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.
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