The Best Private Schools in Rico, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rico. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Liberty School
Independent Private School
The Liberty School is an acclaimed independent private school serving students from throughout Southwest Colorado, including the Rico area. Known for its innovative approach to education, the school offers rigorous college preparatory programs while emphasizing experiential learning and outdoor education. With small class sizes, individualized attention, and a focus on developing critical thinking skills, The Liberty School has earned strong parent satisfaction ratings and consistently produces graduates who excel in higher education and beyond.
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St. Columba School
Catholic Schools of Montezuma County
St. Columba School is a highly-regarded Catholic private school serving the broader Southwest Colorado region, including Rico families. With a strong academic reputation and values-based education, the school offers comprehensive K-8 programs with dedicated faculty and modern learning resources. The curriculum emphasizes core academic subjects while integrating technology and character development. Many families from mountain communities choose St. Columba for its academic excellence and supportive community environment.
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Kemper Elementary School
Dolores School District RE-4A
Kemper Elementary serves students in the Dolores School District, which includes the Rico area. This highly-rated public school offers strong academic foundations with dedicated teachers and modern facilities. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, STEM education, and takes advantage of its mountain location with outdoor educational opportunities. With small class sizes and a supportive community environment, Kemper provides quality education for families in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rico, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families in Rico, Colorado, and what grade levels do they serve?
Rico, Colorado, offers a small but distinct set of private schools, primarily serving the town's K-8 population. The top options include Kemper Elementary School, St. Columba School, and The Liberty School. Given Rico's remote mountain location in the San Juan Mountains, these schools are crucial community institutions. They typically serve grades from Kindergarten through 8th grade, with families often needing to consider boarding schools, online programs, or public schools in larger towns like Telluride or Durango for high school continuation. Each school has a unique educational philosophy, so visiting is essential to find the right fit.
How does the tuition for private schools in Rico, CO, compare to the state average, and are there any Colorado-specific financial aid opportunities?
Tuition at private schools in Rico is generally below the average for Colorado's Front Range urban private schools, reflecting the rural mountain economy. However, costs are significant relative to local incomes. Schools like St. Columba may have parish subsidies for members, while others operate independently. Colorado offers the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit for donations to certain early childhood programs, and some schools may participate. More critically, all Colorado private schools are eligible to participate in the state's K-12 private school tuition tax credit, which can provide a state income tax credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations that aid families. It's vital to inquire directly with each Rico school about their tuition, scholarships, and payment plans.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Rico offer that leverage the local Colorado mountain environment?
Private schools in Rico deeply integrate the unique high-alpine environment into their curricula. This often includes robust outdoor education programs focused on environmental science, sustainability, and local history (like mining heritage). Schools may organize regular outdoor exploration, skiing or snowshoeing in winter, and hiking or field studies in the San Juan National Forest. The Liberty School, for example, might emphasize experiential learning tied to the natural world. This localized approach provides a hands-on education distinct from urban private schools, fostering resilience, environmental stewardship, and a strong connection to the community and landscape of Southwest Colorado.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in a small town like Rico, Colorado?
Due to limited capacity in Rico's small private schools, the enrollment process often begins very early—sometimes a full year in advance—especially for incoming Kindergarten students. The process typically involves an initial inquiry, a campus tour (highly recommended to understand the school's culture), submission of an application, and possibly a student visit or assessment. There is often no strict statewide deadline, but spaces fill quickly. Sibling and legacy preferences are common. Given the town's size, communicating directly with the school administrator is key, as timelines can be more flexible yet competitive based on very limited seats. It's also wise to inquire about waitlist procedures.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the public Dolores County School District RE-2J and private schools in Rico, Colorado?
The key differences center on scale, educational approach, and continuity. The public Dolores County School District, which serves Rico, is a single K-12 school (Dolores County Junior/Senior High in Dove Creek) with a longer bus commute. Rico's private schools offer smaller, community-based classrooms within the town itself, often with more individualized attention and specific philosophical approaches (e.g., religious at St. Columba, progressive at The Liberty School). However, the public district provides a seamless K-12 pathway, while private options in Rico typically end at 8th grade, requiring a transition for high school. The choice often hinges on a family's values, desire for a local versus centralized education, and plans for the high school years.
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