The Complete Guide to Boulder's Best Private Schools and What Parents Should Know
When families relocate to Boulder, Colorado, one of the first questions they ask is about education. With 21 private schools serving over 2,100 students, Boulder offers an exceptional range of educational philosophies, from traditional college-preparatory programs to alternative, arts-focused, and specialized learning environments. In fact,
14% of Boulder's K-12 students attend private schools—significantly higher than Colorado's 8% state average, reflecting the community's strong commitment to educational choice.
This comprehensive guide explores Boulder's top private schools, including detailed information about tuition, educational philosophies, admission requirements, and what makes each institution unique. Whether you're moving to Boulder for work, seeking smaller class sizes, or looking for a specific educational approach, understanding these options is essential for making the best decision for your family.
For families settling into Boulder's most desirable areas, our guide to Boulder's best neighborhoods can help you understand which areas are closest to your target schools.
Understanding Boulder's Private School Landscape
By the Numbers: Boulder Private Education in 2025
Boulder's private school market reflects the city's values of innovation, individualized learning, and community engagement:
Average tuition: $23,641 annually (compared to Colorado's $14,424 average)
Average class size: 15 students
Student-teacher ratios: Typically 8:1 to 15:1
Acceptance rates: Range from 26% (highly selective) to 90% (open enrollment)
Financial aid: Approximately 30-40% of families at most schools receive tuition assistance
Why Boulder Families Choose Private Schools
Families moving to Boulder often seek private education for:
Small class sizes and individualized attention — Average class sizes of 10-15 students
Specialized educational philosophies — Waldorf, Montessori, progressive, and experiential learning
Strong college preparation — High SAT/ACT scores and college acceptance rates
Arts integration — Theater, music, visual arts woven into daily curriculum
Outdoor education — Leveraging Colorado's natural environment
Social-emotional learning — Character development and whole-child approaches
Top Boulder Private Schools: Detailed Profiles
Dawson School
Grades: K-12 | Students: 477 | Campus: 107 acres in Lafayette
Tuition: $34,056/year | Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Website: dawsonschool.org
Educational Philosophy
Dawson School challenges students to achieve excellence of mind, body, and character through a rigorous college-preparatory program. The school emphasizes four core virtues: respect, compassion, courage, and integrity. Experiential learning is central to the Dawson approach, with hands-on projects that prepare students not just for college, but for life.
What Makes Dawson Unique
Winterim Program: Week-long immersive learning experiences, including international travel for older students
107-acre campus: Stunning natural setting with modern facilities
EntreX Lab: Dual-enrollment business program for college credit
11 sports programs: Including unique offerings like kayaking, mountain biking, and cycling
Financial aid: $2 million distributed annually across 81 students, average award ~$20,000
Best Fit For
Students seeking a traditional college-preparatory environment with exceptional facilities, strong athletics, and experiential learning opportunities. Ideal for families who value a seamless K-12 experience with consistent academic rigor and character development emphasis.
Shining Mountain Waldorf School
Grades: Pre-K-12 | Students: 199 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 5:1
Tuition: $18,375-$27,000 (varies by grade level)
Website: shiningmountainwaldorf.org
Educational Philosophy
Based on Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy initiated in 1919, Waldorf education provides a culturally rich, age-appropriate curriculum that educates the body, mind, and spirit. The approach aligns curriculum with each stage of a student's growth, introducing concepts at key developmental milestones. Arts integration is woven throughout every subject.
What Makes Shining Mountain Unique
New high school campus: State-of-the-art facility opened in 2024 at 1100 Violet Ave
40+ years in Boulder: Celebrating four decades of Waldorf education in the community
Conscious technology approach: Age-appropriate introduction to digital tools
SMWS Explore Project: Self-directed, mentor-supported capstone project for high schoolers
Notable alumni: Sarah Gillis (Class of 2012), Senior Space Operations Engineer at SpaceX
Best Fit For
Students who thrive with arts-integrated learning, hands-on projects, and a developmental approach to education. Ideal for families seeking an alternative to traditional academic models who value creativity, imagination, and holistic child development over standardized testing.
Friends School Boulder
Grades: Preschool-8th | Students: 167 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
Tuition: $31,135/year (Personalized Affordable Tuition available)
Website: friendsschoolboulder.org
Educational Philosophy
Since 1987, Friends School has been educating the whole child—mind, body, and spirit; head, hand, and heart. The school challenges students to realize their full potential through experimentation, exploration, and direct instruction in an experiential environment. Strong emphasis on social-emotional development and character building.
What Makes Friends School Unique
Personalized Affordable Tuition (PAT): Sliding scale tuition ensures families across socioeconomic levels can access the school
Play-based preschool: Early childhood program focusing on social-emotional development
Founders Fund Scholarship: Can cover up to 100% of tuition for qualifying families
Small community: Every student is known, seen, and loved
16 extracurricular activities: Diverse options for student engagement
Best Fit For
Students who flourish in nurturing, relationship-focused environments with strong emphasis on social-emotional learning. Ideal for families seeking a progressive approach that values creativity, self-advocacy, and character development alongside academics.
