The Best Private Schools in Longmont, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Longmont. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Alexander Dawson School
Independent
Alexander Dawson School is a prestigious independent school located in nearby Lafayette, serving families in the Longmont area with a rigorous college-preparatory education. It features small class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and state-of-the-art facilities including science centers, performing arts spaces, and athletic complexes. The school emphasizes academic excellence through advanced STEM courses, extensive arts programs, and competitive athletics, supported by a strong track record of college placements and parent acclaim for its holistic approach to student development.
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St. Vrain Community Montessori School
Independent
St. Vrain Community Montessori School is a highly regarded private school offering authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12. Known for its child-centered approach, the school features experienced teachers, low student-teacher ratios, and a focus on individualized learning. Facilities include modern Montessori classrooms, extensive outdoor learning environments, and hands-on materials that promote academic excellence, independence, and social development. Parent satisfaction is high due to its strong community involvement and emphasis on holistic education.
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Longmont Christian School
Christian Schools International
Longmont Christian School provides a comprehensive private education rooted in Christian values, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is recognized for its strong academic programs, dedicated faculty, and a supportive community environment. It offers a well-rounded curriculum including advanced courses, competitive sports teams, music, and art programs. Facilities include science labs, a gymnasium, and technology-integrated classrooms, contributing to high parent and student satisfaction rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Longmont, Colorado
What are the main types of private schools available in Longmont, Colorado, and how do they differ?
Longmont offers a diverse range of private school models catering to different educational philosophies. The St. Vrain Community Montessori School provides child-led, hands-on learning in multi-age classrooms. Longmont Christian School offers a faith-based, college-preparatory education with a Biblical worldview. The Alexander Dawson School is a premier independent, college-preparatory day school with a rigorous academic program and extensive extracurriculars. Additionally, there are smaller parochial and specialty schools. This variety allows parents in Longmont to choose an environment that closely aligns with their child's learning style and family values.
How does tuition at Longmont's private schools compare to the Colorado state average, and what financial aid options are locally available?
Tuition in Longmont varies significantly. For the 2024-25 academic year, schools like Longmont Christian School have more moderate tuition, while the Alexander Dawson School's tuition is among the highest in the state, reflecting its extensive facilities and programs. Compared to the Colorado private school average, Longmont offers a spectrum. Most schools, including those listed, offer need-based financial aid, and some have merit scholarships. Critically, Colorado has the "Choice in Colorado" program, which allows tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that help fund private school tuition, a key state-specific financial consideration for Longmont families.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Longmont private schools offer that leverage the local Colorado environment?
Longmont private schools deeply integrate Colorado's natural and technological landscape into their programs. The Alexander Dawson School, for example, has a renowned "Dawson Outdoors" program that utilizes the nearby Rocky Mountains for experiential education in science and leadership. Several schools emphasize environmental science and sustainability, connecting curriculum to local ecosystems and Boulder County's tech and aerospace industries through partnerships and STEM programs. This local focus provides students with unique hands-on learning opportunities that are specific to the Front Range region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools in Longmont, like Alexander Dawson School?
For Longmont's most sought-after private schools, the process begins early. The standard enrollment timeline for a fall start often opens in September of the prior year, with application deadlines between January and February. The process typically includes a campus tour, submission of an application with essays and recommendations, student assessments or classroom visits, and a family interview. Due to limited space and rolling admissions at some schools, it is highly advised for Longmont parents to initiate inquiries 12-18 months in advance, especially for entry into popular grades like kindergarten, 6th, or 9th.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the St. Vrain Valley School District public schools and private schools in Longmont?
The primary differences lie in class size, curricular flexibility, and core mission. Longmont's public schools in the St. Vrain Valley District are highly rated, offer diverse programs, and are tuition-free. Private schools offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), allowing for more individualized attention. They have the autonomy to specialize, such as a Montessori or religious curriculum, which public schools cannot provide. Private schools also often have more extensive arts, language, or outdoor education programs integrated into the core day. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy versus the comprehensive, no-cost public system.
Private Education Insights
Discover Top Private Catholic Schools in Longmont, Colorado: A Parent's Guide
As a parent in Longmont, beginning the search for the right educational environment for your child can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You might be typing phrases like “private catholic schools near me” into your search engine, seeking a faith-based community with strong academics and values. While Longmont itself is home to several excellent private schools, including the independent Longmont Christian School and the prestigious Alexander Dawson School, it’s important to understand the specific landscape for Catholic education in our area. Longmont does not have a standalone Catholic parish school within the city limits, but that doesn’t mean a Catholic education is out of reach. The nearby Front Range communities offer wonderful options, making a slightly longer commute a worthwhile investment for many families seeking that particular faith-integrated curriculum.
The search for “private catholic schools near me” in Northern Colorado often leads parents to neighboring cities like Boulder, Lafayette, and Frederick. Schools such as Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Boulder or St. Louis Catholic School in Louisville provide a traditional, sacrament-centered education and are common choices for Longmont families. This regional approach means your child can benefit from a tight-knit Catholic school community while you, as a parent, become part of a network that extends beyond our immediate city. It’s common to find carpool groups forming among Longmont families, turning the drive into a shared community experience. When evaluating these options, consider the daily logistics alongside the spiritual and academic fit. The drive along the Diagonal Highway or Highway 119 is a familiar part of life for many commuters here.
Exploring all private school options in Longmont is a wise first step, as different educational philosophies might resonate with your family’s goals. For instance, St. Vrain Community Montessori School offers a child-led, hands-on approach that shares some values with faith-based education, such as nurturing the whole child and fostering a respectful community. Longmont Christian School provides a robust Protestant Christian environment with rigorous academics. The Alexander Dawson School offers a non-sectarian, independent education focused on experiential learning. Visiting these local campuses can help clarify what environment you envision, even if your heart is set on a Catholic education. It provides a valuable benchmark for classroom size, teacher engagement, and campus culture.
Ultimately, choosing a school is about finding the right fit for your child’s heart and mind. For families committed to a Catholic education, expanding your search to the broader region is key. We recommend connecting with the local parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, for guidance and to potentially meet other families navigating the same decision. Attend open houses at both the nearby Catholic schools and the exceptional local private schools in Longmont. Ask detailed questions about curriculum, faith formation, and community life. The perfect educational journey for your family may be found in our vibrant Longmont community or in a neighboring town, but taking the time to thoroughly explore all options will ensure you find a school where your child will truly thrive, spiritually and academically.