The Best Private Schools in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Glenwood Springs. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aspen Country Day School
Independent
Aspen Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the Roaring Fork Valley region including Glenwood Springs. Founded in 1976, the school offers a rigorous academic program combined with extensive outdoor education that takes advantage of the mountain environment. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. Students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty with advanced degrees, and state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. The school's outdoor program includes regular field studies, skiing, hiking, and environmental education that complements classroom learning.
Programs:
Ross Montessori School
Ross Montessori
Ross Montessori School in nearby Carbondale serves families throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, including Glenwood Springs. As an authentic Montessori school, it provides individualized education that fosters independence, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. The school features mixed-age classrooms, hands-on Montessori materials, and a curriculum that integrates practical life skills, sensory development, and academic excellence. The campus includes modern classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and a strong community focus. Ross Montessori is known for its highly qualified Montessori-trained teachers and comprehensive programs that prepare students for advanced academic opportunities.
Programs:
Aspen Elementary School (Private Division)
Aspen School District Alternative Program
While primarily a public school district, Aspen Elementary School offers a specialized private alternative program that serves students from throughout the region, including Glenwood Springs families seeking enhanced educational opportunities. This program features accelerated learning paths, specialized instruction for gifted students, and comprehensive STEM education. The school boasts exceptional facilities including technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. With small student-teacher ratios and a focus on individualized learning, the program provides a private school experience within a public school framework, drawing families from surrounding communities for its academic excellence and comprehensive extracurricular offerings.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Glenwood Springs, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and what are their key educational philosophies?
While Glenwood Springs itself has a limited number of standalone private schools, families in the area commonly consider several notable institutions in the broader Roaring Fork Valley. The top options include Ross Montessori School in Carbondale (a short drive away), which offers authentic Montessori education for ages 3 through 12. Many families also look to Aspen Country Day School in Aspen, known for its experiential, place-based learning and strong outdoor education program integrated with a rigorous academic curriculum. Additionally, some private divisions or programs within larger entities exist. It's important to note that these schools involve a commute, so transportation logistics are a key consideration for Glenwood Springs residents.
How does tuition for private schools in the Glenwood Springs, CO, area compare, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado?
Tuition for the leading private schools near Glenwood Springs is significant, reflecting the cost of living and specialized programs in the region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Aspen Country Day School can range from approximately $30,000 to $40,000 depending on the grade level. Ross Montessori School's tuition is typically lower, often in the $15,000-$20,000 range. Importantly, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit," which can benefit donors to scholarship funds at private schools. All major schools in the area offer robust need-based financial aid programs funded through endowments and annual giving, and they encourage families of all economic backgrounds to apply.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Glenwood Springs offer that leverage the local Colorado environment?
Private schools in the Roaring Fork Valley are distinguished by their deep integration with the unique mountain environment of Colorado. Aspen Country Day School, for example, has a renowned "Mountain Campus" used for outdoor education and environmental science. Ross Montessori emphasizes practical life skills and stewardship of the natural world, often utilizing local forests and rivers. Common specializations include robust outdoor leadership programs, ski/snowboard academies that coordinate with local resorts, environmental science curricula focused on Colorado's ecosystems, and wilderness safety courses. These programs are a major draw for families seeking an education that extends beyond the traditional classroom walls.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Glenwood Springs, Colorado, families?
The enrollment process for the sought-after private schools in the Aspen/Glenwood region is highly structured and begins early. Most schools operate on an admission cycle that opens in the fall (September-October) for the following academic year. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses or virtual tours in the autumn, 2) Submitting applications by January or February deadlines, 3) Student visit days or classroom observations scheduled in the winter, and 4) Admission decisions and financial aid awards communicated in March. Given the limited spaces and high demand, especially in early childhood and lower school grades, it is strongly advised for Glenwood Springs families to initiate the process at least 12-18 months in advance.
For a family living in Glenwood Springs, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Carbondale or Aspen?
The decision involves weighing several location-specific factors. Glenwood Springs public schools (District RE-1) are well-regarded and offer the convenience of neighborhood schooling with no commute. Opting for a private school in Carbondale or Aspen adds a daily commute of 20-45 minutes each way, heavily dependent on I-70 and Highway 82 traffic and weather conditions. This impacts family logistics and potential participation in after-school activities. The trade-off often comes down to educational philosophy (Montessori or experiential vs. traditional), smaller class sizes, and specialized programs in the private options. Many families find value in the tight-knit community of the private schools, but it requires a significant commitment to transportation and scheduling.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities