The Best Private Schools in Cody, Wyoming
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Cody. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Cody Country Catholic Schools
Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne
Cody Country Catholic Schools is a highly-regarded private institution serving students from preschool through 8th grade. The school emphasizes faith-based education combined with strong academic preparation. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, the school offers comprehensive programs including advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious studies. The campus features modern facilities, technology integration, and extensive extracurricular opportunities including sports, music, and community service programs. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and academic rigor.
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Trinity Lutheran School
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Trinity Lutheran School provides Christ-centered education for students in preschool through 8th grade. The school combines strong academic foundations with Christian values, offering a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced mathematics, science, language arts, and religious instruction. The school features modern classrooms, technology labs, music rooms, and playground facilities. Extracurricular activities include choir, band, sports, and community outreach programs. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere and commitment to developing well-rounded students.
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Billings Central Catholic High School
Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
While located in Billings, Montana (approximately 110 miles from Cody), Billings Central Catholic High School serves as a regional option for Cody families seeking exceptional secondary education. The school offers comprehensive college preparatory programs with numerous Advanced Placement courses, strong STEM curriculum, and extensive fine arts offerings. The campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, athletic facilities, and technology resources. As the only Catholic high school in the region, it attracts students from across Wyoming and Montana, providing boarding options and transportation services for out-of-town students. The school maintains a 100% college acceptance rate and strong athletic traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Cody, Wyoming
What are the main private school options available for K-12 education in Cody, Wyoming?
In Cody, Wyoming, full K-12 private education is primarily offered through Cody Country Catholic Schools, which includes St. Anthony's Elementary (K-6) and an associated high school program. For younger grades, Trinity Lutheran School provides a private Christian education typically for preschool through elementary. It's important to note that some Cody families also consider Billings Central Catholic High School in Montana for high school, which is about a 90-minute commute. The options are limited compared to larger cities, reflecting Cody's smaller population, so early inquiry and enrollment are recommended.
How does tuition at private schools in Cody, WY, compare to state averages, and are there financial aid options?
Tuition at Cody's private schools is generally below the national private school average but must be evaluated in the context of local Wyoming incomes. For the 2023-2024 year, annual tuition at Cody Country Catholic Schools was approximately $4,000-$5,000 for parishioners, with a higher rate for non-parishioners. Trinity Lutheran School's tuition is comparable. Both schools offer financial aid, multi-child discounts, and active fundraising to keep costs manageable. Notably, Wyoming does not have a state-sponsored tuition tax credit or voucher program, so aid is primarily sourced directly from the schools and local parishes.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Cody offer that leverage the local environment?
Private schools in Cody uniquely integrate the region's natural and cultural resources. Academic programs often include robust outdoor education, leveraging proximity to Yellowstone National Park for science and ecology studies. Schools like Cody Country Catholic may emphasize Western heritage and local history. Extracurriculars are community-focused, with strong participation in local rodeo events, 4-H, and skiing at nearby Meadowlark Ski Lodge. The smaller class sizes allow for personalized learning and frequent field trips to sites like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, providing an education deeply connected to Cody's identity.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Cody, and are there waitlists?
The enrollment process for Cody's private schools often begins in January or February for the following fall, with priority given to current families and parish members. Given the limited seats, especially in the early grades at Trinity Lutheran or St. Anthony's, it is common for classes to have waitlists. The process typically involves submitting an application, school records, a family interview, and a registration fee. For families moving to Cody, it's advisable to contact the schools immediately, as mid-year enrollment can sometimes be accommodated based on availability in the small, stable class cohorts.
For families considering both, what are key differences between the public and private school environments in Cody, Wyoming?
The key differences in Cody lie in scale, curriculum flexibility, and community. Cody Public School District #6 is larger, offering more extensive facilities, sports teams, and advanced placement courses. Private schools like Cody Country Catholic and Trinity Lutheran offer smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a faith-based education, and a tight-knit community feel. The private school curriculum can integrate religious teachings and has more agility for local, project-based learning. Transportation is a practical difference; while public schools provide busing, private school families typically self-arrange transportation, which is a significant consideration in Wyoming's climate.