The Best Private Schools in Fort Collins, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Fort Collins. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Avery School
Independent
The Avery School is an esteemed private independent school located in Fort Collins, known for its personalized education approach and strong academic outcomes. Established in 1994, it serves students with small class sizes and a focus on individualized learning plans. The campus features updated classrooms, technology labs, and creative arts spaces. Programs emphasize college readiness, critical thinking, and character development, with robust offerings in arts and extracurricular activities. Parents report high satisfaction with the supportive community, experienced faculty, and the school's ability to nurture well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran School is a well-established private Christian school in Fort Collins, providing a nurturing environment for K-8 students since 1978. It combines rigorous academics with faith-based learning, featuring facilities such as smart classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The curriculum includes strong foundations in literacy, math, and science, enhanced by technology integration and programs in music, art, and physical education. Highly rated by parents for its caring staff, family-oriented atmosphere, and academic excellence, the school prepares students for success in high school and beyond while fostering moral and spiritual growth.
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Resurrection Christian School
Resurrection Christian Church
Resurrection Christian School is a highly regarded private Christian school serving the Fort Collins area from its Loveland campus. Founded in 1998, it offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong emphasis on college preparation and spiritual development. The school features modern facilities including science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Academic programs integrate STEM education with biblical worldview, and extracurriculars include competitive sports, music, and drama. Parent reviews consistently praise the dedicated teachers, safe environment, and high academic standards, with many graduates attending top universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Fort Collins, Colorado
What are the primary types of private school options available to families in Fort Collins, Colorado, and how do they differ?
Fort Collins offers a diverse range of private schools, primarily categorized by educational philosophy and religious affiliation. Leading options include faith-based schools like Resurrection Christian School (interdenominational Christian) and Trinity Lutheran School (Lutheran), which integrate religious curriculum with college-prep academics. There are also secular, progressive options like The Avery School, which emphasizes project-based and experiential learning. Additionally, the area has Montessori and other independent schools. This variety allows Fort Collins parents to choose an environment that closely aligns with their family's values and their child's learning style, from structured religious education to more student-directed approaches.
How does tuition for private schools in Fort Collins, CO, compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in Fort Collins is generally competitive with or slightly below the Colorado private school average, reflecting the city's high quality of life but somewhat lower costs than the Denver metro area. For the 2024-2025 school year, K-8 tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually, while high school can be $12,000-$16,000. Most schools, including Resurrection Christian and Trinity Lutheran, offer robust financial aid programs based on demonstrated need, often funded through internal scholarships and charitable foundations. Colorado also has tax-advantaged savings programs like the Colorado 529 CollegeInvest SMART Plan, which can now be used for K-12 private school tuition, providing a state tax benefit for contributing families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Fort Collins private schools offer that leverage the local environment?
Fort Collins private schools uniquely integrate Northern Colorado's landscape, economy, and culture into their programs. Several schools feature robust outdoor education and environmental science curricula that utilize the nearby Cache la Poudre River, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Rocky Mountain foothills for hands-on learning. With Fort Collins being a hub for technology (HP, OtterBox) and agriculture, schools often develop STEM partnerships and project-based learning initiatives with local companies and Colorado State University. For example, programs in sustainable agriculture, engineering challenges, and computer science are common. Extracurriculars frequently include mountain biking, rock climbing, and skiing, taking direct advantage of the region's recreational opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Fort Collins, and are there long waitlists?
The enrollment timeline for Fort Collins private schools typically begins in the fall, with open houses from September to January, and application deadlines in late January or early February for the following academic year. Schools like The Avery School and Resurrection Christian often have rolling admissions after priority deadlines if spaces remain. Due to Fort Collins's growing population and high demand for quality education, popular grades (especially kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades) can have waitlists. The process usually includes a submitted application, student assessment or shadow day, family interview, and records review. It's highly recommended for Fort Collins families to start research 12-18 months in advance and apply by the priority deadline to secure a spot.
For families considering both, what are key differences between the public school experience in the Poudre School District and private schools in Fort Collins?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and foundational mission. Poudre School District (PSD) offers large, comprehensive public schools with extensive elective and AP course options, but with larger class sizes. Fort Collins private schools provide significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and more individualized attention. Private schools have the freedom to specialize—offering distinct pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or Christian integration) that remain consistent across all grades, whereas public school curricula are standardized by state mandate. Furthermore, private schools in Fort Collins often feature tighter-knit communities and more uniform parental involvement. However, PSD provides a broader range of specialized services (e.g., extensive special education programs) funded by taxpayer dollars, which private schools may not match. The choice often comes down to prioritizing specific values/methodology and small community versus a larger, more diverse student body and no tuition cost.