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.
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