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.