The Best Private Schools in Indian Hills, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Indian Hills. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Kent Denver School
Independent
Kent Denver School is a premier independent college preparatory school serving the Denver metropolitan area, including Indian Hills. Founded in 1922, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 21 Advanced Placement courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics. The 220-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science laboratories, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes character development and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and personalized attention from highly qualified faculty.
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St. Mary's Academy
Independent
St. Mary's Academy is a highly respected independent school offering International Baccalaureate programs from preschool through high school. Located just minutes from Indian Hills, the school provides a challenging academic environment with strong emphasis on critical thinking and global perspectives. The 26-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains a diverse student body and offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including competitive sports, robotics, and community service programs.
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Graland Country Day School
Independent
Graland Country Day School is a distinguished independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade, with many graduates continuing to top college preparatory high schools in the area. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, character development, and academic excellence through a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, literacy, science, and arts programs. The 14-acre campus features modern classrooms, innovation labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. Graland is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for academic success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Indian Hills, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Indian Hills, Colorado, and how accessible are they?
While Indian Hills itself is a small, mountainous community, it is within a reasonable commuting distance to several of the Denver metro area's top-tier private schools. The most prominent and accessible options include Kent Denver School in Englewood (approximately a 20-25 minute drive), St. Mary's Academy in Englewood, and Graland Country Day School in Denver. These schools are considered "destination schools" that draw students from across the region. Transportation is a key consideration for Indian Hills families, as most will need to arrange for carpooling or utilize limited school-provided bus routes that may service the broader foothills area. There are no major private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Indian Hills itself.
How does the tuition for top private schools near Indian Hills, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at schools like Kent Denver, St. Mary's Academy, and Graland Country Day is at the premium end of the spectrum for Colorado, often ranging from approximately $30,000 to $38,000 per year for upper grades. This is significantly above the state's average private school tuition due to their extensive facilities, low student-to-teacher ratios, and robust programs. Importantly, these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer substantial need-based financial aid. It is common for 20-30% of the student body to receive aid. Families in Indian Hills should complete the School and Student Services (SSS) financial aid application as part of the admissions process to be considered for grants, which do not require repayment.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Indian Hills offer that leverage the Colorado environment?
Schools in this area expertly integrate Colorado's natural landscape and outdoor culture into their curricula. Kent Denver School, for instance, has a renowned Wilderness Program that includes required outdoor trips for each grade, from camping to backpacking. St. Mary's Academy emphasizes environmental science and sustainability, with programs that can utilize the nearby foothills for study. Graland Country Day School has a strong emphasis on experiential learning and outdoor education from the early grades onward. These programs are a significant draw for Indian Hills families who value an education that complements their mountain lifestyle, promoting leadership, environmental stewardship, and resilience beyond the traditional classroom.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for competitive private schools serving Indian Hills, CO, and when should parents start?
The process for the most sought-after schools is highly structured and begins early. For admission to the following fall semester, the ideal timeline starts 12-18 months in advance. Key steps include: attending open houses in the spring or fall prior to the desired enrollment year, submitting applications typically between September and January, and completing student assessments/visits and parent interviews in the winter. Admission decisions are usually released in March. Given the competitive nature and limited spaces, especially in entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, Indian Hills families are strongly advised to begin research and campus visits well before the application deadlines to make informed decisions and demonstrate genuine interest.
For an Indian Hills resident, what are the major considerations when comparing the local Jefferson County public schools to the leading private schools in the Denver area?
The decision often centers on educational philosophy, class size, and commute. Jefferson County Public Schools (like West Jefferson Elementary/Middle or Conifer High) offer a no-tuition option with a more standardized curriculum and are located within the community, minimizing commute time. In contrast, private schools like Kent Denver offer a highly personalized education with very small class sizes, extensive college counseling, and specialized facilities (like state-of-the-art labs and arts centers). The trade-off is a significant financial investment and a daily commute of 30-45 minutes each way into the metro area, which can be impacted by mountain weather. Families must weigh the value of a community-based school against a tailored preparatory education that requires a greater investment of both time and money.
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