The Best Private Schools in Parachute, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Parachute. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Colorado Rocky Mountain School
Independent College Preparatory School
Colorado Rocky Mountain School is a prestigious college-preparatory boarding and day school located approximately 45 minutes from Parachute. Founded in 1953, CRMS offers a rigorous academic curriculum combined with extensive outdoor education and arts programs. The school serves students in grades 9-12 and emphasizes experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and character development. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, CRMS provides individualized attention and has an excellent college placement record. The campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, arts studios, athletic facilities, and extensive outdoor programming resources.
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St. Stephen's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
St. Stephen's Catholic School is a highly-regarded private school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, located approximately 30 minutes from Parachute in Glenwood Springs. The school provides a comprehensive education grounded in Catholic values while offering strong academic programs in core subjects, STEM, and fine arts. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, St. Stephen's emphasizes character development, community service, and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, a science lab, library, and gymnasium, and maintains strong parent satisfaction ratings for its nurturing environment and quality education.
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St. Benedict Classical Academy
Independent Catholic School
St. Benedict Classical Academy is an independent Catholic school offering classical education from preschool through 8th grade, located about 30 minutes from Parachute. The school follows the proven classical education model emphasizing the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages. Students receive instruction in core academic subjects, Latin, fine arts, and character formation. With a strong focus on developing critical thinking skills and moral character, St. Benedict maintains small class sizes and has earned excellent parent satisfaction ratings. The school features dedicated classrooms, a chapel, library, and outdoor play areas in a peaceful mountain setting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Parachute, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in or near Parachute, Colorado?
Parachute itself is a small town, so most private school options are located in nearby communities within Garfield and neighboring counties. The most prominent include Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) in Carbondale (approx. 60 miles away), which is a prestigious boarding and day school with a strong outdoor and academic program. Closer options include St. Stephen's Catholic School in Glenwood Springs (approx. 30 miles away) and St. Benedict Classical Academy in Rifle (approx. 20 miles away). Families in Parachute should be prepared for significant commuting, which is a major factor in school choice in this region of Colorado.
How does the tuition for private schools near Parachute, CO, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition varies widely. St. Benedict Classical Academy in Rifle typically has lower tuition as a parish-based school, often ranging from $4,000-$6,000 annually. St. Stephen's in Glenwood Springs is similarly priced. In contrast, Colorado Rocky Mountain School's day student tuition is significantly higher, often exceeding $30,000, aligning with elite independent school rates in Colorado. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Colorado has state-level programs like the Child Care Contribution Credit and potential scholarship funds for non-public education that parents can explore to help offset costs.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in the Parachute area offer that leverage the local Colorado environment?
Schools in this region heavily integrate the Rocky Mountain environment into their curricula. Colorado Rocky Mountain School is renowned for its "Winter Wilderness" and "Fall Trip" outdoor education programs, where students engage in extended backpacking and skiing expeditions. St. Stephen's and St. Benedict, while more traditional, often incorporate Colorado history, local ecology, and outdoor activities into their science and physical education programs. This focus on experiential, place-based learning is a defining characteristic of education in the Parachute and Western Colorado area.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Parachute, CO, families, and how early should we apply?
Given the limited seats, especially at schools like CRMS, planning well ahead is crucial. Most schools have application deadlines in January or February for the following fall, with notifications sent in March. CRMS, due to its boarding component and competitive admissions, requires applications by January 15th. For the local Catholic schools, rolling admission may be available, but early application (by early spring) is still recommended to secure a spot. Tours and interviews are highly encouraged and should be scheduled in the fall prior to the desired enrollment year, factoring in travel time from Parachute.
For Parachute residents, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local public school district (Garfield Re-2) and a private school option?
The decision often hinges on commute, educational philosophy, and specific student needs. Garfield Re-2 public schools in Parachute (Grand Valley High School) offer proximity, no tuition, and robust extracurriculars. Private options require a daily commute of 20-60+ minutes each way but can offer smaller class sizes, distinct religious education (Catholic/classical), or a highly specialized college-prep and outdoor curriculum (CRMS). Parents should also consider the community aspect; a private school may connect their child to a regional network, while the local public school fosters town-based relationships. The investment in time and money for private school must be weighed against the specific benefits for the individual child.
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