The Best Private Schools in Springfield, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Springfield. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Lamar Christian School
Independent Christian School
Lamar Christian School is a highly-regarded private Christian institution serving southeastern Colorado, including Springfield families. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 education with a strong college preparatory curriculum integrated with biblical principles. Features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty, competitive athletics programs, and robust fine arts offerings. The school maintains high academic standards while fostering character development and community service. Many graduates attend competitive colleges and universities.
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St. Mary School
Catholic Diocese of Pueblo
St. Mary School is a longstanding Catholic educational institution serving the broader southeastern Colorado region. The school provides a faith-based education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and moral development. The curriculum includes comprehensive core subjects, STEM education, music programs, and religious formation. The school features experienced teachers, modern facilities, and a supportive community environment that welcomes students from Springfield and surrounding areas.
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La Junta Christian School
Independent Christian School
La Junta Christian School serves families throughout southeastern Colorado, including those in Springfield seeking quality private education. The school offers kindergarten through 8th grade education with a Christ-centered approach to learning. The academic program emphasizes strong foundational skills, technology integration, and character development. The school maintains small class sizes, individualized attention, and a variety of extracurricular opportunities. The dedicated faculty and strong parent involvement contribute to the school's excellent reputation in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Springfield, Colorado
What are the private school options for families living in Springfield, Colorado, and do students typically commute to nearby towns?
Springfield itself is a small, rural community, so there are no private schools physically located within the city limits of Springfield, CO. Families seeking private education typically look at schools in surrounding counties. The notable options include Lamar Christian School (in Lamar, about 40 miles east), St. Mary School (in Walsenburg, about 90 miles west), and La Junta Christian School (in La Junta, about 55 miles southeast). Commuting or arranging transportation is a significant consideration for Springfield residents, and many families form carpool networks. It's important to contact these schools directly to inquire about their current enrollment policies for out-of-district students.
How does tuition at private schools in the Springfield, CO, area compare to the state average, and are there financial aid options specific to Colorado?
Tuition for the private schools serving the Springfield area is generally below the state average for Colorado private schools, reflecting the rural economic context. For the 2023-2024 school year, tuition at these parochial and Christian schools often ranges from $3,000 to $6,000 annually. Colorado offers specific financial aid opportunities that Springfield families can explore, most notably the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit (CCCC). This tax credit allows donors to designated child care providers, including some private schools, to receive a 50% state tax credit, which can incentivize scholarship funding. Additionally, schools like Lamar Christian and La Junta Christian may offer sibling discounts and need-based aid from their own funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Springfield, CO, offer that address the local environment and community values?
Private schools in this southeastern Colorado region often integrate programs that resonate with the agricultural and close-knit community lifestyle. For instance, several schools have strong FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters, agricultural science modules, and stewardship programs that connect classroom learning to the local ranching and farming economy. Spiritually, these schools provide faith-based education aligned with community values, with daily religion classes and chapel services. Extracurriculars may emphasize community service projects within Baca and surrounding counties, and sports programs often focus on co-op arrangements with other small schools to form competitive teams, fostering a strong sense of regional community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools serving Springfield, CO, and how early should parents apply?
Given the limited seats in small, rural private schools, planning ahead is crucial. The standard enrollment period for schools like Lamar Christian, St. Mary, and La Junta Christian usually opens in January or February for the following fall semester. However, because these schools have small, stable student bodies, openings can be limited and are often first offered to existing families and siblings. Parents in Springfield are advised to initiate contact with admissions personnel by November or December. The process typically involves an application, pastoral or character references (for Christian schools), academic records, a family interview, and a possible placement assessment. Early inquiry is the best strategy to secure a spot.
For a Springfield, CO, family, what are the key factors when deciding between the local public school district and a commuting private school option?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. Springfield's public schools, part of Springfield School District RE-4, offer the convenience of no commute and robust participation in local community events. The private school option involves a significant daily commute (50-100+ mile round trip) but provides smaller class sizes, often with a 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a specific religious or values-based curriculum. Academically, private schools may offer more consistent staffing in specialized subjects, whereas public schools might have broader state-funded resources. Ultimately, Springfield families must weigh the importance of faith integration, personalized attention, and the commitment to transportation against the benefits of a community-centered public school and the associated time and financial costs of private education.
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