There are 36 private schools in El Paso County, 13 high schools and 23 elementary. Options include college prep, Montessori and religiously affiliated, predominately Catholic and Christian. Here’s a sample of some leading private schools.
The Colorado Springs School (Pre-K-12)
A college-prep, day and international school in the Broadmoor neighborhood, CSS serves 330 students with a maximum class size of 18.
Philosophy
“CSS is dedicated to challenging some commonly held notions about education to create an environment where your child can achieve and thrive. We believe an innovative approach to the academic disciplines that integrates the real world offers the best learning experiences for students. As Yeats wrote, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ At CSS, students learn actively, collaborate with their peers, present their work for review and take time to reflect on their learning.”
Stats
» Average test scores (Class of 2020 ): 1298 SAT, 28 ACT
» Yearly Tuition (2020-2021): $9,975-$24,300, scaled by grade and ability to pay within a range
» 40% of students receive financial aid.
Accolades
» No. 1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Colorado Springs, No. 2 in Colorado by Niche.com
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Fountain Valley School of Colorado (9-12)
An independent day and boarding school in Security-Widefield, Fountain Valley has 243 high school students, with 164 of them boarding. Average core class size is 11. FVS also owns a 40-acre Mountain Campus near Buena Vista.
Mission Statement
“Fountain Valley School of Colorado is dedicated to providing a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum in academics, athletics and the arts. Our community endeavors to foster a lifelong love of challenge and learning in an environment of diversity and mutual respect, and to prepare adolescents to become individuals who are open-minded, curious, courageous, self-reliant and compassionate.”
Stats
» Yearly Tuition (2021-2022): Day $30,950; Boarding $62,450-$62,700
» 43% of students receive financial aid.
Accolades
» No. 1 Best Private High Schools in Colorado Springs, No. 3 in Colorado by Niche.com
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Pikes Peak Christian School (Pre-K-12)
Founded in 1981 by members of the Eastside Church of Christ, PPCS has 237 students and a student-teacher ratio of 10:1. The campus is located in the Sunset Mesa area at Flintridge and Vickers drives.
Mission Statement
“To provide a quality, Bible-based education taught by Christian teachers in a safe and compassionate environment. We strive to identify and develop the academic, social and spiritual potential of each student in partnership with God and family.”
Stats
» Yearly Tuition (2021-2022): $5,229-$7,551, scaled by grade level
Accolades
» No. 2 Best Christian High School in Colorado Springs, No. 12 in Colorado by niche.com
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Colorado Springs Christian Schools (K-12)
The large Christian school in the Austin Bluffs area, plus a Woodland Park campus, has 744 students, and a student-teacher ratio of 15:1.
Mission Statement
“CSCS exists to provide an excellent education from a Christ-centered, biblical perspective for lifelong service.”
Stats
» Yearly Tuition (2020-2021): $6,280-$9,350, scaled by grade level
Accolades
» No. 1 Best Christian High Schools in the Colorado Springs Area by niche.com