Mackintosh Academy Boulder
Grades: K-8 | Students: 178 | Campus: 23 acres
Tuition: $30,000/year | Acceptance Rate: 26% (highly selective)
Website: mackboulder.com
Educational Philosophy
Mackintosh Academy serves gifted and creative learners through an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School curriculum. The school nurtures keen minds and compassionate hearts in a responsive, caring community designed specifically for gifted children. Colorado's first school for gifted learners, Mackintosh emphasizes inquiry-based, transdisciplinary learning.
What Makes Mackintosh Unique
IB World School: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for K-5 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6-8
Two teachers per homeroom: Ensuring individualized support in every K-8 classroom
Serves twice-exceptional (2e) students: Experience with profoundly gifted and 2e learners
Stunning 23-acre campus: Home-like interior spaces with outdoor learning areas
30% receive financial aid: Strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity
Best Fit For
Gifted, creative, and twice-exceptional learners who need academic challenge beyond what traditional schools provide. Ideal for students who thrive with inquiry-based learning, crave intellectual depth, and benefit from being surrounded by like-minded peers.
Watershed School
Grades: 6-12 | Students: 110 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1
Tuition: $36,400-$38,550/year (includes all domestic and international travel)
Website: watershedschool.org
Educational Philosophy
Watershed is Boulder County's only progressive, independent school serving grades 6-12. Project-based and inquiry-driven, Watershed works with students to become curious learners, adventurous spirits, and caring, committed global citizens. The curriculum emphasizes "work that matters"—work that has an impact beyond the walls of the school.
What Makes Watershed Unique
All-inclusive tuition: Domestic and international travel included—no surprise trip costs
May Term: Annual intensive fieldwork courses taking students across the country and globe
Expedition courses: Begin with big questions, exploring content in multidisciplinary ways
Real-world learning: Frequent fieldwork with experts, extensive local and global travel
100% graduation rate: Strong college preparation with personalized counseling
Best Fit For
Students who learn best through hands-on experiences, travel, and real-world problem solving. Ideal for curious, adventurous learners who feel constrained by traditional classroom settings and want their education to connect to the world beyond school walls.
Temple Grandin School
Grades: 6-12 | Students: ~18 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 2:1
Tuition: $33,600-$48,880/year (varies by support level)
Website: templegrandinschool.org
Educational Philosophy
Named after the renowned autism advocate and Colorado State University professor, Temple Grandin School provides a supportive, socially engaging educational community for neurodivergent students. Founded in 2011, the school serves students with high-functioning autism, Asperger's syndrome, anxiety, ADHD, and similar learning profiles who are intellectually able but need specialized support.
What Makes Temple Grandin Unique
Class sizes of 4-8 students: With academic teacher plus support team member in each class
Executive function instruction: Direct teaching and coaching of organizational and planning skills
Social communication curriculum: Integrated social skills development throughout the day
Real-world work experience: Volunteering, internships, and part-time employment opportunities
Strength-based approach: Focus on developing students' unique talents and interests
Best Fit For
Neurodivergent students—particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, Asperger's, ADHD, anxiety, or nonverbal learning disorders—who are intellectually capable but struggle in traditional school environments. Ideal for students who need explicit executive function support, smaller class sizes, and a community of like-minded peers.
Fusion Academy Boulder
Grades: 6-12 | Model: One-to-one instruction | Location: Louisville, CO
Tuition: Customized per student (full-time registration $1,800, part-time $200)
Website: fusionacademy.com/campuses/boulder-county
Educational Philosophy
Fusion Academy offers a completely personalized education where every class is one teacher, one student. This individualized approach serves students who need a different school environment for various reasons—from learning differences to gifted students seeking acceleration, student-athletes needing schedule flexibility, or students recovering from illness or anxiety.
What Makes Fusion Unique
One-to-one classrooms: Every class is one teacher with one student—ultimate personalization
Flexible enrollment options: Full-time, part-time classes for credit, tutoring, or college counseling
Rolling admissions: Students can start at any time of year
Customized scheduling: Classes at times that work best for each student
30-day satisfaction guarantee: Full tuition refund if not satisfied with improvements
Best Fit For
Students who need individualized pacing and attention—whether due to learning differences, social anxiety, giftedness requiring acceleration, athletic or performing arts schedules, or recovery from illness. Ideal for families seeking maximum flexibility and personalization.
TARA Performing Arts High School
Grades: 9-12 | Students: ~45 | Student-Teacher Ratio: 3:1
Tuition: $28,850/year
Website: tarahighschool.org
Educational Philosophy
TARA combines Waldorf educational philosophy with intensive performing arts training. Founded in 1994 as an after-school program, TARA became a full high school in 1997, graduating its first class in 2001. The school believes that working within a yearly schedule concentrating on plays and music at specific times strengthens and enlivens students' academic studies.
