The Best Private Schools in Erie, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Erie. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dawson School
Independent
Dawson School is a highly regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Erie area and broader Boulder County. Founded in 1970, it emphasizes academic rigor, character development, and a well-rounded education. The school features small class sizes, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic fields. Programs include advanced placement courses, robust arts and athletics, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parent and student satisfaction is high, with a focus on community and personalized learning.
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Boulder Country Day School
Independent
Boulder Country Day School is a premier independent school known for its rigorous academic programs and inclusive community, serving families in Erie and the surrounding region. Established in 1982, it offers an IB curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. The campus includes modern classrooms, science and technology labs, and arts facilities. With a low student-teacher ratio, the school provides personalized attention and a range of extracurriculars, including robotics, music, and sports, leading to high parent and student satisfaction.
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Shining Mountain Waldorf School
Waldorf Education
Shining Mountain Waldorf School offers a unique, holistic education based on Waldorf principles, serving the Erie area and Boulder County since 1983. The school focuses on developmental stages, integrating academics with arts, music, and practical skills. Facilities include outdoor classrooms, gardens, and performance spaces. With a strong emphasis on creativity and ethical development, it has a dedicated faculty and active parent community. Programs span from early childhood through high school, with a track record of fostering well-rounded, independent thinkers and high parent satisfaction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Erie, Colorado
What are the primary private school options for families residing in Erie, Colorado, and are they located within the town itself?
While Erie itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families commonly look to neighboring Boulder County and the broader northern Front Range for top-tier options. The most frequently considered schools include The Dawson School (located in Lafayette), Boulder Country Day School (in Boulder), and Shining Mountain Waldorf School (in Boulder). These schools actively enroll students from Erie, with many providing transportation or carpool networks. It's important for Erie parents to consider the commute, which can range from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the specific school and location within Erie.
How does tuition at leading private schools near Erie, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at premier Boulder-area private schools is generally above the Colorado state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for schools like Dawson and Boulder Country Day often ranges from approximately $28,000 to $35,000 for middle school grades. However, these institutions are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. Many families in Erie qualify for significant aid packages. Additionally, Colorado's "Child Care Contribution Credit" can provide a state income tax credit for donations to promote tuition assistance, and some schools participate in the "ACE Scholarship" program for qualifying families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Erie area offer that leverage Colorado's environment and culture?
Private schools near Erie are renowned for integrating Colorado's unique landscape and ethos into their curricula. The Dawson School emphasizes experiential and outdoor education with its "Dawson Outside" program, involving regular field studies in the Rocky Mountains. Shining Mountain Waldorf School incorporates gardening, farming, and environmental stewardship deeply into its holistic education. Boulder Country Day School offers specialized programs in sustainability and entrepreneurship, often partnering with Boulder's tech and natural food industries. These schools frequently utilize nearby open spaces, trails, and the foothills for science, art, and physical education, providing an education deeply connected to the local region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Erie, CO families, and when should we start?
The admission process for sought-after schools like Dawson, BCD, and Shining Mountain is structured and often begins 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The key timeline starts in the fall (September-October) with open houses and tours. Application deadlines are typically in January for the following academic year. The process usually includes a student visit/assessment day, parent interviews, and submission of teacher recommendations and records. For kindergarten entry, some schools have birthdate cutoffs and pre-application processes that start even earlier. Erie families are advised to begin research and attend open houses in the fall of the year *prior* to when they hope their child will enroll.
For families in Erie, what are the major considerations when choosing between the high-performing public schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District and a private school option?
This is a central decision for Erie families. The St. Vrain Valley School District (SVVSD) is consistently top-rated in Colorado, with Erie schools like Erie High School and Erie Elementary receiving high marks. The choice often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Private schools offer smaller class sizes (often 12-18 students), distinct pedagogical approaches (like Waldorf or progressive college-prep), and may provide a more consistent educational pathway from K-12 without school reassignments. Public schools offer no tuition cost, extensive extracurricular and athletic programs, and specialized district-wide initiatives in STEM and innovation. Many Erie families value the community aspect of local public schools, while others seek the specific mission and individualized focus of a private institution, accepting the commute and cost.