The Best Private Schools in Denver, Indiana
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Denver. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
St. Charles Borromeo School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Charles Borromeo School is a highly-regarded Catholic school serving the Denver area and greater Miami County region. Established in 1959, the school provides comprehensive education from preschool through 8th grade with a strong emphasis on faith formation and academic excellence. The school features modern classrooms, dedicated faculty with an average of 15+ years teaching experience, and a robust curriculum that includes advanced STEM programs, fine arts, and competitive athletics. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment, strong community values, and excellent preparation for high school. The school maintains small class sizes with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student.
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St. Joan of Arc School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Joan of Arc School serves families in the Denver area and surrounding Howard County with a comprehensive Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. Founded in 1954, the school has built a strong reputation for academic rigor and character development. The curriculum features advanced technology integration with 1:1 device programs, comprehensive music and arts education, and competitive sports teams. The school campus includes modern science labs, a dedicated STEM center, and extensive athletic facilities. Parent reviews highlight the school's strong community atmosphere, experienced teaching staff, and excellent student outcomes, with graduates consistently performing above national averages on standardized testing.
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St. Joseph School
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana
St. Joseph School has been serving the Denver and Peru communities since 1939, offering a well-established Catholic education from preschool through 8th grade. The school is known for its strong academic foundation, particularly in mathematics and language arts, with students consistently achieving top scores in regional academic competitions. The campus features recently renovated facilities including smart classrooms, a modern library, and updated science laboratories. The school offers extensive extracurricular opportunities including robotics club, choir, and multiple sports teams. Parents frequently commend the school's dedicated faculty, safe learning environment, and strong emphasis on both academic achievement and moral development, making it a top choice for families in the Denver area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Denver, Indiana
What are the private school options for families in Denver, Indiana, and are they all religiously affiliated?
In Denver, Indiana, the primary private school options are all Catholic parish schools: St. Charles Borromeo School, St. Joan of Arc School, and St. Joseph School. These are the main established institutions serving the Denver area and surrounding Miami County communities. There are currently no secular or independent private day schools within Denver itself, so families seeking a non-religious private education would likely need to look at options in larger nearby cities like Peru, Kokomo, or Logansport. These local schools provide a faith-based education integrated with standard academic curricula.
How does the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program (voucher program) affect tuition at private schools in Denver, IN?
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket tuition cost for eligible families at Denver's private Catholic schools. Eligibility is based on household income and size, with multiple income tiers. For the 2024-25 school year, a family of four with an income up to approximately $154,000 may qualify for some level of voucher assistance. It's crucial to contact St. Charles Borromeo, St. Joan of Arc, or St. Joseph School directly for their specific application process and to determine how the voucher is applied. These schools actively work with families to navigate the state voucher system, making private education more accessible to Denver-area residents.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do Denver, Indiana's private schools offer that differentiate them from local public schools?
Denver's private schools leverage their smaller size and parish communities to offer distinctive programs. Commonly, they provide daily religion classes, sacramental preparation, and school-wide Mass participation. Academically, they often feature multi-age classroom strategies or specialized reading programs like Accelerated Reader. Given the rural setting, some schools may have strong agricultural or STEM projects tied to local industry. Extracurriculars are typically community-focused, with offerings like academic bowls, spelling bees, and service projects that connect students to the Denver area. Sports are often coordinated through the Indiana Catholic Athletic Association, fostering competition with other small faith-based schools in the region.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Denver, Indiana?
Enrollment for the Denver area Catholic schools typically begins in January or February for the following academic year, with priority often given to registered parishioners and siblings of current students. The process involves submitting a registration packet, birth and baptismal certificates, immunization records, and possibly a registration fee. Given the small size of these schools, spaces can be limited, especially in specific grade levels, so early inquiry is recommended. Many schools host open houses in the winter. An important local consideration is that these schools serve multiple surrounding towns, so transportation is generally the family's responsibility, which can impact enrollment decisions for those living outside Denver proper.
For a family moving to Denver, Indiana, what are the key practical considerations when choosing between the local public school and the available private Catholic schools?
The key considerations are cost, values, class size, and transportation. Denver's public school students are served by the North Miami Community Schools district. The private Catholic schools offer smaller class sizes (often 15-20 students) and a consistent faith-based environment throughout the curriculum. Financially, public school is free, while private tuition ranges from $4,000-$6,000 per child before applying Indiana vouchers. Transportation is a major factor; the public district provides busing, while private school families must arrange their own transport, which can be challenging in rural Miami County. Academically, both sectors meet Indiana state standards, but the private schools offer a specific moral framework. Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much a family values integrated religious education and small community feel versus the convenience and no-tuition model of the public system.