What Makes TARA Unique
Performing arts focus: One of the only performing arts-focused Waldorf high schools in the United States
World travel program: International educational experiences including "History through Art" trips to New York, Europe, and beyond
The Nomad Theatre: School-owned theater providing real-world performance experience
Tiny class sizes: Average 8 students per class with 3:1 student-teacher ratio
83% college attendance: Strong college preparation alongside arts training
Best Fit For
Students passionate about theater, music, and performing arts who want their artistic interests integrated into their academic experience. Ideal for creative learners who thrive with experiential education, travel, and the Waldorf approach to holistic development.
Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations
Choosing a private school in Boulder is a deeply personal decision that depends on your child's learning style, your family's values, and your practical circumstances.
Educational Philosophy Match
Traditional College-Preparatory: Dawson School, Boulder Country Day, Mackintosh Academy (IB-focused)
Progressive/Alternative: Bixby School, Friends School, Watershed School
Waldorf (Arts-Integrated): Shining Mountain Waldorf School, TARA Performing Arts High School
Specialized Learning: Fusion Academy (one-to-one), Temple Grandin School (neurodivergent students)
Budget & Financial Aid
Boulder private schools range from subsidized programs to premium tuitions of $38,000+. However, most schools offer substantial financial aid—average recipients receive 30-40% of tuition covered, and average awards range from $15,000-20,000. Don't self-select out based on sticker price before exploring aid options.
Location & Commute
School location significantly impacts daily logistics. Consider proximity when choosing which Boulder neighborhood to call home. Most Boulder private schools do not provide bus service, so carpools and driving are the norm.
Life as a Boulder Private School Family
Time Commitment
Private school families often find themselves more involved than in public school. Expect parent volunteer hours (many schools request 20-40 hours/year), fundraising events, drop-off/pick-up logistics, parent-teacher conferences, and community events.
Home Management for Busy Private School Families
Juggling private school commitments with work and family life requires organization. Many Boulder families find success by creating systems, leveraging support networks, and utilizing professional services.
Many Boulder families moving to the area benefit from home concierge services to handle home maintenance while they focus on family and career. For families settling into luxury properties in neighborhoods like Mapleton Hill or Pine Brook Hills, professional home management becomes essential for maintaining the property while managing busy school schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best private schools in Boulder?
The "best" private school depends entirely on your child's needs and your family's values. For traditional college-prep with exceptional facilities, Dawson School is consistently top-ranked. For gifted learners, Mackintosh Academy's IB program is unmatched in the region. Shining Mountain Waldorf excels at arts-integrated, developmental education. Watershed offers the most innovative experiential learning program. For neurodivergent students, Temple Grandin School provides specialized support found nowhere else in Colorado. The key is matching your child's learning style and needs to the school's philosophy and strengths.
How much is tuition at Dawson School?
Tuition at Dawson School is $34,056 per year for the 2024-2025 school year. This comprehensive tuition covers instruction, arts, athletics, physical education, field trips, class trips, lunches, and after-school care for lower school students. Middle and high school students have additional costs for books ($350-$500/year) and the optional Winterim travel program ($1,000-$3,500+ depending on destination). Dawson awards nearly $2 million in financial aid annually across 81 students, with average awards around $20,000. The school uses Clarity Financial Aid for assistance applications and does not offer merit or athletic scholarships—all aid is need-based.
What is Mackintosh Academy known for?
Mackintosh Academy is known for being Colorado's first and premier school for gifted and creative learners. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Mackintosh offers both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades K-5 and Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6-8—the only independent school in Colorado with both programs. The school is particularly recognized for: its highly selective admissions (26% acceptance rate), two teachers in every K-8 homeroom, expertise serving twice-exceptional (2e) and profoundly gifted learners, inquiry-based transdisciplinary curriculum, stunning 23-acre campus, and strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity (30% of students receive financial aid). Mackintosh nurtures "keen minds and compassionate hearts" in a community designed specifically for students who need intellectual challenge beyond traditional schools.
Do Boulder private schools offer transportation?
Most Boulder private schools do not provide bus service. However, Dawson School offers the "Mustang Express" (fee-based), and many schools help coordinate carpools among families. Location near your target school is a key consideration when choosing where to live.
Can students transfer mid-year?
Many schools accept mid-year transfers based on space availability. Fusion Academy offers rolling admissions year-round. Contact admissions offices directly to discuss current enrollment numbers, grade-level availability, and your child's specific needs.
Conclusion: Finding Your Family's Perfect Fit
Boulder's diverse private school landscape offers something for nearly every family—from traditional college-prep to progressive experiential learning, from arts-focused to specialized support for learning differences. The key is matching your child's unique needs to the right educational environment.
Key Takeaways:
Start early: Popular schools fill up quickly; begin research 12-18 months before desired enrollment
Visit in person: No amount of online research replaces experiencing a school's culture firsthand
Consider the whole picture: Academic fit, social environment, location, and cost
Don't rule out financial aid: Most families are surprised by aid availability
Trust your instincts: The "right fit" often feels evident when you find it
For busy families managing work, relocation, school research, and daily life, don't hesitate to seek support. Whether through educational consultants, home management services, or simply connecting with other Boulder families, building your support network early makes the transition smoother for everyone.
Welcome to Boulder—we're confident you'll find an educational home that exceeds your expectations.
Resources for Boulder Families
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