The Best Private Schools in Greeley, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Greeley. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Liberty Common School
Liberty Common School
Located in nearby Fort Collins, Liberty Common School serves students from Greeley and surrounding areas with its highly acclaimed classical education model. The school consistently ranks among Colorado's top academic performers with exceptional test scores and college acceptance rates. Liberty Common emphasizes core knowledge, traditional values, and rigorous academics through a comprehensive K-12 program. The school features extensive extracurricular activities, competitive sports teams, and a strong sense of community that attracts families from throughout Northern Colorado.
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Resurrection Christian School
Resurrection Christian School
Resurrection Christian School in Loveland serves the broader Northern Colorado region including Greeley families seeking a faith-based education with academic excellence. The school offers comprehensive programs from preschool through high school with strong college preparatory curriculum, competitive athletics, and vibrant arts programs. RCS features modern facilities, advanced technology integration, and a commitment to developing students academically, spiritually, and socially. The school maintains small class sizes and has established a reputation for strong community involvement and student achievement.
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University Schools
University Schools Network
University Schools is a highly-regarded charter school network serving grades K-12 with a strong college preparatory focus. The institution features rigorous academic programs including extensive AP course offerings, competitive athletics, and comprehensive arts education. With modern facilities and small class sizes, University Schools maintains high academic standards and has consistently strong test scores. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, creating well-rounded students prepared for higher education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Greeley, Colorado
What are the main types of private school options available to families in Greeley, Colorado?
Greeley offers a distinct mix of private school models. The top schools represent different educational philosophies: **University Schools** is a non-sectarian, college-preparatory K-12 charter school network (which operates as a public charter but is often considered in private school searches due to its application process and specialized focus). **Liberty Common School** is a rigorous, Core Knowledge-based charter school emphasizing classical education and civic virtue. **Resurrection Christian School**, located in nearby Loveland but serving many Greeley families, provides a Christ-centered education from preschool through high school. Additionally, there are smaller parochial and faith-based academies within the city. This range allows Greeley parents to choose between secular classical, non-sectarian college-prep, and faith-based environments.
How does the enrollment and lottery process work for top charter schools like University Schools and Liberty Common in Greeley?
Enrollment for Greeley's highly sought-after public charter schools, which function like private schools in selectivity, is governed by Colorado state charter law. Both University Schools and Liberty Common School typically have more applicants than seats, requiring an annual public lottery. Parents must submit an application during a specified open enrollment period (often in January/February for the following fall). Siblings of currently enrolled students usually receive priority. After the lottery, a waitlist is established. It's crucial to contact each school directly for their exact timeline and to submit applications on time, as missing the window means joining the waitlist at the end. This process is a key difference from traditional private schools, which may have rolling admissions.
What are the tuition and financial aid landscapes like for private schools in the Greeley, Colorado area?
Tuition structures vary. For the public charter schools (University, Liberty Common), there is no tuition, though they may have annual fees for activities, technology, or uniforms (typically a few hundred dollars). For private schools like Resurrection Christian School, tuition is required. For the 2023-2024 year, high school tuition at RCS was approximately $10,000, with discounts for multiple children. Financial aid is often available through need-based applications and may be funded by the school or through Colorado state programs like the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit," which can benefit donors to scholarship funds. Parents should inquire directly about aid packages, payment plans, and potential scholarships for athletic or artistic merit.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Greeley-area private schools offer that leverage local Colorado resources?
Schools in the Greeley area integrate Colorado's unique environment and economy into their programs. For instance, **University Schools** boasts a strong STEM focus with partnerships at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and Aims Community College, offering concurrent enrollment opportunities. **Liberty Common** emphasizes Western civilization and civic engagement through its classical curriculum, often incorporating Colorado history and government in depth. Given Greeley's position in an agricultural and energy region, science programs often include relevant environmental and agricultural science units. Extracurriculars frequently capitalize on Colorado's outdoor culture, with robust cross-country, hiking, and environmental clubs, unlike what might be found in more urban settings.
For families considering a move to Greeley, how do the top private and charter schools influence residential choices and commute times?
School choice significantly impacts residential decisions in Greeley. Since the premier charter schools (University and Liberty Common) do not have traditional neighborhood boundaries, families can live anywhere in the district. However, this creates important commute considerations. University Schools has two campuses (K-8 and 9-12) in northeast Greeley, while Liberty Common's campuses are in southeast Fort Collins—a 25-30 minute drive from central Greeley. Resurrection Christian is in Loveland, also a 20-25 minute commute. Many families cluster in northeast Greeley neighborhoods for proximity to University Schools or in the southwestern parts of Greeley for a easier commute to Fort Collins/Loveland schools. Factoring in daily drive time against school philosophy is a key part of the decision process for Greeley parents.