Private Schools in Dolores, Colorado

Animas Valley School is a highly-regarded independent private school serving the Four Corners region, including Dolores. The school emphasizes progressive education with a strong focus on outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. Their project-based curriculum integrates academics with real-world experiences, fostering critical thinking and creativity. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, allowing for personalized attention. Located approximately 45 minutes from Dolores, the school serves families throughout Montezuma County with its innovative approach to education that balances academic rigor with character development and outdoor education.

Mountain Middle School is a highly-rated charter school serving students from Dolores and surrounding communities. While technically a public charter, it operates with private school-level autonomy and is a popular alternative for families seeking rigorous academics. The school features a strong STEM curriculum with project-based learning methodology and comprehensive technology integration. With a focus on college preparatory education, the school maintains high academic standards and has consistently outperformed state averages in standardized testing. The school serves the broader region and is accessible to Dolores families seeking advanced educational opportunities.

Montezuma-Cortez Christian School is a well-established private Christian school located in Cortez, just 15 minutes from Dolores. The school serves students from preschool through high school with a comprehensive Christian education program. The curriculum combines rigorous academics with biblical integration, offering college preparatory courses, fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character development alongside academic achievement. As the closest traditional private school to Dolores, it serves many families from the Dolores area seeking faith-based education with strong academic foundations and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.