The Best Private Schools in Eastlake, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Eastlake. 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 highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Denver metropolitan area, including Eastlake. The school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes, experienced faculty, and comprehensive extracurricular opportunities. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier colleges and universities.
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St. Mary's Academy
Independent
St. Mary's Academy is a prestigious independent school offering International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through high school. The school features a diverse curriculum with strong emphasis on critical thinking, global perspectives, and character development. Campus facilities include modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school serves students from across the Denver metro area, including Eastlake, and maintains a strong college placement record with graduates attending selective universities nationwide.
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Graland Country Day School
Independent
Graland Country Day School is a respected independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade in the Denver area, including Eastlake families. The school emphasizes a balanced approach to education with strong academic foundations, character development, and hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum integrates STEAM education with outdoor learning opportunities and comprehensive arts programs. The school features modern facilities, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment that prepares students for success in high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Eastlake, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Eastlake, Colorado, and how accessible are they?
While Eastlake itself is a smaller, master-planned community, it is situated in the Denver metropolitan area with access to several top-tier private schools. The most prominent and accessible options include Kent Denver School in Englewood, St. Mary's Academy in Englewood, and Graland Country Day School in Denver. These schools are typically a 15-25 minute commute from Eastlake, depending on traffic. It's important to note that Eastlake does not host major private school campuses within its immediate borders, so transportation or carpooling is a key consideration for families. These schools are highly competitive and draw students from across the Denver metro region.
How does tuition for top private schools near Eastlake, CO, compare, and are there Colorado-specific financial aid or scholarship opportunities?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Eastlake is significant and aligns with national averages for elite independent schools. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $35,000 to $40,000 for upper schools. All these schools offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Additionally, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Credit," which can provide a state income tax credit for donations to certain nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships, potentially including private school scholarship funds. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school's admissions office about their specific aid deadlines and requirements, as well as any Colorado-specific scholarship organizations they partner with.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Eastlake, Colorado, offer that leverage the local environment?
Schools in the Denver area often integrate Colorado's unique geography and culture into their programs. Kent Denver School, for instance, has a renowned experiential learning program that includes outdoor education trips to the Rocky Mountains. St. Mary's Academy emphasizes STEM with potential connections to local tech and aerospace industries in the Denver corridor. Graland Country Day School has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental science, relevant to Colorado's ecological landscape. Many also have competitive skiing and mountain sports teams. These programs provide students with a distinctive educational experience that connects classroom learning to the regional context.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Eastlake, CO, families?
The admissions process for schools like Kent Denver, St. Mary's, and Graland is highly structured and begins well in advance. The timeline typically starts in the fall, with open houses and tours running from September through November. Application deadlines are usually in early to mid-January for the following academic year. This is followed by student assessments, interviews, and shadow visits throughout the winter. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are communicated in mid-March. Given the competitive nature and limited seats, Eastlake families are strongly advised to begin research and visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for entry-level grades.
For Eastlake residents, what are the key considerations when comparing the highly-rated public schools in the Cherry Creek School District to nearby private options?
Eastlake is within the Cherry Creek School District, which is consistently ranked among the top public districts in Colorado. The key comparison points are customization and community size. Private schools offer smaller class sizes, often more specialized academic tracks, and distinct mission-driven education (e.g., single-gender at St. Mary's). They may also have more flexibility in curriculum. Cherry Creek public schools provide excellent academics, extensive extracurricular options, and significant diversity, all with no tuition. The decision often hinges on a family's educational philosophy, desire for a specific community or religious affiliation, and budget. The commute to a private school versus the walkability to a local public school is also a major practical factor for Eastlake families.
Private Education Insights
Exploring Eastlake's Best Private Boarding Schools: A Parent's Guide
For families in Eastlake, Colorado, the journey to find the right educational environment for your child often leads to a consideration of our excellent local private day schools, like Kent Denver School, St. Mary’s Academy, and Graland Country Day School. These institutions provide outstanding, community-focused education right here in the Denver metro area. However, as you map out the full landscape of private school options, it’s valuable to also understand the role and appeal of private boarding schools, even if you initially envision keeping your child close to home. The concept might seem distant, but for some Eastlake students, a boarding environment can unlock unique opportunities that align perfectly with their aspirations.
The decision to explore private boarding schools often stems from a desire for a specific academic focus, such as a renowned STEM program, exceptional arts training, or elite athletic development that might not be fully available locally. While our Eastlake-area schools provide robust programs, a boarding school can offer immersion in these specialties. For a student passionate about classical music or aspiring to be a champion skier, a boarding school with integrated training facilities provides an unparalleled 24/7 learning environment. This allows them to pursue their depth of interest without the daily commute to distant coaches or studios, a logistical reality for many Colorado families seeking top-tier training.
Importantly, for Eastlake parents, considering a boarding school does not mean sacrificing the Colorado connection. Many prestigious private boarding schools, particularly in the West, actively seek students from Colorado for their outdoor orientation and resilience. Furthermore, the traditional image of a boarding school being a continent away has evolved. You might consider a "five-day" boarding option, where your child lives on campus during the week but returns to Eastlake for weekends, blending intensive academics with family time. This model can be an excellent bridge, offering the focus and independence of a residential program while maintaining strong local roots.
It’s also a practical consideration for family logistics. Eastlake’s growth and traffic can mean significant time spent driving to and from schools, activities, and appointments. A boarding school campus consolidates a student’s academic, extracurricular, and social life into one cohesive community, freeing up immense time and energy for focused personal growth. The structured environment fosters profound independence, time-management skills, and lifelong friendships—assets that provide a significant advantage in college and beyond.
Ultimately, the choice between a premier Eastlake day school and a private boarding school is deeply personal. We recommend starting your search locally, engaging with the exceptional communities at Kent Denver, St. Mary’s, and Graland. As you do, keep a parallel, open-minded inquiry into boarding options. Attend virtual open houses, look for schools with strong Colorado enrollments, and discuss with your child what environment would best fuel their motivation. Whether your child thrives in the daily return to home or in the immersive world of a campus, the goal is the same: finding the setting where they will be most challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
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