The Best Private Schools in Sterling, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Sterling. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Resurrection Christian School
Resurrection Christian School Network
Located in nearby Loveland (approximately 60 miles from Sterling), Resurrection Christian School serves families throughout Northeast Colorado with its highly-regarded Christian education program. The school offers a comprehensive K-12 curriculum with strong college preparatory focus, Advanced Placement courses, and competitive athletic programs. Facilities include state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and extensive athletic complex. The school maintains a 14:1 student-teacher ratio and boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Many Sterling families choose RCS for its academic rigor, Christian values, and exceptional extracurricular opportunities including championship athletic teams and award-winning arts programs.
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St. Anthony's School
Catholic Schools of Northeast Colorado
St. Anthony's School is the premier private school option in Sterling, offering a comprehensive Catholic education from Pre-K through 8th grade. The school features small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, providing personalized attention. Their curriculum emphasizes strong foundational academics with integrated technology, religious education, and character development. The school has modern facilities including smart classrooms, a dedicated STEM lab, and extensive athletic programs. Parent satisfaction is exceptionally high, with families praising the nurturing environment, dedicated teachers, and strong community values that prepare students for high school and beyond.
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University Schools
University Schools Network
University Schools in Greeley (approximately 70 miles from Sterling) is a highly-rated charter school network that serves students from throughout Northern Colorado. The school offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum with extensive STEM programs, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and comprehensive athletic and arts programs. With a focus on academic excellence and character development, University Schools maintains small class sizes and personalized learning plans. The campus features modern science laboratories, technology-integrated classrooms, and extensive athletic facilities. The school is particularly noted for its high graduation rates, strong college acceptance records, and vibrant community that attracts families from Sterling seeking top-tier private education options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Sterling, Colorado
What are the primary private school options available for families in Sterling, Colorado, and what grade levels do they serve?
In Sterling, Colorado, the main private school options are St. Anthony's School (a Catholic PK-8 institution), Resurrection Christian School (a Christian-based school with a campus in Sterling serving various grades, with its main campus in Loveland), and University Schools (a public charter school network with a Sterling campus, which, while not a traditional private school, is a prominent tuition-free alternative). For a strictly private, faith-based education through high school, families in Sterling often also consider commuting to nearby communities or exploring hybrid/online programs affiliated with these institutions. The landscape is characterized by smaller, community-focused schools.
How does tuition for private schools in Sterling, CO, compare to state averages, and what financial aid options are typically available?
Tuition at private schools in Sterling is generally below the statewide average for Colorado private schools, reflecting the region's cost of living. For example, St. Anthony's School typically has lower tuition than similar Catholic schools in Front Range cities. Most private schools in the area offer need-based financial aid, parish subsidies for members (at St. Anthony's), and may participate in state programs like the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit for donors, which can indirectly support tuition assistance. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their specific tuition schedules, payment plans, and scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Sterling offer that leverage the local Eastern Colorado environment?
Private and charter schools in Sterling often integrate the region's agricultural, scientific, and community-focused identity into their programs. University Schools emphasizes STEM and hands-on learning that can connect to local industries like agriculture and energy. St. Anthony's School incorporates its Catholic identity with a strong emphasis on service within the close-knit Sterling community. While specific extracurriculars may be limited by size compared to larger districts, these schools often prioritize participation in regional academic competitions, 4-H partnerships, and sports cooperatives with other small schools, offering a broad range of experiences through collaboration.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Sterling, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Sterling's private schools often begins in early winter (January-February) for the following academic year. St. Anthony's typically prioritizes registered parishioners and siblings of current students before opening enrollment to the wider community. Given the smaller size of these schools, popular grades can fill quickly, but they do not always have the extensive waitlists common in urban areas. University Schools, as a public charter, holds an open enrollment period with a lottery if applications exceed seats. It is highly recommended to contact the schools directly in the fall to express interest, schedule a tour, and get precise application deadlines.
For families considering both options, what are the key differences between the Logan County public school district (RE-1 Valley) and the private/charter schools in Sterling?
The key differences lie in scale, educational approach, and resources. The public RE-1 Valley School District offers larger campuses (Sterling High School), a wider array of elective courses, AP classes, and athletic programs. Private and charter options in Sterling provide smaller class sizes, more individualized attention, and specific value-based education (faith-based at St. Anthony's and Resurrection Christian; college-prep and STEM focus at University Schools). Transportation is a significant practical difference; RE-1 Valley provides busing, while private schools usually require parent transportation. The choice often comes down to a family's priority for a specific educational philosophy versus the broader program offerings of the public system.