The Best Private Schools in Granada, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Granada. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
St. Mary School in nearby Lamar serves families throughout southeastern Colorado, including Granada. This highly-rated Catholic school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade education with strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, modern facilities including computer labs and science classrooms, and a robust extracurricular program including sports, music, and community service opportunities. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and strong academic foundation.
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La Junta Baptist School
Independent Baptist
La Junta Baptist School serves students from throughout the Arkansas Valley region, including Granada families. This well-established Christian school provides education from kindergarten through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The school features a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, extensive fine arts programs, competitive athletics, and spiritual development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, computer technology centers, and athletic fields. The school is known for its family atmosphere and high academic standards.
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Trinidad Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
Trinidad Catholic School is one of the oldest and most established private schools in southeastern Colorado, serving students from multiple counties including those from Granada. The school offers Pre-K through 12th grade education with a strong tradition of academic excellence and Catholic values. Notable programs include dual credit courses through Trinidad State College, comprehensive STEM education, competitive sports teams, and extensive extracurricular activities. The school boasts experienced faculty, modern facilities, and a track record of successful college placements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Granada, Colorado
What are the private school options directly in Granada, Colorado, and what are the commuting realities for nearby schools like St. Mary in La Junta?
There are no private schools physically located within the town limits of Granada itself. Families in Granada seeking private education typically look to schools in neighboring communities. The closest options include St. Mary School (PreK-8, Catholic) in La Junta (approximately a 25-minute drive), La Junta Baptist School (K-12) also in La Junta, and Trinidad Catholic School (PreK-12) in Trinidad (about a 45-minute drive). This means committing to a significant daily commute is a primary consideration for Granada parents. Carpooling with other local families is a common strategy to manage transportation.
How does tuition at private schools serving Granada, CO, compare to state averages, and are there any Colorado-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition at schools like St. Mary, La Junta Baptist, and Trinidad Catholic is generally below the Colorado state average for private schools, reflecting the rural economic context of the Arkansas Valley. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 for elementary grades. Colorado offers the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which can provide a state income tax credit for donations to certain scholarship-granting organizations. More directly, each school typically has its own need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for member families (at Catholic schools), and multi-child discounts. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do the private schools accessible from Granada offer, given their smaller size?
Due to their smaller, close-knit environments, these schools often emphasize individualized attention and core values. St. Mary School integrates Catholic faith throughout its curriculum and may participate in regional academic competitions through the Diocese of Pueblo. La Junta Baptist School offers a Bible-based curriculum and may have agriculture or vocational interests aligning with the local community. Trinidad Catholic School, as a PreK-12 campus, can provide continuity through high school with programs like athletics and student leadership. A common strength across these schools is the ability to tailor learning and foster strong student-teacher relationships, which can be a compelling alternative to larger rural public districts.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like St. Mary that Granada families consider, and is there a priority for local parish members?
Enrollment for the following academic year often opens in early spring (February/March). The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, a pastoral reference (for Catholic schools), and a family interview. For St. Mary School and Trinidad Catholic School, priority is typically given to active members of their supporting parishes, then to other Catholic families, and then to the general community. Given the limited seats in each classroom, Granada families are advised to initiate contact with the school office by January to express interest, understand specific requirements, and secure a spot, as these schools do not have large waitlists but fill their available space.
For a family in Granada, what are the key factors when comparing the local public school (Granada School District RE-1) to commuting to a private school?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Granada Public Schools** offer the convenience of no commute, a familiar community environment, and no tuition. The **private school options** require a daily commute to La Junta or Trinidad, adding time and cost, but provide a specific religious or value-based education (Catholic or Baptist), often with smaller class sizes. Academically, Granada's public school is part of a very small district, which may limit advanced course offerings in higher grades, whereas a K-12 private school like Trinidad Catholic provides a consistent pathway. The choice often comes down to how much a family values a faith-based curriculum and personalized environment versus the practicality and cost-savings of the local public school.