38+ Best Private Elementary Schools in the USA

Best Private Elementary Schools in the USA

Choosing a private school for your child involves more than a quick search. While it’s easy to find information about a school’s location, enrollment numbers, awards, and extracurricular programs, the real decision goes deeper than that—especially when you’re looking for the best fit for both your child and your family.

Families enroll in private elementary schools for many different reasons. Some prefer the private system from the start; others make the switch when their child’s public school isn’t meeting their needs.

A child might be falling behind academically—whether due to limited resources, a need for more individualized support, or a learning difference that isn’t being addressed. Others struggle socially, carrying that stress as anxiety. Meanwhile, gifted students may quietly check out when they aren’t being challenged. Sometimes there is no single defining moment—just a growing sense that a child isn’t where they should be.

For elementary students, who are still close to the beginning of their education journey, it’s important to consider how a school will support them emotionally, socially, and academically—especially if your school choice is driven by a disrupting factor.

This guide covers strategies for finding a private elementary school that can help your child succeed in all three areas. Then, we’ll list some of the best private elementary schools in the United States, with options in the:

Our private school, Fusion Academy, spans over 80 campuses nationwide—and in this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at how we deliver a fully accredited, personalized education for students in grades 4–12.

What Are the Factors to Consider When Evaluating Private Elementary Schools?

Before you can find the right school, it helps to understand what brought you to seek out private education in the first place. Getting clear on your motivations makes it much easier to compare schools and zero in on the ones that truly fit your child and your family.

Before you begin reaching out to schools, these questions can help sharpen your search:

  • Why are you choosing private education? Families looking for a private elementary school with an ultimate goal for their child to attend a prestigious college usually want to find out more about the school’s academic programs, teachers, and the school’s willingness to offer more challenging material once their child has mastered the basics. In contrast, families whose children have a learning difference like a sensory processing disorder or ADHD that make it hard to stay regulated in a traditional school, might prioritize a calmer, adapted private school environment that helps children grow socially, emotionally, and academically.
  • Will your child stay in private school until high school graduation? Several private schools cater only to grades K–6 or K–8. But there are also many more that serve grades K–12, usually with separate buildings for lower school and upper school. Neither is inherently better; what matters is finding the range that aligns with what your child needs right now.
  • How much support does your child need to fully engage with school? The student-to-teacher ratio and the size of the student body are both important considerations. These factors influence how much individual attention a school can offer—for example, in terms of adjusting teaching methods to help a student understand new concepts. It also influences how much social/emotional support and mentoring a school can offer, and how busy the campus will feel.
  • How does school need to fit around your family life? Elementary school students don’t have the same independence as high schoolers, which can leave families juggling their work hours around school drop-off, extracurricular activities, and homework. Some private schools are able to offer more flexibility—for example, with longer opening hours or extended care after school—which can make your family routines run more smoothly.

With these questions in mind, let’s take a closer look at what sets some of the best private elementary schools apart.

Fusion Academy: Private School for 4th Grade and Higher

Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 with over 80 campuses in the United States—including schools in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and beyond—as well as a fully online program that brings the Fusion experience to students nationwide. Classes at Fusion are taught either one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students.

Fourth grade is often a turning point. Students at this age are no longer the youngest in their elementary school. In fact, they’re well on their way to leaving elementary school altogether. While some students relish the chance to take more responsibility and have more independence in their learning, others can have more difficulties and the cracks start to show more.

Every student can benefit from having a teacher who knows them well, understands their needs, and has the time and training to adapt their methods to the student in front of them. Because of Fusion Academy’s 1-to-1 teacher-to-student ratio, every fourth-grader gets the focused attention they need as they prepare to make the leap to middle school.

Signs Your Child May Need More Personalized Education

For many families, the idea of personalized learning is completely new—most parents only have the experience of a traditional classroom, where one teacher teaches 30 students in the same way year after year. But this model doesn’t work for every child.

There are some common signs that a child may need a more personalized approach, including:

  • Consistently coming home frustrated or saying they “hate school,” even though they’re capable of doing their classwork and assignments.
  • Showing learning needs that don’t match the teacher’s method, because they learn best when they can use their hands, when they have more visual materials, or when they can talk through a problem.
  • Teachers reporting they seem bored or disengaged, either because they’re not being challenged or because they’re struggling to keep up with the pace of the class.
  • Teachers reporting they seem anxious or withdrawn, as social anxiety can make it difficult to focus, participate, and learn in school.
  • Missing time in school because of health needs or because of an illness in the family.
  • Needing more flexibility in terms of scheduling because a family travels, takes part in athletics or theater programs, or has other commitments a traditional school can’t work around.
  • Having a diagnosed learning difference, like autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, dyslexia, or dyscalculia.

