The Best Private Schools in Silverthorne, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Silverthorne. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Vail Mountain School
Independent
Vail Mountain School is a highly-regarded independent college preparatory school serving the Vail Valley and Summit County regions, including Silverthorne. Founded in 1962, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The curriculum includes comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM programs, and a unique outdoor education component that leverages the mountain environment. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate to selective institutions and emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence.
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Steamboat Mountain School
Independent
Steamboat Mountain School is a prestigious independent boarding and day school that serves students from Summit County and surrounding areas. With a focus on global citizenship and outdoor education, the school combines rigorous college preparatory academics with unique experiential learning opportunities. The curriculum features Advanced Placement courses, comprehensive STEM programs, and required international travel experiences. The school's mountain campus provides exceptional outdoor education facilities and small class sizes ensure personalized attention. Known for its strong community values and excellent college placement record, the school attracts families seeking both academic rigor and character development.
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Summit Christian Academy
Christian Schools International
Summit Christian Academy is a well-established private Christian school located in nearby Frisco, serving the entire Summit County area including Silverthorne. The school offers a comprehensive college preparatory program integrated with Christian values and worldview. Academic programs include advanced mathematics and science courses, comprehensive language arts, and fine arts offerings. The school features modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, Summit Christian Academy provides a nurturing environment while maintaining high academic standards. The school is known for its strong community involvement and excellent parent satisfaction ratings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Silverthorne, Colorado
Are there any private schools physically located within the town limits of Silverthorne, Colorado?
No, there are no private K-12 schools with campuses physically located within the town limits of Silverthorne itself. Families in Silverthorne typically look to private schools in the broader Summit County and surrounding mountain communities. The most commonly considered options include Summit Christian Academy in nearby Frisco (approximately 10 minutes away), Vail Mountain School in Vail (about a 30-40 minute drive over Vail Pass), and Steamboat Mountain School in Steamboat Springs (roughly a 90-minute drive). This means commuting is a significant factor for Silverthorne residents seeking private education.
What are the transportation options for Silverthorne students attending private schools in Frisco, Vail, or Steamboat?
Transportation is a key logistical consideration. For Summit Christian Academy in Frisco, the Summit Stage public bus system provides service between Silverthorne and Frisco, which some older students may use. For schools in Vail or Steamboat, there are typically no organized district or public transit routes that are feasible for daily school commutes. Most families form carpools with other local students or handle the drive themselves. Some schools, like Vail Mountain School, may offer regional bus service for an additional fee, but routes are limited and may not directly serve Silverthorne. Planning for the time, cost, and safety of mountain driving in winter conditions is essential.
How does the tuition at nearby Colorado mountain private schools compare, and are there financial aid options for Silverthorne families?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Vail Mountain School's tuition ranges approximately from $30,000 to $40,000. Steamboat Mountain School is similar. Summit Christian Academy, as a faith-based institution, is generally less, often in the $10,000-$15,000 range. All these schools offer need-based financial aid, and Colorado has the "Child School Tuition Organization" tax credit program, which provides scholarships for students attending participating private schools (including Summit Christian Academy). It's crucial to apply for aid early, as funds are limited. Silverthorne families should also budget for the additional, non-trivial costs of commuting.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do these schools offer that align with the Silverthorne mountain lifestyle?
These schools leverage their Colorado mountain setting as a core part of their curriculum. Vail Mountain School and Steamboat Mountain School have renowned outdoor and experiential education programs, integrating skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and environmental science into the school week. Steamboat Mountain School has a formal "Winter Term" where academics are condensed to allow for intensive athletic training. Summit Christian Academy offers outdoor leadership and local field studies. For active Silverthorne families deeply embedded in mountain culture, these programs provide an education that aligns with their values and lifestyle, often making the commute worthwhile.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for a Silverthorne student applying to these competitive private schools?
The process is highly competitive and begins early. For schools like Vail Mountain School and Steamboat Mountain School, the main application deadline is often in January or February for the following fall, with decisions released in March. Key steps include a campus visit (highly recommended), submission of standardized test scores or alternative assessments, student interviews, teacher recommendations, and a review of academic records. For Silverthorne applicants, demonstrating the family's commitment to managing the commute is sometimes informally assessed. Rolling admissions may continue if spaces remain, but waiting lists are common. Contacting admissions offices a full year in advance is advisable for the best chance of placement.
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