The Best Private Schools in Hillrose, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillrose. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Trinity Lutheran School
Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity Lutheran School is a highly-regarded Christian private school located just 15 minutes from Hillrose in Fort Morgan. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school offers a comprehensive academic program integrated with Christian values. The school features small class sizes, experienced teachers, and a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated science lab, music room, and gymnasium. The school serves families throughout Morgan County, including Hillrose, and provides a nurturing environment with robust extracurricular activities including sports, music programs, and community service opportunities.
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Northeastern Junior College Laboratory School
Northeastern Junior College
Located approximately 25 minutes from Hillrose in Sterling, the NJC Laboratory School serves as both an educational institution and teacher training facility. This unique school offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with the advantage of early exposure to college-level resources and dual enrollment opportunities. Serving students from preschool through high school, the school emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and STEM education. The laboratory school model ensures small student-teacher ratios and innovative teaching methods. Families from Hillrose and surrounding communities appreciate the strong academic foundation and the seamless transition to higher education opportunities.
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St. Helena Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Denver
St. Helena Catholic School has been serving the educational needs of Morgan County families for over six decades, including those from Hillrose. This PreK-8 institution provides a faith-based education grounded in Catholic traditions while delivering strong academic outcomes. The school features a well-rounded curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, comprehensive language arts, science, social studies, and religious education. Students benefit from dedicated art and music programs, technology integration, and competitive sports teams. The school maintains a strong sense of community and emphasizes service learning, making it a popular choice for families seeking both academic rigor and moral development in a supportive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillrose, Colorado
What are the specific private school options available for families living in or near Hillrose, Colorado?
Hillrose itself is a small rural community, so the immediate private school options within the town are limited. However, families in the Hillrose area typically look to nearby towns in Morgan County and the region. The primary options include Trinity Lutheran School (a Lutheran K-8 school) in Fort Morgan, approximately 15 miles away, and St. Helena Catholic School (a Catholic PK-6 school) also in Fort Morgan. Additionally, the Northeastern Junior College (NJC) Laboratory School, a public laboratory school with a unique, progressive model in Sterling (about 25 miles away), is often considered alongside private options. For high school, families often consider faith-based options in larger surrounding communities or boarding schools.
How does tuition at private schools serving the Hillrose, CO area compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition for private schools in this region of Northeastern Colorado is generally below the state average for urban private schools, reflecting the local cost of living. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at schools like Trinity Lutheran or St. Helena Catholic typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 annually for parishioners and slightly more for non-members. Colorado offers the Choice Scholarship Program (vouchers) for students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and many local private schools participate. Additionally, most schools offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies, and sibling discounts. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific aid packages and any available Colorado tax credits for private education contributions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Hillrose area offer that differentiate them from public schools?
The private schools serving Hillrose emphasize small class sizes and faith-based integration. Trinity Lutheran School incorporates Christian teachings across all subjects and may offer specialized religion classes. St. Helena Catholic School provides a Catholic education with sacramental preparation. A unique aspect of the region is the NJC Laboratory School in Sterling, which utilizes a multi-age classroom model and project-based learning, distinct from traditional public school structures. Extracurriculars in these smaller schools are often community-oriented and may include seasonal sports through cooperative agreements, music programs, and local academic competitions. Their programs are notable for strong community involvement and character education, which is a significant draw for rural families.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for private schools in the Fort Morgan/Hillrose region?
Enrollment processes for schools like Trinity Lutheran and St. Helena Catholic often begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and church members. The process usually involves submitting an application, providing birth and baptismal certificates (if applicable), academic records, and sometimes a family interview. Due to the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. Some schools may have rolling admission if spots remain. The NJC Laboratory School has its own unique lottery and application system, with deadlines typically in the spring. Contacting the school office directly in the fall prior to your desired enrollment year is the best first step.
For a family in Hillrose, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school (Brush School District RE-2(J)) and a private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The public school in Hillrose is part of a small, close-knit district offering the convenience of a very short commute. Private options require a 15-30 minute commute to Fort Morgan or Sterling, impacting daily logistics. Academically, public schools offer a standard curriculum with state-mandated programs, while private schools provide a faith-based education or alternative pedagogical models (like the Lab School). Socially, the private schools offer a smaller, potentially more religiously homogeneous environment. Financially, private school requires tuition, whereas public school is free. Many families in this agricultural community value the strong local ties of the public school but choose private education for specific religious instruction or a different educational approach not available in the rural public system.