The Best Private Schools in Pine, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Pine. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy
St. Mary's Academy is a premier independent Catholic school serving students from preschool through high school. Located approximately 30 miles from Pine in Englewood, this highly-rated institution offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum with exceptional academic results. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. The comprehensive program includes advanced STEM courses, competitive athletics, extensive arts programs, and community service opportunities. The school consistently achieves high college acceptance rates to top universities nationwide.
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Colorado Academy
Colorado Academy
Colorado Academy is a prestigious independent school serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Located approximately 35 miles from Pine in Denver, this highly-rated institution offers a comprehensive educational experience with exceptional academic, artistic, and athletic opportunities. The school features a 94-acre campus with modern classrooms, science and innovation labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. Colorado Academy's curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character development. The school offers unique programs including outdoor education, global studies, and community service initiatives. With a strong college counseling program, graduates attend top-tier universities nationwide.
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Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School
Kent Denver School is a highly respected co-educational independent day school serving grades 6-12. Located about 30 miles from Pine in Englewood, the school offers a challenging academic program with 24 Advanced Placement courses and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. The campus features modern academic buildings, extensive athletic facilities, and dedicated arts spaces. Kent Denver emphasizes global citizenship through international programs and language immersion. The school's comprehensive extracurricular program includes championship athletics, renowned theater productions, and extensive community engagement opportunities. Graduates consistently gain admission to selective colleges and universities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Pine, Colorado
What are the primary private school options serving families in Pine, Colorado, and how accessible are they?
While Pine itself is a smaller mountain community, families typically look to private schools in the broader Denver foothills and metro area. The schools you mentioned—St. Mary's Academy, Kent Denver School, and Colorado Academy—are all highly-regarded but are located in the Denver metro area (Englewood, Cherry Hills Village, and Lakewood, respectively), requiring a significant commute from Pine. More local options for Pine residents might include smaller religious-affiliated schools in nearby Conifer or Evergreen, or independent K-8 programs in the mountain communities. Transportation is a key consideration, as most private schools do not provide bus service to mountain towns like Pine.
How does tuition at Denver-area private schools compare for a family residing in Pine, CO, and are there financial aid options for mountain community residents?
Tuition at top Denver-area private schools like Kent Denver or Colorado Academy often ranges from $30,000 to $38,000 annually for upper school. For Pine families, this cost is compounded by commuting expenses (fuel, vehicle wear) and time. Importantly, most of these schools have robust need-based financial aid programs. When applying for aid, your residency in Pine is not a disadvantage; schools assess family financial need through standardized forms (like SSS). Some schools may also offer merit scholarships. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are limited.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Pine, CO, offer that align with a mountain lifestyle?
Schools in the Denver foothills and metro area often leverage Colorado's environment. Many have strong outdoor education programs, which would appeal to Pine families. For example, Colorado Academy and Kent Denver have wilderness orientation trips, environmental science field studies, and robust skiing/snowboarding clubs or competitive teams. Some integrate sustainability and environmental stewardship into their curricula. When researching, ask about interim or "May term" programs that involve backpacking, climbing, or ecological research, as these can be a great fit for students from a community like Pine.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive Denver-area private schools for a family living in Pine?
The process is highly structured and begins over a year in advance. For entry in Fall 2025, you would start researching in Spring/Summer 2024. Key steps include: attending open houses (often virtual or in-person on weekends) in Fall 2024, submitting applications by January 2025, and scheduling student visits/interviews and standardized testing (ISEE/SSAT) in the winter. For Pine families, planning for multiple trips down the mountain for tours and interviews is essential. Admission decisions are typically released in March. We recommend initiating contact with admissions offices early to discuss your specific situation as a mountain community resident.
For a family in Pine, what are the major practical considerations when choosing between local public schools and a private school in the Denver area?
The decision hinges on commute, community, and curriculum. Pine's public schools are part of the Platte Canyon School District, offering a close-knit community without a commute. Opting for a Denver-area private school means a daily commute of 45-90+ minutes each way on potentially challenging mountain roads (US-285), which significantly impacts family time and student energy. Academically, it's a choice between a smaller, local public school environment and a private school with extensive resources, specialized courses, and broader extracurricular offerings. Many Pine families find a hybrid approach, staying local for elementary years and considering private options for high school if the commute becomes more feasible for the student.