      Put simply, many fourth- and fifth-graders fall behind not because they lack ability, but because their needs haven’t been met in a traditional school. In these cases, having a teacher who understands how their circumstances impact their learning, and who has the freedom to continually reframe concepts in a way that makes sense to them, can build their confidence and close the gaps in their learning.

      “Fusion truly understands that education is not one-size-fits-all, and they have filled so many gaps our children experienced in traditional schools.”

      – Kian, Fusion parent

      How Fusion Provides One-to-One, Personalized Learning

      At Fusion Academy, personalized learning begins with getting to know each upper-elementary student as an individual. We want to find out where they are academically, how they learn best, and what topics and strategies spark their curiosity.

      Initially, we do this through enrollment interviews with the prospective student and their family.

      We also assess their skill level in key areas of math and language, and find out as much as we can about why a family is interested in Fusion’s one-to-one instruction model. Then, we can match a new student with their fourth- or fifth-grade teachers, who use the results of these tests and interviews to plan their curriculum.

      Student and teacher studying science

      As a student settles in, our teachers observe the student’s progress and adapt their approaches.

      For example, if it quickly becomes clear that a fourth-grader needs a more accelerated curriculum, they can move on to more advanced material as soon as they’re ready, without waiting for the start of a new semester or school year. If the student becomes particularly interested in a topic—like a science unit, a historical event, or a book—their teacher can give them more material to expand their knowledge.

      And, if a teacher discovers an area where the student has room to grow, they can work together to strengthen their skills.

      Fusion teachers also understand how students at the upper elementary level learn. For example, it’s typical for these students to need more frequent breaks or to want to move around during class. Our teachers know that students who struggle to sit still are still learning—and that that movement can even help them process the new information. So, we also adapt our learning environments to our students as we get to know them better.

      This could include:

      • Giving a student a three-minute stretch break at the halfway point of the lesson or whenever that student needs a break
      • Teaching while the student stands at the board instead of sitting at their desk
      • Using more flexible seating options, like rolling chairs or foot swings, especially for students with ADHD
      • Finding hands-on learning materials that show new concepts in action
      • Dimming the lights and blocking out noise to help students concentrate.

      We’ve found that this flexible, personalized approach helps students feel more confident and capable as learners.

      • 84% of Fusions students report feeling confident in their ability to learn course material, and that they are proud of the progress they’re making.
      • Fusion Academy student achievement scores in reading grow 70% more year over year than their peers nationally.
      • Fusion Academy student achievement scores in math grow 81% more year over year than their peers nationally.
      • 88% of parents agree their child is more successful academically at Fusion compared to their previous school.

      For upper-elementary students, this confidence in their ability to learn gives them a huge advantage as they look toward middle and high school.

      “Fusion has been a game-changer for my 5th grader, who has benefited tremendously from the one-to-one learning model.”

      – Jessica, Fusion Parent

      For more information on student success, read our Impact Report.

      A Welcoming Environment for Younger Students

      It’s natural for parents of upper elementary students to wonder how their child will fit into a school environment that also serves high school students. At Fusion Academy, campus life looks very different from a traditional school—and those differences also help us create a calm, safe, and supportive environment for our youngest students.

      Fusion campuses have small student bodies—generally no more than 100 students—and extended opening hours. This means we don’t have crowded hallways that can make transitions between classes feel intimidating or overwhelming. For upper elementary students, this creates a more relaxed daily rhythm where they can move through the campus comfortably and confidently.

      Because every student is known by name, teachers and staff can be thoughtful about how students interact across grade levels and check in with each one throughout the day. That’s especially helpful for our younger students, who benefit from a little more structure and attention as they settle into the rhythm of a Fusion campus.

      Homework support is also built into the day. Students have scheduled time to work on assignments with a teacher nearby to answer questions, help them stay organized, and keep them on track—for many students their homework is completed on campus.

      Every Fusion campus also has a unique program of student activities, including seasonal parties, workshops for students, families, and teachers, clubs connected to student interests, field trips, and opportunities to give back to the local community.

      These events are an essential part of our school community, as they help students to connect socially, build friendships, and try new things.

      A Flexible School Day to Fit Family Life

      Many families start to look for a private school when it becomes clear their family’s schedule doesn’t match that of their local public school. At Fusion, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate a family’s needs in terms of work, travel, or extracurricular commitments.

      Fusion campuses are generally open from 7:30 AM until 7:30 PM from Monday to Friday, which means students aren’t bound to traditional school hours. For families seeking a hybrid approach, there’s even more flexibility. Fusion Global Academy, our 100% online school, can schedule classes from 5:30 AM–11:30 PM Eastern Time.

      If a student needs to start earlier in the day to leave the entire afternoon free for extracurricular commitments like music lessons or rehearsals, we can find a schedule to make that possible.

