The Best Private Schools in Denver, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Denver School
Independent
Kent Denver School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving grades 6-12. Located just south of Denver in Englewood, the school features a 220-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and athletic complex. The school emphasizes academic rigor with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio and offers extensive AP course options. Notable programs include robust arts education, competitive athletics, and community service requirements. The school consistently sends graduates to top-tier universities nationwide.
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St. Mary's Academy
Independent
St. Mary's Academy is a highly respected independent school offering education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the IB Diploma Programme alongside traditional college preparatory curriculum. The 22-acre campus features modern classrooms, science centers, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes global citizenship and character development while maintaining strong academic standards. Extracurricular programs include championship athletic teams, extensive arts offerings, and community engagement initiatives.
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Graland Country Day School
Independent
Graland Country Day School is a distinguished independent school located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Denver, serving students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school focuses on developing well-rounded students through a balanced curriculum that includes strong academics, character education, and diverse extracurricular activities. The 14-acre campus features modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Graland emphasizes small class sizes, individualized attention, and preparing students for success in top high school programs throughout the Denver area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denver, Colorado
What are the main types of private schools available in Denver, Colorado, and how do they differ?
Denver offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized as independent secular, religious-affiliated, and specialized preparatory schools. Top-tier independent schools like Graland Country Day School and Kent Denver School offer rigorous college-preparatory curricula with extensive arts, athletics, and community service programs. Religious-affiliated schools, such as St. Mary's Academy (Catholic), integrate faith-based values with strong academics. Denver also has Montessori, Waldorf, and schools focusing on specific learning styles. The key differences lie in educational philosophy, religious integration (or lack thereof), campus culture, and tuition structures, with independent schools often having the highest tuition rates.
How does tuition for Denver private schools compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are uniquely available in Colorado?
Tuition at Denver's leading private schools like Kent Denver and Graland often exceeds the Colorado state average for private education, typically ranging from $25,000 to $35,000+ annually for upper grades. However, Colorado offers specific financial mechanisms to assist families. The most notable is the Colorado Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which allows donors to designated schools to receive a 50% state tax credit, significantly boosting financial aid endowments. Many Denver schools also participate in the Denver Preschool Program for early childhood grades, and most offer robust need-based financial aid. It's crucial to apply for aid directly through the school and the Clarity Application, as deadlines are often early in the admissions cycle.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are Denver-area private schools known for that leverage the Colorado environment?
Denver private schools uniquely capitalize on Colorado's geography and culture. Many, including Kent Denver and the Colorado Academy, have extensive outdoor education programs involving hiking, skiing, and environmental science trips to the Rocky Mountains. Sustainability and environmental science are common curricular focuses. Schools often have strong engineering and robotics programs tied to Colorado's tech sector. Furthermore, Denver's arts scene influences robust theater, music, and visual arts programs, with partnerships with local institutions like the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This blend of rigorous academics with an outdoor, active lifestyle is a hallmark of the Denver private school experience.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Denver, and are there any city-specific considerations?
The timeline for Denver's most sought-after private schools is highly structured and begins early. Most schools require applications by mid-January for the following fall, with assessments and interviews occurring in the winter. A key Denver-specific consideration is the shared notification date, where many top independent schools agree to release admission decisions on the same day in March. Financial aid applications usually have a concurrent deadline. Due to high demand, especially in early childhood and kindergarten entry points ("feeder" years), it is strongly advised to attend open houses in the fall, sometimes over a year in advance. Waitlists are common, and sibling/legacy policies can significantly impact admissions at established schools.
For families considering both options, what are the practical differences between Denver Public Schools (DPS) and private schools in terms of enrollment, curriculum, and community?
The core differences are choice, consistency, and cost. Denver Public Schools use a choice-based enrollment system where admission to a specific neighborhood school isn't guaranteed, adding an element of lottery-based uncertainty. Private schools offer a guaranteed, consistent educational pathway from entry through graduation on a single campus. Curricular differences are significant; DPS follows state standards, while Denver private schools often have more flexibility, advanced curricula, and smaller class sizes. The community aspect differs as well—private schools often foster a close-knit, geographically dispersed community with high parent involvement expectations. The trade-off is cost: DPS is free, while private schools require substantial tuition, though many offer financial aid to create socio-economic diversity.
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