The Best Private Schools in Redvale, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Redvale. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Telluride Mountain School
Independent
Telluride Mountain School is a highly-regarded independent school serving the San Juan Mountain region, including Redvale area families. The school offers a rigorous International Baccalaureate curriculum combined with extensive outdoor education programs that leverage the region's natural environment. With small class sizes averaging 12 students, the school provides personalized attention and maintains a 100% college acceptance rate. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. The school's outdoor program includes skiing, rock climbing, and wilderness expeditions that are integral to the educational experience.
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The Vail Mountain School
Independent
Vail Mountain School is a premier independent school serving students from throughout the mountain communities of Western Colorado. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program with strong emphasis on both academic excellence and character development. Facilities include modern classrooms, science and technology labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school's outdoor program takes advantage of the Rocky Mountain environment with experiential learning opportunities. With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, the school provides individualized attention and maintains exceptional college placement records for graduates.
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The Lowell Whiteman School (Now Colorado Rocky Mountain School - Carbondale Campus)
Colorado Rocky Mountain School
Colorado Rocky Mountain School, which absorbed the historic Lowell Whiteman School, serves students from throughout Western Colorado's mountain communities. The school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with extensive outdoor and experiential education. The curriculum emphasizes environmental stewardship, global awareness, and leadership development. The campus features modern academic facilities alongside extensive outdoor program resources. The school maintains small class sizes and offers a diverse athletic program including competitive skiing and mountain sports. With a strong focus on community and character development, the school prepares students for top colleges while fostering lifelong connections to the mountain environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Redvale, Colorado
Are there any private schools actually located within Redvale, Colorado, or will we need to commute to neighboring towns?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town limits of Redvale itself. Families in Redvale typically look at prestigious independent schools in the broader region, which require a commute. Notable options include Telluride Mountain School (approx. 1.5-2 hours), The Vail Mountain School (approx. 2-2.5 hours), and the Carbondale Campus of Colorado Rocky Mountain School (over 2 hours). This commute is a significant factor for Redvale families, often involving carpooling or boarding options for older students.
What are the unique educational focuses of the private schools accessible from Redvale, CO, and how do they leverage the Colorado mountain environment?
The top schools accessible from Redvale are deeply integrated with the Rocky Mountain environment. Telluride Mountain School emphasizes place-based learning, with science and humanities curricula tied to the local ecology and community. The Vail Mountain School has a strong focus on character education and outdoor leadership, incorporating skiing and wilderness expeditions into its program. Colorado Rocky Mountain School (Carbondale) is a classic boarding/day school with a renowned wilderness program, working ranch, and a strong emphasis on experiential learning. All use the Colorado landscape as an extended classroom.
How does the tuition for these regional private schools compare to Colorado state averages, and are there financial aid options for Redvale residents?
Tuition at these elite schools is generally above the Colorado private school average. For the 2024-25 school year, day student tuition ranges from approximately $30,000 to $40,000+. However, all these schools are committed to socioeconomic diversity and offer robust need-based financial aid programs. As a Redvale resident, your eligibility is based on family financial need, not your location. It's crucial to apply for aid simultaneously with admission, as funds are allocated early. Some schools may also offer merit scholarships or local scholarships.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for a Redvale family applying to schools like Vail Mountain or Telluride Mountain School?
The process is highly structured and begins early. For fall admission, most schools require applications by January or February, with decisions released in March. Key steps include: 1) Attending virtual or in-person open houses (often in the fall), 2) Completing a standardized test (like the SSAT) and submitting transcripts, 3) Student and parent interviews (which may be conducted via video for Redvale families), and 4) Teacher recommendations. Given the distance, schools are generally accommodating with virtual visits, but an on-campus visit is highly recommended if possible to assess the commute.
For a family in remote Redvale, what are the practical considerations regarding transportation and boarding versus day student status?
This is a critical decision. The long daily commute to these schools is often not feasible, especially in winter mountain weather. For middle and high school students, many Redvale families utilize the boarding options. Colorado Rocky Mountain School is a traditional boarding school, while Vail Mountain and Telluride Mountain Schools may have limited boarding or host family programs for upperclassmen. For younger students, a day-student commute requires a major family commitment, often involving relocation or a very long daily drive. Investigating carpool networks with other local families is essential.