The Best Private Schools in Holly, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Holly. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's School
Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Schools
St. Mary's School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving southeastern Colorado communities including Holly. Established in 1959, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith-based learning, academic excellence, and character development. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive sports. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, small class sizes, and strong community values. The campus includes a gymnasium, library, computer lab, and outdoor recreational facilities.
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Lamar Christian Academy
Independent Christian School
Lamar Christian Academy serves students from Holly and surrounding communities with a comprehensive Christian education from kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded in 1999, the academy emphasizes college preparatory academics integrated with biblical worldview education. The school features experienced faculty, modern technology integration, and a well-rounded program including competitive sports, music and arts, and community service opportunities. Facilities include science laboratories, computer labs, athletic fields, and a performing arts space. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1 and has a strong track record of college acceptance for graduates.
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St. Patrick School
Diocese of Pueblo Catholic Schools
St. Patrick School in La Junta serves students from throughout southeastern Colorado, including Holly families seeking quality private education. Established in 1954, the school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong Catholic foundation and comprehensive academic program. Notable features include a unique dual language program, advanced technology integration with 1:1 device access, and a well-developed athletic program. The school campus includes modern classrooms, a library media center, gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. Faculty members are highly qualified with many holding advanced degrees, and the school maintains a strong focus on individualized instruction and character development.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Holly, Colorado
What are the private school options available for families living in or near Holly, Colorado?
Holly itself is a small, rural community, so dedicated private school options within the town limits are limited. However, families in Holly commonly consider several faith-based private schools in the broader region. The primary options include St. Mary's School (grades PK-6) in Las Animas, approximately 25 miles away, and Lamar Christian Academy and St. Patrick School, both located in Lamar about 30 miles from Holly. These schools provide the main private alternatives to the Holly School District (RE-3). The commute is a significant factor for Holly residents, so exploring each school's transportation policies or carpool options with other local families is essential.
How does tuition at private schools serving Holly, CO, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at the regional private schools (St. Mary's, Lamar Christian Academy, St. Patrick) is generally below the average for Colorado private schools due to the lower cost of living in Southeastern Colorado. Annual tuition often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 per student, but you must confirm current rates directly with each school. Importantly, Colorado offers the Choice in Education Act, which provides tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that help fund private school tuition. Schools in this area may have access to these funds, and most also offer parish or need-based financial aid. It's crucial to ask each school about their specific aid packages and any available scholarships for rural families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Holly, CO, offer that address the rural context?
Private schools in the region often emphasize close-knit community values and individualized attention due to their small class sizes—a direct benefit for students from rural areas like Holly. Academically, they typically provide strong foundational curricula with integrated faith-based education. Some may offer unique agricultural or science programs that connect to the local farming and ranching community. Extracurriculars might be more limited than in large urban schools but often include sports like basketball and volleyball through cooperative agreements with other small schools, as well as local 4-H or FFA partnerships. It's worth asking about how they incorporate technology and distance learning to broaden opportunities.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools that Holly residents attend?
Enrollment processes for schools like St. Mary's, Lamar Christian Academy, and St. Patrick usually begin in early spring (January-March) for the following academic year. Given their small sizes and the number of spots available for commuting students from towns like Holly, applying early is highly recommended. The process typically involves submitting an application, academic records from the Holly public school or previous institution, a family interview, and possibly a student assessment. Some schools give priority to siblings of current students and members of their affiliated church parishes. Contacting the admissions office by December or January is advisable to secure placement and discuss logistics.
For a Holly family, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school and a private school a 30-minute commute away?
The decision hinges on several Holly-specific factors. The Holly School District (RE-3) offers the convenience of no commute and strong community integration. Opting for a private school in Lamar or Las Animas involves a significant daily commitment to transportation (30+ miles each way), which impacts family schedules and costs. The trade-off often comes down to educational philosophy: private schools provide a specific religious foundation and potentially smaller class sizes. Families must weigh the importance of a faith-based curriculum, the desire for a different social environment, and the ability to manage the commute against the benefits of their local, tuition-free public school. Visiting both the Holly public schools and the private options is crucial to feel the difference firsthand.