donations to certain scholarship organizations, which can indirectly benefit families. It's crucial to discuss commute logistics and potential aid for transportation-related costs directly with the admissions office.
Are there private schools near Como, CO, that specialize in outdoor or experiential education aligned with the mountain environment?
Yes, the geographic context strongly influences program offerings. Schools in the surrounding areas often integrate Colorado's natural environment into their curricula. The Montessori School of Evergreen, for instance, emphasizes hands-on, nature-based learning consistent with Montessori principles in a mountain setting. While not a private school, the nearby outdoor-focused charter schools in Park and Jefferson counties can sometimes fulfill this desire, highlighting a key consideration for Como parents: comparing specialized charters against traditional private schools. Some Denver-area private schools also have robust outdoor education programs, but the daily commute from Como may be prohibitive for frequent outdoor field work.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Como family applying to a Denver-area private school, and how do mountain winters affect it?
The timeline typically follows the standard Denver metro schedule: applications open in fall, with deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. For Como families, the critical difference is the need to plan for travel to open houses, interviews, and placement testing, which are often in-person. Mountain winters on US Highway 285 can cause sudden road closures and dangerous driving conditions, making scheduling flexibility and potentially overnight stays in Denver a necessary part of the process. It's advisable to start earlier, schedule multiple visits on the same day, and communicate proactively with schools about potential weather-related delays.
How does the choice between the small, local Platte Canyon Public School district and a distant private school play out for Como families?
This is a fundamental decision for Como residents. The local Platte Canyon School District (serving Bailey, Shawnee, and Como) offers a close-knit, community-oriented K-12 experience with minimal commute. Opting for a private school like Denver Academy (specializing in diverse learning styles) involves a 1-2 hour daily commute each way, significantly impacting family time and student energy. The trade-off centers on whether a child's specific academic, social, or therapeutic needs are best met by a specialized private program, justifying the substantial time and financial investment, versus the benefits of community integration and convenience provided by the local public system. Many families use this comparison to define their educational priorities.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Kindergarten in Como, Colorado for Your Child's Bright Start
As a parent in Como, Colorado, beginning the search for a "private kindergarten near me" is an exciting step that blends your family's educational values with the unique character of our mountain community. Nestled at over 9,800 feet, Como offers a serene, close-knit environment, yet parents often look beyond the immediate town limits to find the right private kindergarten program that aligns with their child’s needs. The journey involves balancing the desire for a manageable commute with the specific pedagogical approach that will best nurture your young learner’s curiosity and growth.
Several excellent options within a reasonable drive from Como present distinct educational philosophies. For families drawn to child-led exploration and hands-on learning, the Montessori School of Evergreen is a compelling choice. Located a scenic drive down Highway 285, this school offers an authentic Montessori environment for kindergarten-aged children. Their program emphasizes independence, practical life skills, and learning at an individual pace, which can be a wonderful fit for a child who thrives on structure within freedom. It’s important to consider the winter commute, but for many Como families, the educational philosophy makes the trip worthwhile. Closer to home, Platte Canyon Elementary School serves the local district, but understanding your local options provides a crucial baseline for comparison as you evaluate private alternatives.
For parents whose search for a "private kindergarten near me" is driven by a need for specialized learning support or a non-traditional academic environment, expanding the search toward the Denver metro area opens significant doors. Denver Academy, though a longer commute, is renowned for its expertise in teaching students with diverse learning profiles, including dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Their Lower School program is designed to build foundational skills in a supportive, strength-based setting. If you suspect your child would benefit from a tailored, small-group instructional approach from the very start of their academic journey, exploring such specialized schools is a prudent step. The drive requires planning, but the targeted support can be transformative.
Ultimately, your quest for the perfect private kindergarten in the Como area hinges on identifying your core priorities. Is it a specific teaching method like Montessori? Is it a smaller class size than what’s available locally? Or is it finding a community whose values mirror your own? We recommend creating a shortlist from schools like these and scheduling in-person visits. Experience the classroom atmosphere, talk to teachers, and gauge the commute during a typical morning. Pay attention to how each school communicates and whether they foster the kind of joyful, engaged learning you envision for your child. The investment in finding the right private kindergarten near Como lays a foundational stone for your child’s lifelong relationship with education, set against the inspiring backdrop of the Colorado high country.
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