The Best Private Schools in Jefferson, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Jefferson. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy
Independent
St. Mary's Academy is a premier independent school located in the Denver metro area that serves families from mountain communities including Jefferson. As Colorado's oldest independent school, SMA offers a comprehensive PreK through 12th grade education with exceptional academic programs. The school features extensive Advanced Placement offerings, a dedicated STEM Academy, global studies programs, and outstanding arts and athletics facilities. With a 50-acre campus featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities, SMA provides one of the most comprehensive private education experiences in the region. The school is particularly noted for its rigorous academics, college preparatory success, and diverse extracurricular opportunities.
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Evergreen Country Day School
Independent
Evergreen Country Day School is a highly-regarded independent school located just 15 minutes from Jefferson in the mountain community of Evergreen. Serving students from preschool through 8th grade, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a supportive community environment. The curriculum features strong STEM programs, integrated arts education, and extensive outdoor learning opportunities that leverage the natural mountain setting. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor spaces. The school is known for small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and a comprehensive approach to character development alongside academic achievement.
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Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen
Independent
Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen is a respected private school serving the mountain communities including Jefferson. The school offers kindergarten through 8th grade education with an expeditionary learning model that emphasizes hands-on, experiential education. Academic programs are complemented by strong outdoor leadership components and personalized learning plans. The campus features modern facilities surrounded by natural beauty, providing an ideal environment for the school's outdoor-focused curriculum. RMAE is recognized for its strong community atmosphere, dedicated teachers, and successful preparation of students for high school and beyond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Jefferson, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families in Jefferson, Colorado, and what are their key educational focuses?
Jefferson, Colorado, is served by several notable private schools, each with distinct characteristics. Evergreen Country Day School (located in nearby Evergreen) offers a progressive, project-based Pre-K through 8th-grade education with a strong emphasis on character and outdoor learning. Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen provides a college-preparatory curriculum for grades 6-12, known for its small class sizes and personalized academic plans. St. Mary's Academy, with its Lower School in Englewood and High School in Cherry Hills Village, is a prestigious Pre-K-12 independent school offering a rigorous curriculum, global studies, and extensive arts and athletics. While not all are within Jefferson's exact municipal boundaries, they are primary options for families in the area seeking private education.
How does tuition for private schools in the Jefferson, Colorado, area compare to the state average, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for private schools serving Jefferson, CO, is generally at or above the Colorado state average for private education, reflecting the schools' reputations and programs. For the 2024-2025 academic year, expect ranges from approximately $20,000 to $30,000+ for day schools, with high school often at the higher end. All major schools, including Evergreen Country Day, Rocky Mountain Academy, and St. Mary's Academy, offer need-based financial aid programs. It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Additionally, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Credit" and the "Child Care Expenses Credit" on state taxes, which can provide some relief for qualifying families with younger children in private programs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Jefferson area leverage due to their Colorado mountain foothills location?
Private schools in the Jefferson/Evergreen corridor uniquely integrate the Colorado environment into their curricula. This often includes robust outdoor education programs with hiking, skiing, and environmental science field studies in the nearby Arapaho National Forest and Mount Evans wilderness. Schools like Evergreen Country Day have "Forest Fridays" and place-based learning initiatives. Furthermore, the proximity to Denver allows for partnerships with museums, tech companies, and cultural institutions, creating a blend of mountain and metropolitan opportunities not found in many other regions. This focus on outdoor leadership and environmental stewardship is a hallmark of education in this area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools serving Jefferson, Colorado families?
The enrollment process for top private schools in the Jefferson area is highly structured and begins early. The main admission cycle for the following fall typically opens in September, with application deadlines between January and February. Key steps include: 1) Attending open houses (often in the fall), 2) Submitting an application with essays and recommendations, 3) Student assessments and classroom visits (for younger grades) or student interviews (for older grades), and 4) Financial aid applications, which usually have concurrent deadlines. Notification dates are typically in March. Given the competitive nature, especially for entry points like Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th grades, initiating contact 12-18 months in advance is strongly advised.
For a family living in Jefferson, what are the key considerations when comparing the local Jefferson County Public Schools (Jeffco) to area private schools?
Key considerations include class size, educational approach, and program specialization. Jeffco public schools offer a standardized curriculum, diverse extracurriculars, and no tuition. However, private schools in the area provide significantly smaller student-to-teacher ratios (often 10:1 or lower), more individualized attention, and distinct pedagogical philosophies (e.g., progressive, classical, or faith-based). Transportation is another factor; while Jeffco provides busing, private schools usually require parent-provided transportation, which can be a significant consideration given Jefferson's mountain geography. Families should also weigh the value of a consistent, close-knit private school community from K-12 against the larger, more diverse environment of a public school, which may involve redistricting.
Private Education Insights
Discover the Top Private Schools in Jefferson, Colorado: A Parent's Guide
For families in Jefferson, Colorado, the search for the best private schools is often intertwined with a desire for an education that reflects the unique character of our mountain community. It’s about finding a place where academic rigor meets the values of independence, environmental stewardship, and close-knit support. The journey isn't about a single top-ranked institution, but rather identifying the school that best aligns with your child’s individual needs and your family’s educational philosophy. Here in Jefferson, you’ll find several exceptional options, each offering a distinct pathway to student growth and success.
One of the primary considerations for local parents is the educational model. Some of the best private schools in the area, like Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen, emphasize experiential and place-based learning. This approach leverages our incredible natural surroundings as a classroom, fostering resilience, scientific curiosity, and a deep connection to the environment. It’s an education that feels inherently Coloradan, preparing students not just for tests, but for thoughtful engagement with the world. Other institutions provide a more traditional, college-preparatory framework with a strong liberal arts core, ensuring students are exceptionally well-prepared for competitive universities.
The sense of community is paramount in a small town like Jefferson. The best private schools here understand this, cultivating environments where every student is known, valued, and challenged. Schools such as Evergreen Country Day School often highlight their tight-knit, family-like atmosphere alongside robust academic and arts programs. This personalized attention allows educators to tailor learning and foster each child’s confidence. For families seeking a faith-based education integrated with this community feel, options like St. Mary’s Academy offer a rigorous curriculum grounded in specific values, all within a supportive environment that can be a significant draw for many parents.
Practical logistics also play a major role in the decision. The commute along winding mountain roads is a daily reality, so considering a school’s location, transportation options, and schedule is crucial. Furthermore, the financial investment is significant. It’s important to have open conversations with admissions offices about tuition, financial aid opportunities, and payment plans. Many of the best private schools in Jefferson are committed to socioeconomic diversity and have resources available to assist qualified families.
Ultimately, identifying the best private school in Jefferson requires looking beyond brochures and rankings. We encourage you to visit campuses, observe classes, and speak directly with teachers, administrators, and current parents. Ask how the school handles individual learning styles, what its community service ethos entails, and how it supports students’ social and emotional well-being. The right fit will be a place where your child is inspired, where the philosophy resonates with your family, and where the education feels as expansive as the Colorado sky. Your journey is about finding a partner in nurturing a curious, capable, and compassionate young adult, right here in the heart of our community.
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