The Best Private Schools in Naturita, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Naturita. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Montrose Christian School
Independent Christian School
Montrose Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Western Colorado region, including Naturita families. Established in 1986, the school offers comprehensive education from preschool through 12th grade with a strong college preparatory focus. The curriculum emphasizes academic excellence with advanced STEM programs, robust fine arts offerings, and competitive athletics. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic fields. The school maintains small class sizes with dedicated faculty and has a strong track record of college acceptance. Many Naturita families commute to Montrose for this well-established educational option.
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St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
St. Mary School is a long-standing Catholic private school serving Montrose County and surrounding areas including Naturita. Founded in 1954, the school provides education from preschool through 8th grade with a faith-based curriculum that emphasizes academic rigor. The school features strong mathematics and language arts programs, comprehensive music education, and technology integration. Facilities include dedicated science and computer labs, a library, and playground areas. With experienced teachers and a supportive community atmosphere, St. Mary School has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings and serves as a popular choice for families throughout the region.
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Columbine Christian School
Independent Christian School
Columbine Christian School is a well-established private Christian school serving the Western Slope region, including families from Naturita. Founded in 1989, the school offers education from preschool through 8th grade with a comprehensive Christian worldview curriculum. The academic program emphasizes strong foundational skills in core subjects while incorporating character education and enrichment programs. The school features modern classrooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Columbine Christian School provides personalized attention and has built a strong reputation for academic quality and supportive community environment over three decades of operation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Naturita, Colorado
Are there any private schools physically located within the town of Naturita, Colorado?
No, there are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits of Naturita, Colorado. Families in Naturita seeking private education typically look to schools in larger nearby communities. The closest options include Columbine Christian School in Montrose (about 65 miles away), Montrose Christian School in Montrose, and St. Mary School in Montrose. This means commuting or arranging transportation is a significant consideration for Naturita residents.
What are the transportation or boarding considerations for Naturita families using private schools in Montrose, Colorado?
Given the approximately 65-mile, one-hour-plus commute each way to Montrose, transportation is a primary logistical challenge. None of the private schools in Montrose offer dedicated bus service from Naturita. Families often form carpools with other local families, or parents must commit to a significant daily drive. Boarding is not typically an option at these local Christian day schools. This reality makes private school a major commitment of time and resources for families in the Naturita area.
How does the academic and extracurricular focus of Montrose-area private schools align with the lifestyle and values of families in rural Naturita, Colorado?
Schools like Montrose Christian School, St. Mary School, and Columbine Christian School often emphasize values-based education, community, and smaller class sizes, which can resonate strongly with the close-knit, rural community values of Naturita. Their curricula may integrate faith and character development. However, their extracurricular offerings (sports, arts) are based in Montrose and may require even longer commutes for practices and events. These schools can provide a structured, community-oriented environment that some Naturita parents seek, albeit at a distance.
What is the approximate tuition range for private schools accessible to Naturita, CO families, and are there Colorado-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for the K-12 private schools in Montrose accessible to Naturita families typically ranges from approximately $5,000 to $9,000 per year per student. It is crucial to contact each school directly for the most current rates. Colorado-specific aid includes the Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which provides tax credit scholarships for students from lower-income families to attend private schools. Additionally, some schools offer sibling discounts and need-based financial aid from their own funds. The financial commitment must account for both tuition and increased transportation costs.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Naturita family applying to a private school in Montrose, Colorado?
The process typically begins in the winter or early spring (January-April) for the following fall semester. It is highly recommended that Naturita families initiate contact with admissions offices at schools like Montrose Christian or St. Mary School well in advance due to the distance. The process usually involves an application, submission of records from the current school (likely Naturita School), a family interview (which may be conducted virtually or require a trip to Montrose), and possibly a student assessment. Early application is advised to secure a spot and to coordinate logistics.