The Best Private Schools in Frederick, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frederick. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Alexander Dawson School
Independent
Alexander Dawson School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the broader Boulder County area, including Frederick. The school offers a rigorous academic program from early childhood through high school with small class sizes and personalized attention. Dawson emphasizes experiential learning, character development, and global citizenship. The 112-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide.
Programs:
Twin Peaks Charter Academy
Twin Peaks Charter Academy
Twin Peaks Charter Academy is a highly-rated K-12 charter school serving students from Frederick and surrounding communities. The school combines classical education principles with modern teaching methods, emphasizing critical thinking, civic responsibility, and academic excellence. The STEM Academy provides specialized science and technology programs, while the comprehensive college preparatory curriculum ensures students are well-prepared for higher education. The school features dedicated elementary, middle, and high school campuses with modern facilities and extensive extracurricular offerings.
Programs:
Longmont Christian School
Longmont Christian School
Longmont Christian School is an established Christian private school serving families in Frederick and the northern Colorado region. The school provides a comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The college preparatory curriculum includes Advanced Placement courses, while the fine arts program offers comprehensive music, drama, and visual arts instruction. The school maintains small class sizes and features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic fields.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frederick, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Frederick, Colorado, and what are their educational approaches?
Families in Frederick, CO, have several notable private school options, though many are located in nearby communities. The most prominent is the Alexander Dawson School in Lafayette, a prestigious PreK-12 independent school known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum and experiential learning. Closer to Frederick, Twin Peaks Charter Academy in Longmont offers a tuition-free public charter option with a classical education model, which is a popular alternative. Longmont Christian School provides a biblically-based, Christ-centered education from preschool through 12th grade. It's important for Frederick parents to note that commuting to these schools in Lafayette or Longmont is typical, as dedicated private school campuses within Frederick's town limits are limited.
How does tuition for private schools in the Frederick, Colorado area compare, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition in the Frederick area varies significantly by institution. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Alexander Dawson School's tuition ranges from approximately $25,000 for lower school to over $30,000 for upper school. Longmont Christian School's tuition is more moderate, generally ranging from $6,000 to $10,000 per year depending on grade level. Twin Peaks Charter Academy, as a public charter, is tuition-free. Most private schools in Colorado, including these, offer need-based financial aid, scholarships, and sometimes multi-child discounts. Colorado also has the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit for donations to promote child care, which some schools utilize, and parents can use funds from the state's 529 College Savings plan for K-12 private school tuition.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Frederick, CO, offer that leverage the local Colorado environment?
Schools in this region often integrate Colorado's unique landscape and culture into their programs. The Alexander Dawson School emphasizes outdoor education and sustainability, with programs that may include trips to the Rocky Mountains and environmental science projects relevant to the Front Range ecosystem. Twin Peaks Charter Academy's classical model includes a focus on Western civilization and logic, which can be complemented by Colorado's rich history. Longmont Christian School may incorporate outdoor activities and service projects within the local community. Many schools also have strong STEM programs, sometimes with partnerships to local tech and aerospace industries in the broader Boulder County area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Frederick, Colorado families?
The process is school-specific but generally follows a similar pattern. For top-tier schools like Alexander Dawson, the application process often begins a full year in advance, with open houses in the fall, applications due in January or February, and decisions released in March. Longmont Christian School may have a more rolling admissions process but encourages early application. Charter schools like Twin Peaks often have a lottery system for oversubscribed grades, with application windows typically in the winter. For all schools, Frederick parents should plan to attend open houses, schedule tours, and prepare for student assessments or interviews. Given the competitive nature, especially for schools drawing from the entire Boulder County region, initiating contact in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year is strongly advised.
For a family living in Frederick, what are the key considerations when choosing between a high-performing public school in the St. Vrain Valley School District and a private school?
This is a central decision for Frederick families. The St. Vrain Valley School District is highly rated, with Frederick's own public schools like Legacy Elementary and Frederick High receiving strong marks. Key considerations include: **Educational Philosophy:** Private schools offer specific approaches (progressive, classical, faith-based) that may align more closely with family values. **Class Size:** Private schools typically offer smaller class sizes than the public schools. **Cost vs. Investment:** Weighing the significant financial commitment of private tuition against the free, high-quality public option. **Commute:** Most private options require a 15-30 minute drive to Longmont or Lafayette, whereas public schools are neighborhood-based. **Special Programs:** Public schools offer robust extracurriculars and some specialized programs, while private schools may offer unique global studies, arts, or outdoor education foci. Many families in Frederick choose the strong public system, while others seek the specific mission or community of a private institution.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities