The Best Private Schools in Howard, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Howard. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Longfellow Elementary School
Salida School District (Private/Charter option)
Longfellow Elementary serves as a premier educational option for families in the Howard area, located approximately 20 miles away in Salida. As a highly-rated school within the Salida School District, it offers a comprehensive elementary program with strong emphasis on STEM education and outdoor learning opportunities that align with the regional environment. The school features small class sizes, experienced teaching staff, and robust parent involvement. Its curriculum includes specialized programs for gifted students and integrates technology throughout learning experiences.
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The Juniper School
Independent
Located in Buena Vista approximately 15 miles from Howard, The Juniper School is an independent private school offering innovative K-8 education through expeditionary learning and project-based approaches. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential education that leverages the natural environment of the Arkansas Valley. With small multi-age classrooms and personalized learning plans, students benefit from individualized attention and community-focused education. The curriculum integrates outdoor education, environmental studies, and traditional academic excellence.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Diocese of Pueblo
St. Mary's Catholic School in Salida serves families throughout Chaffee County, including Howard residents seeking faith-based education. As one of the longest-established private schools in the region, it offers PreK through 8th grade education with a comprehensive Catholic curriculum that includes strong academic foundations, character development, and community service. The school features dedicated faculty, modern facilities including technology integration, and extensive extracurricular programs including music, arts, and Spanish language instruction from early grades.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Howard, Colorado
What are the specific private school options available in Howard, Colorado, and what educational approaches do they offer?
Howard, Colorado, is a small, rural community, so private school options are limited but distinctive. The primary options include Longfellow Elementary School, which is a public charter school (often considered alongside private options due to its alternative model), The Juniper School, a private K-8 school emphasizing experiential and place-based learning, and St. Mary's Catholic School in nearby Buena Vista (approximately 15 miles away), which offers a faith-based education. Given Howard's size, many families also consider private schools in the larger surrounding areas of Salida and Buena Vista. The Juniper School is particularly notable for its focus on outdoor education and project-based learning, leveraging the natural environment of the Arkansas River Valley.
How does tuition for private schools in the Howard, CO, area compare, and are there any Colorado-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition in the Howard area varies significantly. The Juniper School, as a private independent school, has tuition that is set annually and typically ranges between $8,000-$12,000 per year, with sibling discounts often available. St. Mary's Catholic School generally has lower tuition, often around $4,000-$6,000, supported by the parish. Colorado offers the "Choice Scholarship" program, which is a state tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that help fund private school tuition for eligible families. Additionally, many Colorado private schools participate in the "Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)" for qualifying families. It's crucial to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition, fees, and available financial aid or payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Howard, CO, offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in the Howard area strongly emphasize outdoor and environmental education due to their location in the Rocky Mountains. The Juniper School, for instance, integrates regular field studies, gardening, and river ecology into its curriculum. Many schools participate in the "Colorado Outdoor Education" ethos, with programs that may include skiing, hiking, and environmental stewardship projects. St. Mary's incorporates its values into community service projects within the rural communities of Chaffee County. This focus on hands-on, place-based learning is a defining characteristic, preparing students with a deep connection to their local environment and practical life skills alongside academic rigor.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Howard, Colorado, given the rural setting?
Enrollment timelines for private schools in rural Colorado like Howard often start earlier than public schools, with many schools opening applications in January or February for the following fall. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces are available. The process usually involves an application form, a family interview or meeting, and submitting previous school records. For The Juniper School, a visit or shadow day is highly encouraged to ensure the experiential learning model is a good fit. Due to limited seats, especially in smaller schools, applying early is advisable. Some schools, like St. Mary's, may have priority for parish members. It's essential to contact schools directly, as deadlines and processes can vary, and transportation from Howard may need to be arranged independently.
How do the private school options near Howard, CO, compare to the public school district in terms of class size and educational focus?
The public school option for Howard residents is typically the Buena Vista School District R-31, with Avery Parsons Elementary. The key differences lie in scale and approach. Private options like The Juniper School offer very small class sizes (often 10-15 students), allowing for highly individualized instruction. The public district provides broader extracurriculars and resources but with larger class sizes. Academically, the private schools emphasize specific pedagogies (e.g., project-based, faith-based) while public schools follow the Colorado Academic Standards. For families in Howard, a significant practical consideration is transportation, as the private options may require a commute to Buena Vista or Salida, whereas public school may provide busing. The choice often comes down to a desire for a specific educational philosophy versus the convenience and comprehensive programs of the public district.