The Best Private Schools in Gilcrest, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gilcrest. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
University Schools
University Schools
University Schools is a highly-rated charter school serving the Gilcrest area with a comprehensive K-12 program. The school offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate programme alongside robust STEM curriculum and college preparatory courses. With small class sizes averaging 22 students, University Schools provides personalized attention and has consistently high academic performance ratings. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes. Extracurricular offerings include competitive sports, robotics, arts programs, and numerous clubs. Parents consistently praise the school's rigorous academics and supportive learning environment.
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St. Mary Catholic School
Catholic Schools of Greater Weld County
St. Mary Catholic School provides a faith-based education option for families in the Gilcrest area, serving preschool through 8th grade students. The school combines rigorous academics with Catholic values and character development. Curriculum includes strong STEM components, language arts, and religious education. Facilities include technology-enhanced classrooms, science lab, library, and gymnasium. The school emphasizes small class sizes and individualized attention, with many students transitioning successfully to competitive high schools. Parents appreciate the strong community values, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded education that includes music, art, and service learning opportunities.
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Frontier Academy
Frontier Academy
Frontier Academy is a respected charter school located just minutes from Gilcrest, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes college preparatory education with a strong focus on traditional academics and character development. Frontier offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, robust STEM programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. The campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains high academic standards with above-average test scores and college acceptance rates. Parent reviews highlight the dedicated teaching staff, safe environment, and strong community atmosphere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gilcrest, Colorado
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Gilcrest, Colorado, or do families typically look to neighboring cities?
There are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Gilcrest itself. Families in Gilcrest seeking private education typically look to schools in the surrounding Weld County area, with popular options including University Schools and Frontier Academy in Greeley (approximately 10-15 miles away), and St. Mary Catholic School in Greeley. This means commuting is a standard consideration for Gilcrest residents, and many schools offer transportation zones or carpool networks that may include the Gilcrest area.
What are the typical tuition ranges for the top private schools near Gilcrest, Colorado, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs available?
Tuition for the leading private schools serving Gilcrest families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges of approximately $8,000 to $12,000 annually for schools like Frontier Academy and University Schools (K-12). St. Mary Catholic School often has a slightly lower base tuition. Importantly, Colorado offers the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit" for donations to certain child care and private school scholarship funds, and many schools participate in the "Colorado Child Care Assistance Program" (CCCAP) for eligible families. Additionally, all mentioned schools have their own need-based financial aid and scholarship programs.
How do the specialized academic programs at private schools near Gilcrest, like University Schools, cater to students in a rural/suburban community?
Private schools like University Schools and Frontier Academy near Gilcrest design programs that both complement and expand upon the local context. They often offer robust STEM and agricultural science programs that resonate with Weld County's economy, alongside advanced college preparatory tracks (AP and honors) that provide pathways to competitive universities. For Gilcrest families, these schools provide specialized opportunities in arts, languages, and technology that may be more limited in smaller public school districts, while still maintaining a community-oriented feel that aligns with the values of the area.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools like Frontier Academy for a family moving to Gilcrest?
Enrollment for top private schools near Gilcrest, such as Frontier Academy and University Schools, is highly time-sensitive. Most schools open applications in early January for the following fall, with deadlines often in February or March. These are not first-come, first-served but often involve lotteries for available spots after prioritizing siblings of current students. As Gilcrest is in the catchment area for these schools, it's crucial to apply during the official open enrollment period. Mid-year enrollment is possible only if space is available, making advance planning essential for families relocating to the area.
For a Gilcrest resident, what are the key practical and philosophical differences between sending a child to a local public school in the Valley Re-1 School District versus a private school in Greeley?
The key differences involve choice, commute, and educational approach. Gilcrest's public schools (Valley Re-1) offer proximity, no tuition, and a community-centered environment. Opting for a private school in Greeley involves a daily commute but provides choice in educational philosophy: University Schools offers a rigorous college-prep model, Frontier Academy has a Core Knowledge classical curriculum, and St. Mary's provides faith-based education. Private schools often have smaller class sizes and more niche extracurriculars. The decision for Gilcrest families often hinges on the value placed on a specific pedagogical approach versus the convenience and cost-savings of the local public system.
Private Education Insights
Finding the Right Gilcrest Special Education School: A Parent's Guide
For parents in Gilcrest, Colorado, searching for "private special education schools near me" can feel both urgent and overwhelming. You want the very best for your child, a learning environment that understands their unique needs and can provide the specialized support to help them thrive. While Gilcrest itself is a close-knit community, the search for the right educational fit often extends into the broader Weld County and Northern Colorado region, where several excellent options exist. It's important to understand that the landscape includes both dedicated private special education schools and inclusive private schools with robust support programs, each offering different approaches.
The immediate Greeley area, just a short drive from Gilcrest, is home to some of the private schools you may already be considering, such as University Schools and Frontier Academy. When exploring these options for a child with learning differences, the key is to look beyond the general curriculum and inquire deeply about their student support services. Many traditional private schools have developed strong learning centers or resource programs designed to support students with mild to moderate needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or speech and language challenges. A direct conversation with the admissions director and the head of student support is crucial. Ask about their staff-to-student ratios in support settings, the qualifications of their learning specialists, and how accommodations are woven into the daily classroom experience. This can often provide a more integrated social environment while still offering targeted help.
However, for some children, a fully dedicated environment is the most beneficial path. While there are no dedicated private special education schools within Gilbrest's town limits, families do have reputable options within a reasonable commute. Looking towards the Fort Collins and Boulder corridors expands the possibilities significantly. These schools are specifically designed for students with a range of learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or social-emotional needs. They employ multidisciplinary teams of specialists, offer therapeutic supports on-site, and tailor every aspect of the curriculum to alternative learning styles. The trade-off, of course, is the longer daily drive, which is a significant practical consideration for a Gilcrest family. Visiting these campuses is essential to feel the culture and see the specialized tools and calm, structured environments they provide.
Your search in the Gilcrest area also comes with unique local advantages. The tight-knit nature of our community means word-of-mouth referrals from other parents, local pediatricians, or therapists can be invaluable. Connecting with parent support groups in Greeley or the wider Northern Colorado region can provide honest insights you won't find on a website. Furthermore, while private schools operate independently, understanding how they interface with Colorado's Department of Education for possible funding avenues or scholarship programs for students with disabilities is a smart step. Remember, the right school is the one that sees your child's potential clearly and has a proven, structured plan to help them reach it. Your diligent search through both inclusive local private schools and dedicated regional special education programs is the first, most important step on that journey.
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