The Best Private Schools in Haswell, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Haswell. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
La Junta Mennonite School
Independent Mennonite School
La Junta Mennonite School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located approximately 30 miles from Haswell. Serving students from kindergarten through 8th grade, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment. The curriculum integrates traditional academics with practical skills, including agricultural studies that align well with the rural communities of eastern Colorado. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, and the school maintains strong parent satisfaction ratings. The school serves multiple rural communities in the region and has built a reputation for strong moral character development alongside solid academic foundations.
Programs:
Cesar Chavez Academy - K-8 Campus
Cesar Chavez School Network
Located in Pueblo approximately 50 miles from Haswell, Cesar Chavez Academy is consistently ranked among Colorado's top charter schools. The K-8 campus follows the rigorous Core Knowledge curriculum and offers specialized programs in STEM education and dual language instruction. The school has received numerous awards for academic excellence and serves as a regional educational hub for families seeking high-quality private education options. With modern facilities, extensive extracurricular offerings, and a track record of preparing students for advanced high school programs, it attracts students from throughout southeastern Colorado.
Programs:
St. Mary's High School
Catholic Schools of Pueblo
St. Mary's High School is Pueblo's oldest and most established private secondary school, serving students from throughout southeastern Colorado. While located approximately 50 miles from Haswell, the school has a long history of serving rural families seeking rigorous college preparatory education. The school offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, competitive athletic programs, and extensive fine arts opportunities. As a Catholic institution, it emphasizes character development and community service while maintaining strong academic standards. The school's boarding options and transportation services make it accessible to students from rural areas like Haswell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Haswell, Colorado
What are the actual private school options available for families living in Haswell, Colorado, given its rural location?
Due to Haswell's very small, rural population, there are no private schools physically located within the town itself. Families in Haswell typically look to neighboring communities for private education. The schools you mentioned, like La Junta Mennonite School (in La Junta, ~30 miles away), Cesar Chavez Academy - K-8 Campus (in Pueblo, ~60 miles away), and St. Mary's High School (in Colorado Springs, ~100 miles away), are the closest options but require significant commuting. This makes transportation a primary consideration for Haswell residents seeking private school, with many families forming carpools or exploring boarding options for high school.
How does Colorado's school choice and funding landscape affect private school affordability for Haswell families?
Colorado has limited state-funded voucher or tax credit programs for private school tuition compared to some states. The main program is the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative, but it's primarily for higher education. For K-12, some counties offer vouchers, but rural Kiowa County (where Haswell is located) does not have a robust program. Therefore, tuition costs fall almost entirely on families, with many schools offering need-based financial aid and scholarships. Haswell families should inquire directly with schools like La Junta Mennonite about aid and also explore organizations like ACE Scholarships, which serve low- and middle-income families across Colorado, including rural areas.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving the Haswell area offer that address rural student interests?
Private schools in the region often integrate programs that resonate with rural Colorado life. La Junta Mennonite School, for example, may have agricultural science components or hands-on learning tied to the local farming and ranching economy. St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs offers robust college preparatory programs that can be particularly valuable for students from rural areas seeking competitive university placement. Additionally, many of these schools emphasize close-knit communities and character education, which aligns with the values of many rural families in Haswell. Extracurriculars often include sports like rodeo, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and outdoor activities that leverage Colorado's landscape.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Haswell, and how should rural families plan ahead?
Enrollment timelines for schools like Cesar Chavez Academy or La Junta Mennonite School often begin in January or February for the following fall, with deadlines by March or April. However, due to Haswell's distance, proactive planning is critical. The process usually involves an application, student records review, possible entrance exams (for high schools), and a family interview. Given the commute, attending open houses or shadow days requires scheduling a full day. Haswell families are advised to initiate contact with admissions offices in the fall, a full year before desired enrollment, to understand logistics, transportation options (some schools may offer bus service from regional hubs, but not directly from Haswell), and financial aid deadlines.
How do the private school options for Haswell students compare to the public school experience in the local Kiowa County School District?
The Kiowa County School District, which serves Haswell through a single K-12 school in Eads (about 20 miles away), offers a very small, consolidated public school experience with low student-to-teacher ratios. The primary trade-off for private school is the commute. Private options offer religious education (Mennonite or Catholic), often a more structured college-prep curriculum (especially at St. Mary's), and potentially more specialized resources. However, the public school in Eads provides proximity, strong community integration, and no tuition. For many Haswell families, the decision hinges on whether the specific religious or academic focus of a distant private school is worth the significant daily travel time and cost compared to the local public school.