The Best Private Schools in Rollinsville, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Rollinsville. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Dawson School
Independent School
Dawson School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade. Located approximately 30 minutes from Rollinsville, Dawson offers a rigorous academic curriculum with small class sizes averaging 15 students. The school features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Dawson emphasizes character education and community engagement alongside academic excellence, with graduates consistently attending top-tier universities. The 107-acre campus provides extensive outdoor education opportunities that align well with the mountain community values of Rollinsville families.
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Golden View Classical Academy
Classical Education Network
Golden View Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school offering a rigorous classical education model that serves families throughout the mountain communities including Rollinsville. The school implements the Core Knowledge curriculum with emphasis on Western civilization, great books, and Socratic dialogue. Students receive instruction in Latin, logic, and rhetoric while developing strong critical thinking skills. The school maintains high academic standards with test scores consistently above state and national averages. Located about 40 minutes from Rollinsville, Golden View provides bus transportation services that make it accessible to mountain community residents.
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Stargate School
Charter School Network
Stargate School is a highly-rated charter school specifically designed for gifted learners, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. While located further from Rollinsville (approximately 1 hour drive), many mountain families choose Stargate for its specialized programming for academically advanced students. The school offers International Baccalaureate programs in high school and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Stargate's curriculum is accelerated and differentiated to meet the needs of gifted learners, with strong emphasis on project-based learning and intellectual curiosity. The school community includes families from throughout the Denver metro area and mountain regions seeking appropriate academic challenge for their children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Rollinsville, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for a family living in Rollinsville, Colorado, given that the top-rated schools are located in other towns?
While Rollinsville itself does not host major private school campuses, families in this mountain community typically consider schools in the broader Boulder County and Denver Metro areas, which involve a commute. The most frequently considered include Dawson School in Lafayette (K-12, college prep), Golden View Classical Academy in Golden (K-12, classical liberal arts), and Stargate School in Thornton (K-12, charter for gifted learners). The commute to these schools from Rollinsville can range from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic and weather, making transportation planning a critical factor. Some families also explore smaller, faith-based options in nearby Boulder or Nederland.
How does Colorado's school choice and charter school laws affect private school options for Rollinsville residents?
Colorado's robust school choice laws allow parents to apply to any public school, including charter schools like Golden View Classical Academy and Stargate School, regardless of their home district. However, these are technically public charter schools, not private. For true private schools like Dawson School, choice laws do not apply, and enrollment is governed by the school's own admissions process. A key consideration for Rollinsville parents is that while charter schools are tuition-free, they do not provide state-funded transportation from such a distant location, and admission is often via lottery, adding a layer of uncertainty compared to private school admissions.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools accessible from Rollinsville offer that align with a mountain community lifestyle?
Schools in this region often integrate Colorado's natural environment into their programs. Dawson School, for instance, has a strong Outdoor Education program with trips that resonate with families from mountain towns like Rollinsville. Golden View Classical Academy emphasizes character education and civic engagement, which can complement the tight-knit community values of Rollinsville. Stargate School’s STEM-focused curriculum for gifted students may appeal to families with interests in environmental science or technology. None are specifically "alpine" schools, but their proximity to the Front Range allows for outdoor learning opportunities that are a short drive from your home.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools near Rollinsville, CO, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado residents?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition for private schools like Dawson School ranges from approximately $30,000 to $35,000 for upper grades. As a Colorado resident, you may be eligible for the state's Child Care Contribution Tax Credit for donations to certain scholarship funds, and many schools offer need-based financial aid. Importantly, Colorado has the "Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative," but this is primarily for public college. For K-12, the most direct aid comes from the schools themselves and private scholarship organizations like ACE Scholarships, which are active in Colorado and provide need-based tuition assistance for qualifying families to attend private schools.
How do enrollment timelines and waitlists for top private schools near Rollinsville compare, and when should we start the process?
The competitive private and charter schools in the Denver-Boulder corridor have strict and early timelines. For private schools like Dawson, the application process often begins a full year in advance, with deadlines in January for the following fall. Charter schools like Golden View Classical and Stargate have mandatory open houses and lottery application windows, typically in the winter (e.g., January-February). Given the limited seats and high demand, families in Rollinsville should begin researching and attending open houses in the fall, 18 months before desired enrollment, especially to assess the feasibility of the daily commute as part of the decision. Waitlists, particularly for entry grades, are common.
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