The Best Private Schools in Frisco, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Frisco. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Peak School
Independent
The Peak School is a highly-regarded independent private school located right in Frisco, offering grades 6-12 with a focus on college preparatory education. The school features small class sizes with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and utilizes the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme framework. Their innovative curriculum combines rigorous academics with extensive outdoor education opportunities, taking advantage of the mountain environment. The school emphasizes character development, critical thinking, and personalized learning pathways. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and direct access to outdoor learning environments in the surrounding mountains.
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Mountain Top Children's Museum Preschool
Mountain Top Children's Museum
Located in nearby Breckenridge, Mountain Top Children's Museum Preschool serves families throughout Summit County including Frisco. This highly-rated preschool offers a unique educational approach combining museum-based learning with traditional early childhood education. The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities and extensive outdoor exploration. The school features specialized learning environments including art studios, science discovery areas, and outdoor play spaces designed to foster creativity and cognitive development. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high due to the school's nurturing environment and innovative curriculum.
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Vail Mountain School
Independent
Vail Mountain School is a prestigious independent day school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, drawing families from throughout the mountain region including Frisco. With over 50 years of educational excellence, VMS offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletics, and extensive arts programs. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes character education alongside academic rigor. Many graduates attend top-tier colleges and universities, and the school has a strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Frisco, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Frisco, Colorado, and what age groups do they serve?
Frisco, Colorado, is a small mountain town, so private school options within the town limits are limited but highly specialized. The primary institution is The Peak School, which serves grades 6-12 with a project-based, experiential learning model deeply connected to the mountain environment. For younger children, the Mountain Top Children's Museum Preschool offers a private preschool program. Many Frisco families also consider nearby schools in the broader Summit County and Vail Valley area, such as the prestigious Vail Mountain School (Pre-K through 12) about a 30-minute drive away. This often means commuting is a standard consideration for private education in this region.
How does the tuition for private schools in the Frisco, Colorado, area compare to state or national averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at private schools serving Frisco, CO, is generally at or above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living in a premier mountain resort area. For the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition at The Peak School is approximately $30,000, while Vail Mountain School's tuition ranges from about $27,000 for lower school to over $38,000 for upper school. Importantly, these schools typically offer robust financial aid and merit scholarship programs funded through endowments and donations. Many Colorado private schools also participate in the state's Tax Credit for Contributions to Promote Child Care Through Schools, which can benefit donors and the schools' aid funds. It is essential to inquire directly about aid applications, which are often separate from admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Frisco-area private schools offer that leverage the local Colorado mountain environment?
Private schools in the Frisco area are distinguished by their immersive, place-based education. The Peak School, for example, integrates the mountain ecosystem into its curriculum through "Winter Project," where students engage in intensive study of topics like avalanche science, sustainable tourism, or alpine geology, often paired with outdoor field work. Schools like Vail Mountain School have strong outdoor education programs, including wilderness orientation trips, sustainability initiatives, and ski/snowboard fitness programs. This focus extends beyond sports to environmental science, leadership, and community stewardship, preparing students with a unique connection to and understanding of the alpine region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like The Peak School in Frisco, and how competitive is admission?
The enrollment timeline for Frisco-area private schools typically begins in the fall, with application deadlines between January and February for the following academic year. The process often includes a completed application, student essays, parent statements, teacher recommendations, school records, and a mandatory student visit or interview day. While The Peak School has a smaller student body and can be selective, its mission seeks passionate, engaged learners rather than just high academic test scores. Competition for spots, especially in entry grades (6th and 9th), is significant. For schools like Vail Mountain School, which draws from a wider geographic area, admissions are highly competitive. Early inquiry and application are strongly advised.
For a family moving to Frisco, what are the key considerations when choosing between the high-performing Summit County public school district and a local private school?
This is a crucial decision for Frisco families. The Summit School District RE-1, which includes Frisco High School, is consistently highly rated in Colorado, offering robust academics, arts, and athletics, all with no tuition. The choice often hinges on educational philosophy and specific student needs. Private options like The Peak School offer much smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), a progressive, project-based curriculum, and extreme flexibility for student-athletes or artists pursuing intensive training. The public district provides a more traditional comprehensive school experience with greater diversity in program size and peer group. Many families find the private school model aligns with a desire for personalized, experiential learning deeply tied to the mountain community, despite the significant financial investment.
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