Fountain Valley School of Colorado Photo - Many of FVS's classes use the School's 1100-acre Prairie campus as an extension of the classroom. A 12:1 student-teacher ratio fosters strong connections and in-depth discussions across over 100 courses.

Best Colorado Boarding Schools

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 4 college-prep and junior boarding schools serving 585 students located throughout Colorado.

Top Colorado Boarding Schools (2026-27)

School
Location
Quick Facts
500 Holden Way
Carbondale, CO 81623
(970) 963-2562
Gr: 9-12 | 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 60% Tuition listed
Colorado Timberline Academy
Colorado Timberline Academy Photo - Fall Trip in the Slot Canyons
(5)
454 Academy Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-5898
Gr: 9-12, PG | 40 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Avg. class size: 6 students Acceptance rate: 90% Tuition listed
6155 Fountain Valley School Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80911
(719) 391-5251
Gr: 9-12 | 8-12 (day) | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Acceptance rate: 70% Tuition listed
Steamboat Mountain School
Steamboat Mountain School Photo - Students travel to southeastern Utah to develop their skills on a more extended and extensive trip. Students backpack, kayak, canyoneer, rock climb, canoe, and mountain bike as they learn about the geology, leadership, and survival skills.
(5)
42605 RCR 36
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
(970) 879-1350
Gr: 9-12, PG | K-12, PG (day) | 160 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Avg. class size: 12 students Tuition listed

Historical Statistics Overview

This State (CO)
US (avg. per state)
# Schools
4 Schools
6.4 Schools
# Students
595 Students
2,517 Students

Academics and Faculty

This State (CO)
US
Average Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
8:1
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
63%
69%

Academic Programs

This State (CO)
US
Avg. AP Courses
11
22
Avg. IB Courses
None reported
28
Avg. Class Size
11
13

Academic Performance

This State (CO)*
US
* Fewer than 3 schools in Colorado report Avg. SAT Score, so the West regional average is shown for that row.
Avg. SAT Score
1289
1271
Avg. ACT Score
25
27
Avg. Acceptance Rate
73%
59%

Tuition and Finances

This State (CO)*
US
* Fewer than 3 schools in Colorado report Avg. Tuition (International), Avg. Financial Aid Grant and Avg. Endowment, so the West regional average is shown for those rows.
Avg. Tuition (Boarding)
$65,950
$64,455
Avg. Tuition (Day)
$38,975
$38,004
Avg. Tuition (International)
$66,137
$62,450
Avg. Financial Aid Rate
43%
42%
Avg. Financial Aid Grant
$29,142
$27,075
Avg. Endowment
$51 MM
$84 MM

Student Diversity

This State (CO)
US
% Students of Color
17%
30%
% International Students
13%
27%
% Boarding Students
70%
59%

Frequently Asked Questions

How many boarding schools are located in Colorado?
There are 4 college-preparatory boarding schools located in Colorado.
What is the average tuition cost of boarding school in Colorado?
The average Colorado boarding school tuition cost is $65,950 per year.
What is the oldest boarding school in Colorado?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado, founded in 1930, is the oldest boarding school in Colorado.
What boarding school in Colorado has the lowest acceptance rates?
Colorado Rocky Mountain School has the lowest boarding school acceptance rate (60%) in Colorado.
What boarding school in Colorado has the highest average SAT scores?
Fountain Valley School of Colorado has the highest average SAT scores (1300) in Colorado.

Recent Articles

Urban vs. Rural Boarding School: Which Fits?
Urban vs. Rural Boarding School: Which Fits?
Compare urban and rural boarding schools by academics, campus life, transportation, outdoor access, cultural opportunities, independence, safety, and student personality to find the setting that fits your child best.
Should Your Child Start Boarding School in 9th Grade?
Should Your Child Start Boarding School in 9th Grade?
Should your child begin boarding school in ninth grade or wait? Compare academic timing, maturity, friendships, independence, admissions, and family considerations to choose the right entry point confidently.
How Far From Home Is Too Far for Boarding School?
How Far From Home Is Too Far for Boarding School?
How far is too far for boarding school? Learn how families can weigh travel time, homesickness, student readiness, costs, school support, emergencies, and family connections before enrolling confidently.

Featured Schools

Featured Schools

Quick Links