The Best Private Schools in Lone Tree, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lone Tree. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Aspen Academy
Aspen Academy
Aspen Academy is an innovative private school located just minutes from Lone Tree, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school is renowned for its unique curriculum that combines rigorous academics with practical life skills and leadership development. Features include dedicated entrepreneurship programs, financial literacy curriculum, and project-based learning approaches. The campus offers modern classrooms, STEM labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Parent reviews consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, exceptional teachers, and preparation for high school success. The school maintains small class sizes with a 8:1 student-teacher ratio.
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St. Mary's Academy - Englewood Campus
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is a highly-regarded independent school serving the southern Denver metro area including Lone Tree. The school offers a comprehensive International Baccalaureate program from preschool through high school. Known for academic rigor and exceptional college preparation, SMA features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with small class sizes and dedicated faculty holding advanced degrees. Extracurricular programs include competitive athletics, robotics, debate, and extensive arts offerings.
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Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School is a prestigious independent college preparatory school serving the Denver metropolitan area including Lone Tree families. With nearly a century of educational excellence, the school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 24 Advanced Placement courses and extensive honors options. The 220-acre campus features outstanding facilities including a new science and innovation center, performing arts complex, and extensive athletic facilities. The school emphasizes both academic achievement and character development, with a strong community service program. Kent Denver consistently ranks among Colorado's top private schools for college matriculation, with graduates attending elite universities nationwide. The school provides transportation options for students from Lone Tree and surrounding areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lone Tree, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lone Tree, Colorado, and are there any directly within the city limits?
While Lone Tree itself has a limited number of standalone private campuses, families commonly look to highly-regarded schools in the surrounding south Denver metropolitan area. Notable options include Aspen Academy in Greenwood Village (a short drive north), which focuses on entrepreneurial leadership, and the prestigious Kent Denver School in Englewood. St. Mary's Academy, with a junior high/high school campus in Englewood, is another top choice. Many Lone Tree families also consider private schools in the broader Douglas County and Arapahoe County regions. It's important to note that most of these schools actively serve the Lone Tree community through their transportation zones or carpool networks.
How does tuition for top private schools near Lone Tree, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition for the leading private schools in the Denver south metro area, including those serving Lone Tree, is generally above the Colorado state average for private education. For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for these schools often ranges from approximately $25,000 to over $30,000 for upper grades. However, robust financial aid programs are a hallmark of these institutions. Schools like Kent Denver and St. Mary's Academy have significant endowment-funded aid budgets, offering need-based grants that can substantially reduce the cost for qualifying families. Colorado also has scholarship opportunities, such as the Child Care Contribution Credit, which can provide state tax credits for donations to scholarship funds for lower-income families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Lone Tree area offer that leverage Colorado's environment and economy?
Private schools serving Lone Tree often integrate Colorado's unique assets into their curricula. Aspen Academy, for instance, has a renowned "Entrepreneurship & Innovation" program that connects students with the local business community, including the thriving tech and healthcare sectors in the Denver Tech Center near Lone Tree. Many schools, including Kent Denver, emphasize outdoor education and sustainability, with programs that utilize the nearby Rocky Mountains for science, leadership, and athletics. Furthermore, schools often have strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) partnerships with local corporations and research institutions, providing students with unique internship and project-based learning opportunities not always available in standard public school curricula.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in the Lone Tree, Colorado, region?
The admissions process for top-tier private schools near Lone Tree is highly structured and often begins over a year in advance. Most schools have application deadlines in January for entry the following fall. The process typically includes: 1) An open house or tour (scheduled in the fall), 2) Submission of an application with essays and recommendations (due in winter), 3) A student visit or assessment day, and 4) Financial aid applications (due concurrently). Given the competitive nature and limited seats, especially in entry grades like Kindergarten, 6th, and 9th, it is strongly advised for Lone Tree families to initiate research and campus visits in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year. Many schools also have waitlists, so applying by the priority deadline is crucial.
For families in Lone Tree considering the choice between the highly-rated Douglas County public schools and private options, what are the key differentiating factors?
Lone Tree is served by the acclaimed Douglas County School District, which offers strong academic programs. The choice for many families often comes down to educational philosophy, class size, and specific program offerings. Private schools in the area typically offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students vs. 25+ in public), more individualized attention, and distinct mission-driven education (e.g., faith-based, entrepreneurial, or college-preparatory). They may also provide more consistency in curriculum and staffing. The trade-off, of course, is cost. Families must weigh the value of these private school attributes against the no-tuition cost of Douglas County public schools, which are among the best in Colorado. The decision frequently hinges on a family's priorities for their child's learning environment and community.