      Our schools also place a strong emphasis on communication with our students’ families.

      Parents receive daily reports from their child’s teachers by email, outlining how the student engaged with class and information about their progress. This ongoing communication helps families stay informed and involved, and shows them how their child is succeeding academically, socially, and emotionally.

      “As parents, we do not need to guess how our child is doing because we are updated daily! It is 100% worth investing in our children.”

      – Shay, Fusion parent

      To learn more about Fusion’s personalized, private upper-elementary schools, you can:

      Best Private Elementary School by Region

      NORTHEAST

      Fusion Academy (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania)

      Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

      Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 where education is personalized to meet each student’s needs. At Fusion, classes are taught one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students—a student-to-teacher ratio that means each student’s schedule, curriculum, and learning materials can be adapted to meet them where they’re at. Campus life at Fusion also includes school events, student-led clubs, community action programs, and enriching field trips.

      Find your nearest Fusion Academy location on our campus page.

      The Brearley School (New York, NY)

      The Brearley School homepage: We believe a Brearley education lasts a lifetime

      The Brearley School is an all-girls school that serves K–12 students. The school has a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and 85% of the faculty hold a master’s or doctoral degree. Alongside rigorous academic programs throughout the school year, Brearley offers 18 different summer opportunities that take students across the US and overseas.

      • Address: 610 East 83rd Street and 590 East 83rd Street, New York, NY 10028
      • Telephone: 212-744-8582

      Read reviews here.

      Germantown Academy (Fort Washington, PA)

      Germantown Academy homepage: Anything is Possible Starting Here

      Germantown Academy is a preK–12 coeducational school. The 126-acre campus includes woodlands, waterways, a wildlife preserve, a vegetable garden, and two outdoor classrooms. All these spaces provide opportunities to enrich the strong, college-preparatory curriculum.

      • Address: 340 Morris Road, Fort Washington, PA 19034-0287
      • Telephone: 215-646-3300

      Read reviews here.

      The Pingry School (Basking Ridge, NJ)

      The Pingry School homepage

      The Pingry School is a K–12 coeducational school with around 1,200 students across three campuses. The school has a strong program of extracurricular activities, with 30 musical or theatrical performances each year and over 90% of students involved in school sports. The students engage in a collective 7500+ hours of community service each year.

      • Address: 50 Country Day Drive, Short Hills, NJ 07078
      • Telephone: 973-379-4550

      Read reviews here.

      Riverdale Country School (Bronx, NY)

      Riverdale Country Day School homepage: Mind, Character, Community

      Riverdale Country School is a K–12 coeducational school that places a strong emphasis on global citizenship from kindergarten on. The elementary school curriculum is based on critical thinking and problem-solving, aiming to shape curious learners. Every classroom has two teachers and the support of specialists in art, music, drama, physical education, outdoor education, and more.

      • Address: 1 Spaulding Lane, Bronx, NY 10471
      • Telephone: 718-549-7780

      Read reviews here.

      Professional Children’s School (New York, NY)

      Professional Children's School homepage

      The Professional Children’s School is a 4–12 school with a focus on the performing arts. It serves children whose sights are set on a career in music, dance, or theater, and aims to nurture them as thinkers, artists, and citizens. This school offers hybrid learning and provides personalized support and technology to fit a student’s studies around their rehearsal schedule.

      • Address: 132 West 60th Street, New York, NY 10023
      • Telephone: 212-582-3116

      Read reviews here.

      MIDWEST

      Fusion Academy (Illinois, Minnesota)

      Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

      Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 where education is personalized to meet each student’s needs. At Fusion, classes are taught one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students—a student-to-teacher ratio that means each student’s schedule, curriculum, and learning materials can be adapted to meet them where they’re at. Campus life at Fusion also includes school events, student-led clubs, community action programs, and enriching field trips.

      Find your nearest Fusion Academy location on our campus page.

      Hickory Hill Academy (Madison, WI)

      Hickory Hill Academy homepage: Cultivating Compassionate Leaders

      Hickory Hill Academy is a preK–8 independent school that has grown since 1996 from a learning centre with nine children to a school with a full K–8 program. Now run by the son and daughter of the founders, the modern campus includes a 50,000 square-foot school building and 10 acres of outdoor space with farm animals and opportunities to learn in nature.

      • Address: 1719 S. High Point Road, Madison, WI 53719
      • Telephone: 608-845-3245

      Read reviews here.

      Emerson School (Ann Arbor, MI)

      Emerson School homepage: We take education personally.

      The Emerson School is a preK–8 coeducational school. The school program begins with a class for young fives, which acts as a bridge for children who are eligible for kindergarten, but who would benefit from an extra year to develop socially and academically. The school also runs the Summer at Emerson program of half- and full-day summer camps.

