The Best Private Schools in Somerset, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Somerset. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
The Christian School of Durango
Independent Christian School
The Christian School of Durango is a highly-regarded private Christian school serving the Western Colorado region, including Somerset. Offering comprehensive college preparatory education from preschool through 12th grade, the school emphasizes academic excellence within a Christian worldview. The curriculum includes advanced STEM courses, comprehensive fine arts programs, and competitive athletics. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school maintains a strong track record of college acceptance and student success. The campus features modern facilities including science labs, technology centers, and athletic complexes.
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St. Columba School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
St. Columba School is a long-established Catholic school serving the Durango area and surrounding communities including Somerset. The school provides a classical education rooted in Catholic traditions while incorporating modern educational practices. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes strong language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies programs, enhanced by technology integration and specialized music instruction. The school community is known for its family atmosphere and strong parent involvement, with many graduates successfully transitioning to prestigious high schools and colleges.
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Delta Christian School
Independent Christian School
Delta Christian School serves families throughout the Western Slope region, including the Somerset area. This established Christian school offers comprehensive education from preschool through high school with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and character development. The school features unique programs including agricultural science that leverages the rural setting, comprehensive college preparatory courses, and robust fine arts offerings. With a commitment to small class sizes and individualized attention, Delta Christian School maintains high academic standards while fostering a close-knit community environment. The campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, and athletic facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Somerset, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Somerset, Colorado, given the listed schools are in other towns?
Somerset itself is a very small, unincorporated community, so there are no private schools within its immediate boundaries. Families typically look to neighboring towns. The Christian School of Durango (K-12) is about a 45-minute drive west, St. Columba School (PreK-8) in Durango is a similar distance, and Delta Christian School (K-12) in Delta is over an hour's drive northeast. Therefore, the primary consideration for Somerset parents is commuting logistics. Many families form carpools or adjust work schedules to accommodate the drive to Durango, which offers the most options. Exploring boarding options for older students at some schools may also be a consideration for Somerset residents.
How does Colorado's school choice and funding landscape, like the Colorado Choice Act, impact private school affordability for Somerset families?
Colorado has limited state-funded programs that can help with private school costs. The main program is the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI), which provides need-based funding, but it is not a universal voucher system. More directly, many Colorado private schools, including those near Somerset like The Christian School of Durango, offer flexible tuition plans and need-based financial aid. Additionally, Colorado allows for tax-advantaged 529 savings plans to be used for K-12 private school tuition (up to $10,000 per year). For Somerset families, investigating each school's specific aid packages and budgeting for transportation costs are crucial financial steps, as state aid is not automatically applied.
Given Somerset's rural mountain setting, do private schools in the area offer specialized programs that connect to the local environment or industry?
Yes, the private schools serving the Somerset area often integrate the unique Colorado mountain environment into their curricula. The Christian School of Durango, for example, emphasizes outdoor education and stewardship, potentially including field studies in the nearby San Juan National Forest. St. Columba School may incorporate local history and ecology. Furthermore, schools in this region often have strong programs in environmental science, outdoor leadership, and sustainability, reflecting the community's values and the area's recreational and agricultural industries. This provides a meaningful, place-based education that resonates with children growing up in a rural Colorado setting like Somerset.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools like Delta Christian or St. Columba that serve Somerset-area students?
Enrollment timelines for these schools are critical due to limited space and the planning required for commuting families. Most schools have an open enrollment period in the winter (January-February) for the following academic year. The process usually involves an application, student assessment or shadow day, family interview, and submission of records. For Somerset families, it is highly recommended to initiate contact early—often a year in advance—to understand availability and to schedule visits given the travel distance. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Securing a spot early allows time to coordinate transportation with other Somerset families.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Somerset compare to the public school options in the North Fork (RE-1J) school district?
The most direct comparison is between the small, close-knit environment of Somerset's likely public school, Hotchkiss K-8 or Hotchkiss High School, and the private alternatives. Public schools in the North Fork district offer very small class sizes due to the rural population. Private schools like Delta Christian or The Christian School of Durango may offer similarly small or even smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students) but with a distinct faith-based community and mission-driven education. The key difference is often curricular and philosophical. The private schools provide a specific religious framework, while the public schools offer a broad, secular education. For Somerset parents, the choice often hinges on whether they prioritize a particular religious affiliation over the convenience and cost of the local public school.
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