The Best Private Schools in Usaf Academy, Colorado
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Usaf Academy. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Mary's High School
Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs
St. Mary's High School is Colorado Springs' oldest Catholic college-preparatory high school, serving students from USAF Academy and surrounding communities. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum with 18 Advanced Placement courses and a strong STEM program. Facilities include modern science labs, a performing arts center, and athletic complexes. With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, St. Mary's provides individualized attention and strong moral foundation. The school has an excellent college acceptance rate and serves many military families from the USAF Academy area.
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Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Fountain Valley School
Fountain Valley School is a prestigious college-preparatory boarding and day school located just minutes from USAF Academy. Founded in 1930, the school offers a rigorous academic program with small class sizes and personalized attention. The 1,100-acre campus features exceptional facilities including science labs, art studios, athletic fields, and riding arenas. The school emphasizes global citizenship and experiential learning through its Huntermess Curriculum. With a diverse student body and strong college placement record, FVS serves many military families from the USAF Academy community.
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The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School
The Colorado Springs School is an independent college-preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, including many from the USAF Academy community. The school offers both traditional and International Baccalaureate curricula with a focus on experiential learning and critical thinking. The 28-acre campus features historic buildings, modern classrooms, science labs, and athletic facilities. CSS emphasizes global perspective and character development while maintaining small class sizes. The school's block schedule allows for deep exploration of subjects and serves military families with flexible programming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Usaf Academy, Colorado
Are there any private schools located directly within the boundaries of USAF Academy, Colorado?
No, there are no private K-12 schools located on the grounds of the United States Air Force Academy itself. Families living in USAF Academy typically look to the surrounding Colorado Springs metropolitan area for private school options. Top-rated schools within a reasonable commute include Fountain Valley School of Colorado in Colorado Springs, St. Mary's High School in downtown Colorado Springs, and The Colorado Springs School in the Broadmoor area. The unique context of USAF Academy means many families are part of the military community and prioritize schools with experience supporting military-connected students.
What are the tuition ranges for the top private schools near USAF Academy, Colorado, and are there financial aid options for military families?
Tuition for the leading private day schools near USAF Academy typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $30,000 per year for the upper grades. For example, Fountain Valley School and The Colorado Springs School fall within this range. Most of these schools offer robust financial aid programs, and being need-blind, they encourage applications from all families regardless of financial circumstance. While there are no universal military discounts, schools actively support military families through flexible application timelines for PCS moves and participation in programs like the Military Child Education Coalition. It is essential to discuss your specific situation with each school's admissions and financial aid office.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near USAF Academy offer that align with a STEM-focused community?
Reflecting the high-tech and aerospace environment of USAF Academy and Colorado Springs, nearby private schools offer exceptional STEM programs. Fountain Valley School has a renowned experiential learning program with courses in robotics, engineering, and environmental science that utilize Colorado's landscape. The Colorado Springs School emphasizes integrated studies and often features project-based learning in technology and science. St. Mary's High School offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum with advanced placement and honors courses in calculus, physics, and computer science. These programs are designed to prepare students for competitive universities, including service academies.
How does the enrollment timeline for private schools near USAF Academy accommodate the frequent moves of military families?
Private schools in the Colorado Springs area are highly accustomed to the transient nature of military families from USAF Academy, Fort Carson, and Peterson Space Force Base. While traditional application deadlines are in January or February for the following fall, most schools have rolling admissions and will accept applications year-round if space is available. They are prepared to expedite transcripts, teacher recommendations, and student visits to accommodate Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders. It is highly recommended to contact the admissions office directly as soon as you have relocation orders to discuss immediate openings and a tailored application process.
For families living on USAF Academy, how do the educational options compare between the on-base public schools (Academy School District 20) and nearby private schools?
Academy School District 20 (D20), which serves USAF Academy and northern Colorado Springs, is consistently ranked among the top public school districts in Colorado, offering excellent academic programs. The choice between D20 schools and private institutions often comes down to educational philosophy and specific student needs. Private schools like those mentioned offer smaller class sizes (often 10-15 students), distinct pedagogical approaches (e.g., experiential, college-prep, or character-based), and more flexibility in curriculum. For families seeking a specific religious education, a particular learning environment, or a community that is deeply experienced with military transitions, the private schools provide a compelling alternative to the already strong public option.
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