The Best Private Schools in Phippsburg, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Phippsburg. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Fountain Valley School
Fountain Valley School is a prestigious college preparatory boarding and day school located approximately 60 miles from Phippsburg. Founded in 1930, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and a 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The 1,100-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and riding stables. The school emphasizes global citizenship and outdoor education, with unique programs like the Mesa Project that connects classroom learning to real-world experiences. Fountain Valley consistently sends graduates to top-tier colleges and universities nationwide.
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The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School
Located about 55 miles from Phippsburg in Colorado Springs, The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving Pre-K through 12th grade. The school offers both traditional college preparatory curriculum and International Baccalaureate programs, with a strong emphasis on experiential, hands-on learning. The 28-acre campus features modern classrooms, science laboratories, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. CSS is known for its block scheduling system, small class sizes, and innovative approach to education that prepares students for college and beyond. The school maintains a diverse student body and strong college placement record.
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St. Mary's High School
Catholic Schools of Colorado Springs
St. Mary's High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located approximately 55 miles from Phippsburg in Colorado Springs. As the oldest high school in Colorado Springs, it has a long tradition of academic excellence and character formation. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including Advanced Placement courses, a robust STEM program, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features modern academic facilities, science labs, athletic complexes, and chapel. St. Mary's emphasizes service learning and spiritual development while maintaining strong academic standards, with graduates consistently attending selective colleges and universities across the country.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Phippsburg, Colorado
Are there any private schools actually located within Phippsburg, Colorado, or do families typically look to nearby cities?
There are no private schools physically located within the small town of Phippsburg itself. Families in Phippsburg seeking private education typically commute to institutions in the broader Pikes Peak region, primarily Colorado Springs, which is about a 30-45 minute drive. The top schools often considered include Fountain Valley School of Colorado (a boarding/day school in Colorado Springs), The Colorado Springs School, and St. Mary's High School. Transportation and commute time are significant local considerations for Phippsburg residents.
What are the unique educational philosophies or specializations offered by the private schools accessible from Phippsburg, CO?
The private schools accessible from Phippsburg offer distinct specializations. Fountain Valley School of Colorado is renowned for its experiential, place-based learning with a strong outdoor program, utilizing its 1,100-acre campus. The Colorado Springs School emphasizes a collegiate model with trimester schedules and project-based learning for college preparation. St. Mary's High School provides a traditional, faith-based college preparatory environment within the Catholic tradition. These specialized approaches offer Phippsburg families alternatives to the standard public school curriculum, often with a focus on leveraging the Colorado landscape and a global perspective.
How does tuition for Colorado Springs private schools compare for Phippsburg residents, and are there any state-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition for day students at these schools typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $35,000+ per year. As Phippsburg residents, you would pay the same tuition as other day students. Colorado offers specific financial aid opportunities through the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC), which provides a state income tax credit for donations to qualified child care providers, including some private school scholarship funds. Additionally, all three schools have their own substantial financial aid and merit scholarship programs. It's important to factor in the additional, non-reimbursable cost of daily commuting to Colorado Springs.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in the Colorado Springs area for a family from Phippsburg?
The enrollment process for these competitive schools begins early. Prospective Phippsburg families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months before the desired entry date (e.g., spring/summer before the fall you wish to enroll). Key steps include: attending open houses (often in the fall), submitting applications by January/February deadlines, completing student assessments/interviews, and applying for financial aid concurrently. Given the commute, attending shadow days and interviews requires careful planning. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March for the following academic year.
For a Phippsburg family, what are the practical considerations when choosing between the local public school district and a private school in Colorado Springs?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. The local public school, South Park School District RE-2, offers the convenience of no commute and a tight-knit community. Opting for a Colorado Springs private school involves a significant daily commute (60-90 minutes round trip), impacting family schedules and extracurricular participation. Benefits include specialized academic programs, often smaller class sizes, and different social environments. Families must weigh the investment of time and tuition against their educational priorities. Many Phippsburg families value the private school options for their college preparatory rigor and unique programs not available in a small rural district.