The Best Private Schools in Empire, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Empire. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen
Independent
Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen is a highly-regarded private school serving mountain communities including Empire. Located approximately 20 minutes from Empire, RMAE offers a comprehensive college-preparatory education with small class sizes and individualized attention. The school features a robust outdoor education program that leverages its mountain location, along with strong STEM and arts integration. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong community feel. The school serves students from preschool through 8th grade with a focus on developing well-rounded, confident learners prepared for high school and beyond.
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The June School
Independent
The June School provides authentic Montessori education for children ages 2.5 through 12 years, serving families throughout Clear Creek County including Empire. Located in nearby Evergreen, the school offers a nurturing environment that fosters independence, critical thinking, and love of learning. The program includes comprehensive Montessori curriculum, foreign language exposure, music, art, and outdoor education. Parents consistently rate the school highly for its experienced teachers, beautiful mountain campus, and strong sense of community. The school's mixed-age classrooms and individualized learning approach have earned it an excellent reputation among mountain community families.
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Front Range Christian School
Christian Schools International
Front Range Christian School serves students from preschool through 12th grade and attracts families from throughout the Denver metro area and mountain communities, including Empire. While located in Littleton (approximately 45 minutes from Empire), the school provides transportation options and serves many mountain community families seeking a comprehensive Christian education. FRCS offers rigorous college preparatory academics integrated with biblical worldview, extensive athletic programs, fine arts, and advanced STEM courses. The school is known for its strong community, dedicated faculty, and excellent college placement record. Parents consistently praise the school's balanced approach to academic excellence and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Empire, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Empire, Colorado?
Families in Empire, CO, are situated in a rural mountain community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns, requiring consideration of commute times. The top schools in the broader area include Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen (a K-8 school in Evergreen, about a 20-minute drive), The June School (a preschool and elementary in nearby Idaho Springs, roughly 15 minutes away), and Front Range Christian School (a K-12 Christian school in Littleton, about a 45-minute commute). Due to Empire's small size, exploring schools in Clear Creek County and neighboring Jefferson County is essential. Many Empire families also consider online or hybrid private programs to mitigate travel challenges in the mountainous terrain.
How does the mountainous location and rural setting of Empire, Colorado, influence the programs and culture of local private schools?
The private schools serving Empire, CO, often integrate the unique mountain environment into their educational philosophy and programs. Schools like Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen emphasize outdoor education, environmental science, and experiential learning that leverages the nearby Arapaho National Forest. The June School incorporates nature-based play and learning appropriate for its preschool and elementary students. This focus fosters resilience, environmental stewardship, and a strong sense of community—values that resonate with Empire families. The culture tends to be close-knit, with smaller class sizes that are common in mountain town schools, though parents should be prepared for potential weather-related schedule changes or closures.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools accessible from Empire, Colorado, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado residents?
Tuition for private schools in the Empire area varies significantly based on the school's location and type. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $8,000 to $20,000 annually. Preschools like The June School may have lower hourly or monthly rates. Colorado offers specific financial aid opportunities that Empire residents can access, most notably the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC), which provides a state income tax credit for donations to promote child care, including preschool tuition. Additionally, many schools, like Front Range Christian School, offer need-based financial aid and may participate in programs like the ACE Scholarship, which is available to Colorado families meeting income guidelines.
What are the key enrollment timelines and considerations for private schools serving Empire, Colorado, given the limited local options?
Due to limited seats in the preferred schools near Empire, planning and early action are critical. Most private schools in Evergreen, Idaho Springs, and Littleton have application deadlines between January and March for the following fall, with notification by April. Rolling admissions may be available but are subject to space. Key considerations for Empire families include factoring in the daily commute on I-70 or Highway 40, which can be impacted by winter weather, and investigating transportation options, as most schools do not provide bus service from Empire. It's highly recommended to schedule visits and apply early, as sibling and legacy preferences can fill spots quickly in these smaller community schools.
How do private school offerings for middle and high school students in the Empire area compare to the public Clear Creek School District options?
Empire is part of the Clear Creek School District (CCSD), which operates a single K-12 campus in Idaho Springs. Private options for secondary students are more limited and require a longer commute. Front Range Christian School in Littleton offers a full K-12 Christian education, while most other nearby private schools, like Rocky Mountain Academy, end at 8th grade. The primary comparison points are educational approach and environment: CCSD provides a traditional public school experience with smaller-than-average class sizes due to the rural district. In contrast, private options offer specific religious curricula (Front Range Christian) or progressive, outdoor-focused education. The decision often hinges on a family's desire for a particular values-based education versus the convenience and no-tuition cost of the local public system.
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