The Best Private Schools in Stratton, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Stratton. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Burlington Christian School
Independent Christian School
Burlington Christian School is a highly-regarded private institution serving eastern Colorado communities including Stratton. Founded in 1989, the school offers comprehensive K-12 education with a strong Christian foundation and rigorous academic curriculum. The school features small class sizes, individualized attention, and a well-rounded program including competitive athletics, music, and art programs. With a focus on college preparation and character development, BCS has established itself as a premier educational option for families in the region seeking quality private education with strong moral values.
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The Vanguard School
Cheyenne Mountain Charter Academy
The Vanguard School is a nationally recognized classical charter school that serves students from across eastern Colorado, including those from Stratton who commute for the exceptional educational experience. Founded in 1996, Vanguard offers a rigorous classical education model with strong emphasis on critical thinking, Western tradition, and college preparation. The school consistently ranks among Colorado's top schools with exceptional test scores and college acceptance rates. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school's commitment to academic excellence makes it a sought-after option for families willing to commute from rural eastern Colorado.
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St. Mary's High School
Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs
St. Mary's High School is Colorado Springs' oldest Catholic high school and serves as a regional educational hub for students from surrounding areas including Stratton. With a history dating back to 1884, the school combines rich tradition with modern educational practices. The college-preparatory curriculum emphasizes academic rigor, faith formation, and character development. Students benefit from advanced placement courses, competitive athletic programs, extensive fine arts offerings, and community service opportunities. The school's strong academic reputation and comprehensive extracurricular programs make it a popular choice for families seeking private Catholic education in eastern Colorado.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Stratton, Colorado
What are the realistic private school options for families living in Stratton, Colorado, given the town's small size?
Due to Stratton's rural nature and small population, there are no private schools physically located within the town limits. Families typically look to nearby communities. The most accessible options include Burlington Christian School in Burlington, KS (about 30 miles east), The Vanguard School in Colorado Springs (approx. 2.5 hours west), and St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs. This means a significant commute is a primary consideration for Stratton families, and many explore boarding options at schools like The Vanguard School or utilize carpool networks with other local families.
How does Colorado's school choice landscape, like the Colorado Choice Act, affect private school options for Stratton residents?
Colorado's school choice laws primarily facilitate public school choice between districts. Unfortunately, state-funded voucher or tax credit programs for private schools are extremely limited and competitive, offering little practical assistance for most Stratton families. Therefore, financing a private education is almost entirely a private burden. Some schools, like Burlington Christian School, may offer need-based financial aid or multi-child discounts, but parents should budget for full tuition plus the substantial cost and time of daily transportation to a distant community.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs are available through the private schools accessible from Stratton that aren't found in local public schools?
The accessible private schools offer specialized programs that contrast with the smaller-scale offerings of Stratton's public schools. The Vanguard School is renowned for its college-prep curriculum and specific programs for gifted students. St. Mary's High School provides a rigorous Catholic education with theology classes and faith-based activities. Burlington Christian School integrates religious instruction across all subjects. For Stratton students interested in advanced STEM, competitive arts, or specific religious education, these schools provide structured pathways that the rural public system may not be resourced to support.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools near Stratton, and how far in advance should we apply?
Given the limited seats and the logistical planning required for Stratton-based students, early action is critical. Most private schools in Colorado Springs and Burlington operate on an application cycle that opens the prior fall (e.g., September-October for the next academic year). Key steps include submitting applications by January or February, scheduling entrance exams/interviews (which may require multiple long-distance trips), and awaiting decisions by March. For Stratton families, initiating contact with the admissions office a full year in advance is advisable to discuss transportation logistics and potential boarding arrangements.
How do the class sizes and community environments of private schools near Stratton compare to the local public school experience?
Stratton Public Schools offer a very small, close-knit environment where students often have the same classmates from K-12. In contrast, the private options, while still smaller than large urban public schools, have larger and more diverse student bodies drawn from wider regions. For example, The Vanguard School and St. Mary's create communities based on academic or religious alignment rather than geographic proximity. This can provide a Stratton student with a broader social network and exposure to different perspectives, but it comes at the cost of leaving the intimate, localized community of their hometown school district.