The Best Private Schools in Gardner, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gardner. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Vanguard School
The Vanguard School
The Vanguard School is a highly-regarded classical charter school serving the broader southern Colorado region, including Gardner area families. Founded on the principles of classical education, the school offers a rigorous academic program with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, Western civilization, and character development. The curriculum includes comprehensive college preparatory courses with numerous honors and Advanced Placement options. The school features modern facilities, competitive athletic programs, and extensive extracurricular activities. Parents consistently praise the dedicated faculty, structured learning environment, and exceptional academic outcomes that prepare students for top universities.
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St. Mary's High School
Diocese of Colorado Springs
St. Mary's High School is one of Colorado's oldest and most respected Catholic college preparatory schools, serving students from Gardner and throughout southern Colorado. The school combines rigorous academics with strong moral and spiritual formation. The comprehensive curriculum includes advanced STEM programs, extensive AP course offerings, and robust fine arts education. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With a long tradition of academic excellence, St. Mary's maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and is known for its tight-knit community, dedicated faculty, and comprehensive student support services.
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Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Douglas County
Ascent Classical Academies
Ascent Classical Academy serves families throughout Douglas County and the surrounding region, including Gardner. This public charter school offers a comprehensive classical education model focused on the liberal arts and Western tradition. The curriculum emphasizes great books, Socratic discussion, Latin instruction, and character development. Despite being newer than traditional private schools, it has quickly gained recognition for academic excellence and strong community values. The school features a structured learning environment, dedicated teachers, and a growing campus with modern facilities. Parents appreciate the rigorous academics, classical approach to education, and strong sense of community that prepares students for academic success and civic responsibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gardner, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Gardner, Colorado?
Gardner itself is a small, unincorporated community, so families typically look to nearby towns and cities for private education. The most prominent options in the broader region include The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs (a tuition-free, charter school for gifted students), St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs (a Catholic, college-preparatory school), and Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Douglas County in Lone Tree (a tuition-free, classical charter school). Many Gardner families also consider private schools in Castle Rock, Pueblo, and the Denver metro area, depending on commute tolerance. Transportation is a key consideration, as most private schools do not provide district-wide busing to Gardner.
How does Colorado's school choice and funding environment impact private school tuition for Gardner residents?
Colorado has a strong school choice landscape that can significantly affect cost. While traditional private schools like St. Mary's High School charge tuition (approximately $12,000-$15,000 annually), Colorado's charter school law allows for tuition-free public charter options that offer a private-school-like experience. Both The Vanguard School and Ascent Classical Academy are public charter schools, meaning they are tuition-free for Colorado residents. Additionally, Gardner families may be eligible for the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit for donations to private schools offering scholarships, and can explore state-authorized Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) for need-based aid.
What unique academic programs or specializations are offered by private schools accessible from Gardner, CO?
Schools in the region provide distinct educational models. The Vanguard School specializes in gifted education with an accelerated, advanced curriculum for intellectually gifted students. Ascent Classical Academy focuses on a classical, liberal arts education utilizing the Socratic method and a core knowledge sequence. St. Mary's High School offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum rooted in Catholic values, along with competitive athletics and arts programs. For Gardner families, these specializations mean you can choose a school based on pedagogical philosophy—classical, gifted-focused, or faith-based—without necessarily moving, though a commute to Colorado Springs or Lone Tree is required.
What are the typical enrollment timelines and key admission requirements for the top private schools near Gardner?
Timelines and requirements vary by school type. For the tuition-free charter schools (The Vanguard School and Ascent Classical Academy), enrollment is typically managed through an annual open enrollment period (often January-February) with a lottery system if applications exceed available seats. Specific assessments or eligibility determinations (like gifted identification for Vanguard) may be required. For St. Mary's High School, the process is more traditional, with applications due in the winter for the following fall, requiring transcripts, recommendations, and often an entrance exam. Given Gardner's location, proving residency within the school's geographic boundary or transportation zone is a critical first step in the enrollment process.
How do the educational environments of private/charter schools near Gardner compare to the local public school options in Huerfano RE-1 School District?
Gardner is served by the Huerfano RE-1 School District, which includes Gardner Elementary. The private and charter options in neighboring counties often present different student-teacher ratios, specialized curricula, and distinct community environments. Schools like Ascent Classical and The Vanguard offer very structured, specific educational approaches (classical or gifted) that may not be available in the rural public district. Choosing a private or charter school usually involves a commute of 45 minutes to over an hour to Colorado Springs or the Denver foothills, which is a significant logistical factor compared to the local public school. This decision often hinges on whether a family prioritizes a specialized academic model and is willing to manage the transportation commitment.
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