The Best Private Schools in Gillette, Wyoming
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Gillette. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Campbell County Christian School
Independent Christian School
Campbell County Christian School is the premier private school in Gillette, offering a comprehensive Christian education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a faith-based environment, featuring small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a strong college preparatory curriculum. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces. The school maintains high parent satisfaction through its community-focused approach and robust extracurricular programs including competitive sports, music, and drama.
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The Children's Center
Private Early Childhood Education
The Children's Center is a highly-regarded private early childhood education facility serving Gillette families with exceptional preschool and kindergarten readiness programs. With a focus on developmental appropriate practices and individualized learning, the center provides a nurturing environment that prepares young learners for academic success. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and specialized learning centers. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to the school's experienced staff, comprehensive curriculum, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Holy Name Catholic School
Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne
Located in nearby Sheridan (approximately 70 miles from Gillette), Holy Name Catholic School serves families throughout northeastern Wyoming with an outstanding K-8 education rooted in Catholic values. As one of the region's most established private schools, it offers a rigorous academic curriculum enhanced by faith formation, strong STEM programs, and comprehensive arts education. The school features modern facilities including technology labs, a library, gymnasium, and music rooms. Many Gillette families choose Holy Name for its proven track record of academic excellence, experienced faculty, and strong community atmosphere that extends beyond the immediate Sheridan area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Gillette, Wyoming
What are the primary private school options available in Gillette, Wyoming, and what are their educational philosophies?
Gillette offers a limited but distinct selection of private schools, each with a specific focus. The three main institutions are Campbell County Christian School (K-12), which provides a Protestant Christian, college-preparatory education; Holy Name Catholic School (Pre-K-8), offering a faith-based education rooted in Catholic traditions; and The Children's Center, which focuses on early childhood education and preschool. Unlike larger cities, Gillette does not have secular private independent schools, so the local options are primarily religiously affiliated. This makes understanding each school's mission and integration of faith into the curriculum a key consideration for Gillette families.
How does tuition at Gillette, WY private schools compare to the state average, and are there any Wyoming-specific financial aid opportunities?
Tuition in Gillette is generally below the national private school average but is a significant consideration in the local economy. For the 2024-25 school year, annual tuition ranges from approximately $4,500-$6,500 for elementary grades and up to $8,000 for high school at Campbell County Christian School. A critical Wyoming-specific benefit is the "Wyoming Education Tax Credit," which allows individuals and businesses to receive a 100% state tax credit for donations to a designated scholarship fund, which schools then use for financial aid. Additionally, some Gillette schools participate in the "Wyoming School Choice Scholarship" program for students with special needs. It's essential to inquire directly with each school about their financial aid packages and scholarship funds.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools in Gillette offer that leverage the local Wyoming environment?
Gillette private schools often incorporate the region's culture and environment into their programs. Campbell County Christian School, for example, may have strong science programs connected to Wyoming's energy industry (coal, oil, gas) and outdoor education components like field trips to Devils Tower or the Black Hills. Holy Name Catholic School emphasizes community service projects that engage with local Gillette organizations. Given Wyoming's rural character, these schools often place a high value on self-reliance, leadership, and practical skills. Extracurriculars might include robust rodeo clubs, trap shooting, or environmental science projects focused on the High Plains ecosystem, which are less common in urban private schools.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in Gillette, and how does it differ from public school registration?
Enrollment for Gillette's private schools is highly school-specific and operates independently of the public school district's calendar. Key steps usually begin in January or February for the following fall, with priority often given to re-enrolling students and siblings. Holy Name Catholic School typically holds registration in early spring, while Campbell County Christian School may have rolling admissions but encourages early application. The process almost always includes a campus tour, submission of academic records, a family interview, and for the Christian schools, a statement of faith or pastor's reference. This is more involved than the open-enrollment, residency-based process for Gillette's public schools. Waiting lists can form for certain grades due to limited capacity, so initiating contact by winter is strongly advised.
For families considering both, what are the notable differences between Gillette's public schools (Campbell County School District #1) and its private school options?
The most significant differences are class size, curriculum flexibility, and religious education. Gillette's public schools are well-funded by Wyoming's mineral wealth, offering extensive facilities, a wide array of AP courses, and large-scale sports and activities. Private schools in Gillette offer much smaller class sizes (often 15:1 or lower), a consistent faith-based worldview integrated into all subjects, and a close-knit community atmosphere. Academically, private schools like Campbell County Christian School use a standardized, accelerated curriculum (like Abeka) and may not offer the same breadth of electives as the large public high schools. The choice often hinges on a family's desire for a specific religious environment and personalized attention versus the vast resources and diversity of programs in the public system. Transportation is also a key factor, as private schools in Gillette do not provide district bus service.