The Best Private Schools in Hillside, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Hillside. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Graland Country Day School
Independent
Graland Country Day School is a highly respected independent school serving the Denver metropolitan area, including Hillside. With a 96-year legacy of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive Pre-K through 8th grade program emphasizing academic rigor, character development, and experiential learning. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Graland's curriculum integrates advanced STEM education with robust arts programs and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, dedicated faculty, and strong community values that prepare students for success in high school and beyond.
Programs:
St. Anne's Episcopal School
Episcopal
St. Anne's Episcopal School is a premier independent school located in Denver that serves families throughout the metro area, including Hillside. The school offers an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme for Pre-K through 8th grade students, providing a globally-focused education. The 14-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, art studios, and extensive athletic facilities. St. Anne's emphasizes character education, community service, and outdoor learning through its unique mountain campus program. The school maintains a diverse student body and offers comprehensive extracurricular programs including competitive sports, music, theater, and robotics. Parents consistently highlight the school's strong academic foundation, inclusive community, and excellent preparation for secondary education.
Programs:
Kent Denver School
Independent
Kent Denver School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from Hillside and throughout the Denver metropolitan area. The school offers a rigorous academic program for grades 6-12 on a beautiful 220-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art science and innovation centers, performing arts facilities, and athletic complexes. Kent Denver's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and interdisciplinary learning with advanced STEM research opportunities and comprehensive arts programs. The school boasts a 100% college acceptance rate with graduates attending top universities nationwide. With small class sizes averaging 15 students and a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Kent Denver provides personalized attention and strong student-teacher relationships. Parents consistently praise the school's academic excellence, supportive community, and outstanding college counseling program.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Hillside, Colorado
What are the top private school options available in Hillside, Colorado, and what are their educational philosophies?
Hillside, Colorado, is home to several highly-regarded private schools, each with a distinct approach. Graland Country Day School is known for its progressive, experiential learning model that emphasizes critical thinking and character development. St. Anne's Episcopal School offers a balanced program rooted in Episcopal values, focusing on academic rigor within a supportive community. Kent Denver School provides a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with strong arts and athletics programs. While these are the most prominent, exploring schools in neighboring Denver suburbs may expand your options, as Hillside itself is a smaller community within the greater metro area.
How does tuition at Hillside, Colorado private schools compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at top private schools in the Hillside/Denver metro area is generally above the Colorado state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at schools like Graland, St. Anne's, and Kent Denver often ranges from approximately $30,000 to $38,000 for upper grades. Colorado has limited state-level voucher or tax credit programs for private education, so financial assistance is primarily offered directly by the schools through need-based financial aid. These schools typically have substantial endowment funds dedicated to aid, and it's crucial to apply for financial aid concurrently with admission to be considered.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Hillside-area private schools offer that leverage Colorado's environment and culture?
Private schools in the Hillside region uniquely integrate Colorado's landscape and ethos into their programs. Many, including Graland and Kent Denver, have robust outdoor education programs that utilize the nearby Rocky Mountains for leadership trips, environmental science, and skiing. Sustainability and environmental science are often emphasized in curricula, reflecting Colorado's values. Furthermore, schools may offer specialized programs in fields like aerospace engineering or entrepreneurship, tapping into the state's tech and startup sectors. This local connection provides students with hands-on learning opportunities that are distinctly Coloradan.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Hillside, Colorado?
The admission process for Hillside-area private schools is highly structured and begins early. For kindergarten entry, the process often starts 12-18 months in advance, with open houses in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Application deadlines are typically in January, followed by assessments and play-based observations for younger children, and student visits/interviews for older applicants. Notification dates are usually in mid-March. Given the competitive nature of schools like Graland, St. Anne's, and Kent Denver, it is highly recommended to engage with schools through tours and events well before the deadline to demonstrate genuine interest.
For families considering both, what are key differences between the public schools in Hillside, Colorado, and the local private school options?
The key differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and resources. Hillside public schools are part of the larger county district, offering a standardized curriculum with potentially larger class sizes. The premier private schools in the area offer significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. They also have the autonomy to design innovative curricula without state testing mandates, often leading to more project-based and interdisciplinary learning. However, this comes at a high financial cost, whereas public schools are tuition-free. Private schools may also have more extensive facilities (theaters, labs, fields) funded through tuition and philanthropy, but they lack the diverse socioeconomic and cultural mix typically found in a public school setting.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Best Private Schools in Hillside, Colorado: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Hillside, Colorado, the search for “good private schools near me” is more than just a map query; it’s a deeply personal journey to find the right educational community for your child. Nestled in the Denver metro area, Hillside offers a unique vantage point, blending suburban tranquility with access to some of the state’s most respected independent institutions. Your search is likely driven by a desire for a specific educational philosophy, smaller class sizes, or a particular kind of character development that aligns with your family’s values. Fortunately, the landscape here is rich with options, each with its own distinct personality and strengths, all within a manageable commute.
When considering good private schools near you, it’s essential to look beyond rankings and delve into the culture and fit. For instance, Graland Country Day School, located in nearby Denver, is renowned for its balanced approach, emphasizing both rigorous academics and a strong sense of citizenship. Its commitment to experiential learning can be a perfect match for a child who thrives on hands-on projects and outdoor education, resonating with Colorado’s active lifestyle. Meanwhile, St. Anne’s Episcopal School in Denver offers a values-based education within a tight-knit community. Its focus on spiritual growth, inclusivity, and social-emotional learning provides a nurturing environment that many Hillside families seek as a cornerstone for their child’s development, fostering resilience and empathy.
Another premier option close to Hillside is Kent Denver School in Englewood. Known for its academic excellence and robust arts and athletics programs, it appeals to families looking for a comprehensive, college-preparatory experience. The school’s emphasis on ethical leadership and intellectual curiosity prepares students not just for university, but for thoughtful engagement in the world. For Hillside parents, the commute to these schools is a common consideration. Traffic patterns on I-25 and Colorado Boulevard are a practical part of the decision-making process. Many families find carpool networks or utilize school transportation options, turning travel time into an opportunity for community building among students from similar neighborhoods.
Your search for good private schools near you should also include visits and conversations. There is no substitute for walking the halls, feeling the energy of the classrooms, and speaking directly with teachers and current parents. Pay attention to how the school’s philosophy translates into daily life and whether it complements your child’s individual needs and passions. The investment in a private education in the Hillside area is significant, but it is an investment in a tailored learning journey. By focusing on the specific ethos of schools like Graland, St. Anne’s, and Kent Denver, you can move beyond a simple search to finding a true partner in your child’s growth, right here in our vibrant Colorado community.
Nearby Cities
Explore private schools in nearby cities