The Best Private Schools in Shawnee, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Shawnee. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Evergreen Country Day School
Independent Private School
As the premier private school serving the mountain communities west of Denver, Evergreen Country Day attracts families from Shawnee and surrounding areas seeking exceptional private education. The school offers an International Baccalaureate program with rigorous academics combined with extensive outdoor and experiential learning opportunities. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic facilities. With a strong focus on character education and community engagement, ECDS maintains a reputation for academic excellence and comprehensive student development, making it a top choice for Shawnee families willing to commute for premium private education.
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Montessori School of Conifer
Private Montessori Network
Located just 15 minutes from Shawnee in Conifer, this highly-rated Montessori school serves families throughout Park County and the surrounding mountain communities. The school offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-12, with a strong focus on individualized learning and hands-on experiences. The campus features extensive outdoor learning environments and nature-based programming that aligns perfectly with the mountain lifestyle of Shawnee residents. The school maintains small student-teacher ratios and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence, with many families commuting from Shawnee for its exceptional educational approach.
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Platte Canyon Elementary School
Platte Canyon School District
While technically a public school, Platte Canyon Elementary serves as the primary educational institution for Shawnee residents and is highly regarded in the mountain community. The school offers a comprehensive elementary education with strong emphasis on outdoor and environmental education, leveraging its unique mountain location. With small class sizes and dedicated teachers, the school provides personalized attention and maintains excellent parent satisfaction ratings. The curriculum integrates STEM education with traditional academics, and the school serves as the community hub for educational activities in the Bailey/Shawnee area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Shawnee, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families living in or near Shawnee, Colorado?
Shawnee itself is a very small mountain community, so most private school options are located in nearby towns within Park and Jefferson Counties. The top nearby schools include Platte Canyon Elementary School in Bailey (a public charter with a private school feel), Montessori School of Conifer in Conifer, and Evergreen Country Day School in Evergreen. Families in Shawnee should be prepared for a commute, as these schools are typically a 15-30 minute drive through mountain roads. It's also common for Shawnee residents to consider private options in larger Front Range cities like Denver or Littleton, which involve a longer commute.
How does the mountainous location of Shawnee, Colorado, impact the culture and programs of local private schools?
The private schools serving the Shawnee area deeply integrate the mountain environment into their ethos and curriculum. Schools like Evergreen Country Day School and Montessori School of Conifer emphasize outdoor education, environmental science, and experiential learning. It's common for students to have regular outdoor classroom time, nature studies, and physical education programs that utilize nearby trails and forests. This creates a school culture that values independence, environmental stewardship, and resilience, which resonates with families who choose to live in a mountain community like Shawnee.
What is the typical tuition range for private schools serving Shawnee, CO, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado?
Tuition for the private schools accessible to Shawnee families varies. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Evergreen Country Day School (a Pre-K through 8 independent school) has tuition ranging from approximately $20,000 to $25,000. Montessori School of Conifer typically ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 for full-time programs. Importantly, Colorado has the "Child Care Contribution Tax Credit," which can provide a state income tax credit for donations to certain schools offering financial aid. Additionally, all major schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and some participate in state voucher or tax-credit scholarship programs like the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative for qualifying families.
How do enrollment timelines and processes for private schools near Shawnee differ from those in urban areas?
Due to smaller class sizes and high demand for limited spots in mountain community schools, the enrollment process often begins very early. For schools like Evergreen Country Day, the application and re-enrollment process for the following academic year typically starts in January. Many schools host open houses in the fall. A key consideration for Shawnee parents is transportation, as most schools do not provide bus service to the remote community. Therefore, part of the enrollment planning must involve securing a reliable commute plan. It's highly recommended to initiate inquiries at least 12-18 months in advance for younger grades.
For a family in Shawnee, what are the key considerations when choosing between the local Platte Canyon public district and a private school?
The decision often hinges on educational philosophy, class size, and commute. The Platte Canyon School District (RE-1) serves Shawnee with small, community-oriented public schools. Private options offer distinct pedagogical approaches (like Montessori or progressive independent curricula) and typically have even smaller student-to-teacher ratios. A major practical factor is the commute: attending the local public school may involve a shorter bus ride, while private schools require a parent-driven commute to Conifer, Evergreen, or beyond. Additionally, private schools may offer more specialized arts, languages, or outdoor programs, but at a significant financial cost compared to the tuition-free public district.