The Best Private Schools in Florence, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Florence. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school that serves students from Florence and surrounding communities. With an outstanding 4.6 rating and nearly six decades of educational excellence, CSS offers a rigorous academic program featuring both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate pathways. The school emphasizes experiential learning, critical thinking, and character development through its block schedule and innovative curriculum. Students benefit from small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school's college acceptance record is exceptional, with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
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Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Fountain Valley School is a highly respected independent boarding and day school that serves the Florence area with its comprehensive college preparatory program. Founded in 1930, this institution has nearly a century of educational excellence and maintains a strong 4.5 rating. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum combined with unique programs in global studies, outdoor education, and experiential learning. With a beautiful 1,100-acre campus featuring modern academic facilities, arts centers, and athletic complexes, FVS provides an enriching environment for students. The school's diverse community and low student-teacher ratio ensure personalized attention and strong student outcomes, with graduates consistently gaining admission to selective colleges and universities.
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Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences
Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences
Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences is a highly-rated charter school serving the Florence area and wider Pueblo County region. As a public charter school with private school-like qualities, PSAS offers a rigorous academic program with strong emphasis on STEM education and arts integration. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. With excellent parent satisfaction ratings and a track record of academic success, PSAS provides students with opportunities for advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and personalized learning pathways. The school's location in nearby Pueblo makes it accessible to Florence families seeking high-quality educational alternatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Florence, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Florence, CO, given that the top-named schools are in other cities?
For families in Florence, CO, most private school options require commuting to nearby cities. The Pueblo School for Arts and Sciences (PSAS) in Pueblo is approximately a 30-minute drive and offers a STEM-focused, tuition-free public charter option that functions like a private school. The Colorado Springs School (approx. 45-60 mins) and Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs (approx. 50-65 mins) are traditional private, boarding/day schools with significant tuition. There are no major private school campuses within Florence city limits itself, so transportation and commute time are primary considerations. Many Florence families also explore smaller parochial or faith-based schools in Pueblo or Cañon City.
How does tuition for private schools near Florence, CO, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options exist?
Tuition for the premier private schools accessible from Florence, like The Colorado Springs School or Fountain Valley School, ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ annually for day students, which is at or above the Colorado private school average. However, these schools typically offer robust need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. The closer PSAS in Pueblo is a tuition-free public charter. It's crucial for Florence parents to factor in the non-tuition costs of a longer commute, including fuel, vehicle wear, and time. When applying, inquire directly about aid for "commuting families" and explore Colorado state tax credits for private school contributions, which can indirectly support scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Florence, CO, offer that local public schools may not?
Schools within commuting distance offer specialized programs that differentiate them from Florence's public schools. The Colorado Springs School emphasizes experiential, college-preparatory learning with global travel opportunities. Fountain Valley School offers a distinctive boarding school culture with exceptional equestrian and outdoor programs. PSAS in Pueblo provides a dedicated arts and sciences curriculum with a strong focus on project-based learning. For Florence students interested in specific arts, advanced STEM labs, or a rigorous international baccalaureate (IB) style curriculum, these private options provide alternatives not typically available in the smaller Fremont RE-2 school district.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving the Florence area, and how far in advance should we apply?
For the competitive private schools in Colorado Springs, the process begins early. Applications for the following fall often open in August or September, with deadlines between January and February. This includes tours, testing (ISEE/SSAT), interviews, and financial aid applications. For PSAS in Pueblo, as a public charter, it may have an open enrollment period with a lottery if oversubscribed, typically in the spring. Given the commute from Florence, we recommend starting your research and scheduling visits at least 12-18 months before desired enrollment, especially for boarding consideration at Fountain Valley, to ensure you can manage the logistics of visits and application requirements.
For a Florence family, what are the key factors in deciding between the local public schools and a commuting private school?
The decision hinges on evaluating the trade-off between educational philosophy and daily logistics. Florence's public schools offer the convenience of a short commute, strong community integration, and no tuition. Choosing a private school in Pueblo or Colorado Springs means a significant daily time investment (1-2+ hours roundtrip) and cost, but potentially access to smaller class sizes, specialized academic tracks, or different social environments. Consider your child's specific needs: would they benefit more from the close-knit, local Florence environment or a specialized program worth the travel? A trial run of the commute and in-depth visits to both local and private options are essential steps for Florence parents.
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