The Best Private Schools in Centennial, Wyoming
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Centennial. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Snowy Range Academy
Snowy Range Academy
Snowy Range Academy is a highly-regarded charter school serving the Laramie area and surrounding communities including Centennial. As a public charter school with private school-like qualities, it offers a rigorous classical education model with strong emphasis on STEM subjects, character development, and outdoor education. The school features small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a comprehensive curriculum that includes Latin instruction, hands-on science programs, and extensive outdoor learning opportunities that align well with the mountain community values of Centennial residents. Parents consistently praise the academic rigor, supportive community, and the school's ability to challenge students while maintaining a nurturing environment.
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St. Mary's Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne
St. Mary's Catholic School is a well-established private institution serving southeast Wyoming, including families from Centennial who commute for quality education. The school offers a comprehensive PreK-8 education rooted in Catholic values with strong academic foundations. Features include dedicated religion instruction, comprehensive literacy programs, advanced mathematics, science labs, music and art programs, and competitive athletics. The school maintains small class sizes with experienced faculty and provides a safe, structured learning environment. Many graduates continue to top high schools in the region, and the school has a long history of academic excellence and community involvement.
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Cheyenne Catholic Schools - St. Joseph's Children's Village
Cheyenne Catholic Schools
Part of the Cheyenne Catholic Schools system, St. Joseph's Children's Village offers Montessori-based education with Catholic faith formation for preschool through elementary grades. The school serves families throughout Laramie County and attracts students from surrounding areas including Centennial. The Montessori approach emphasizes individualized learning, hands-on materials, and development of independence while integrating Catholic values throughout the curriculum. Facilities include specialized Montessori classrooms, outdoor learning spaces, and age-appropriate learning materials. The school is particularly noted for its strong early childhood program and smooth transitions to traditional classroom settings in upper elementary grades, with many families making the commute from mountain communities for this unique educational approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Centennial, Wyoming
What are the private school options for families living in Centennial, Wyoming, and are there any located directly in town?
Centennial, WY, is a small mountain community, and there are no private school campuses physically located within the town limits. However, families in Centennial typically look to nearby Laramie (about a 30-minute drive) for private education. The top options include Snowy Range Academy (a public charter school, which is tuition-free but operates with an application/lottery system), St. Mary's Catholic School (Pre-K-8), and Cheyenne Catholic Schools, which includes St. Joseph's Children's Village (Pre-K) and the larger Trinity Catholic Campus in Cheyenne. The commute to Laramie or Cheyenne is a significant consideration for Centennial residents.
How does Wyoming's "Education Savings Account" program impact private school tuition for Centennial families?
Wyoming recently enacted the "Wyoming Education Savings Account" program, which provides state-funded accounts for eligible families to use for educational expenses, including private school tuition. For Centennial parents, this can significantly offset the cost of schools in Laramie or Cheyenne. The program has income-based eligibility tiers, so it's crucial to check current guidelines. This state-specific financial aid, combined with potential scholarships from individual schools like St. Mary's, makes private education more accessible despite the lack of local options.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools serving Centennial students offer, particularly related to the local environment?
Private schools in the Laramie area leverage Wyoming's natural landscape. Snowy Range Academy emphasizes outdoor education and environmental science, with field trips to the nearby Snowy Range and Medicine Bow National Forest. St. Mary's Catholic School incorporates stewardship of creation into its curriculum. These programs are a major draw for Centennial families who value mountain living and want an education that connects classroom learning with the region's unique ecology, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, which are right in their backyard.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for private schools that Centennial students attend, and how does the commute factor in?
Enrollment timelines for schools like St. Mary's in Laramie or Cheyenne Catholic Schools typically begin in January for the following fall, with priority given to parish members and siblings. For Centennial families, early inquiry is essential. A key part of the process should involve a realistic assessment of the daily commute, especially during harsh Wyoming winters over the pass. Many families form carpools. It's highly recommended to schedule a visit and discuss transportation logistics with the school's admissions office and other enrolled Centennial families during your application process.
How do the private school options for Centennial compare to the Albany County School District #1 public schools in terms of class size and educational approach?
The public school for Centennial students is Centennial Elementary (K-6), with older students bussed to Laramie for middle and high school. The primary contrast with private options lies in class size and specialized approach. Schools like Snowy Range Academy and St. Mary's offer significantly smaller class sizes (often 15-18 students) and a distinct educational philosophy—classical or faith-based—compared to the larger, comprehensive public schools. For Centennial parents seeking a specific pedagogical model or a tight-knit community feel, the commute to a Laramie private school can be worth it, whereas the local public school offers proximity and a community-centered environment.