      • Address: 5425 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
      • Telephone: 743-665-5662

      Read reviews here.

      The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Chicago, IL)

      The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools homepage: You Belong Here

      The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools offers a preK–12 program based on experiential learning. In the early years and lower schools, learning is play- and activity-based. This means students will frequently find themselves involved in collaborative challenges, like play-testing toys, building their own inventions from cardboard, completing scavenger hunts, and visiting their “Beaker Buddies” on the university campus to complete science experiments.

      • Address: 1362 East 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
      • Telephone: 773-702-9450

      Read reviews here.

      British International School of Chicago – South Loop (Chicago, IL)

      British International School of Chicago, South Loop homepage

      The British International School of Chicago is a preK–12 school that offers elementary programs designed to follow both British and international curricula, and to act as a foundation for the International Baccalaureate (IB). The primary curriculum covers English, math, science, American studies, art, computing, dance, music, physical education, games, and two world languages. The student-to-teacher ratio in Pre-K is 10:1.

      • Address: 161 West 9th Street, Chicago, IL 60605
      • Telephone: 773-599-2472

      Read reviews here.

      Francis W. Parker School (Chicago, IL)

      Francis Parker homepage

      Francis W. Parker School is a preK–12 school with a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. Alongside the school’s strong academic offering, older students can participate in one of more than 50 interscholastic sports and athletics teams, or take part in clubs and activities including orchestra, choir, makers club, and running club. The school also offers a play-based extended day program to support working families.

      • Address: 330 West Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614
      • Telephone: 773-353-3000

      Read reviews here.

      Latin School of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

      Latin School of Chicago homepage

      Latin School of Chicago is a JK–12 coeducational school. Of nearly 1,200 students, around 375 are enrolled in the lower school. The school is one of the oldest and most respected in the city and aims to develop a love of learning in an inclusive environment. Students also participate in community service and projects like publishing books, putting on plays, and hosting art shows throughout the year.

      • Address: 59 West North Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60610
      • Telephone: 312-582-6000

      Read reviews here.

      Morgan Park Academy (Chicago, IL)

      Morgan Park Academy homepage

      Morgan Park Academy is a preK–12 coeducational, college-preparatory day school with an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio. This gives students the opportunity to speak up in the classroom, on the stage, and in sports—and for teachers to develop genuine, supportive relationships with all the students in their class. Lower school classes take place in the historic Barker Hall or the arts center, and students also have access to a 4,000 square-foot playground.

      • Address: 2153 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60643
      • Telephone: 773-881-6700

      Read reviews here.

      SOUTH

      Fusion Academy (Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C.)

      Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

      Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 where education is personalized to meet each student’s needs. At Fusion, classes are taught one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students—a student-to-teacher ratio that means each student’s schedule, curriculum, and learning materials can be adapted to meet them where they’re at. Campus life at Fusion also includes school events, student-led clubs, community action programs, and enriching field trips.

      Find your nearest Fusion Academy location on our campus page.

      St John’s School (Houston, TX)

      St. John's School homepage

      St John’s School is a K–12 coeducational school. The lower-school curriculum introduces students to subjects like art, tech lab, music, science, and Spanish from their very first years in education, and students spend time every week in the extensive school libraries. School life revolves around regular wellness and community events, including monthly parent coffees and evening programs featuring local and national experts in their subject areas.

      • Address: 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX 77019
      • Telephone: 713-850-0222

      Read reviews here.

      Posnack Jewish Day School (Davie, FL)

      Posnack School homepage: Well-rounded and engaging programming

      The Posnack Jewish Day School is a preK–12 school rated the best Jewish day school in the US on Niche, and ranks in the top 1% of private schools nationally. The school offers a combination of general studies, Judaic studies, and award-winning sports and arts programming. 100% of the graduating class of 2024 was accepted into a college or university, including Ivy League schools.

      • Address: 5810 South Pine Island Road, Davie, FL 33328
      • Telephone: 954-583-6100

      Read reviews here.

      Gulliver Preparatory School (Miami, FL)

      Gulliver Prep homepage: Celebrating 100 Years

      Gulliver Prep is a large preK–12 school based in Greater Miami. As the school celebrates its 100th year in 2026, its team is looking to the future with new learning technologies and strategies, investment in school facilities, and a focus on professional excellence. The school’s average student-to-teacher ratio is 8:1, and it boasts a 93 % IB Diploma pass rate.

      • Address: 6575 North Kendall Drive, Pinecrest, FL 33156
      • Telephone: 305-666-7937

      Read reviews here.

      Pace Academy (Atlanta, GA)

      Pace Academy homepage

      Pace Academy is a preK–12 school with a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 and a total student body of around 1,100 students. The school centers around a building known as “the Castle”, with arched entryways, turrets, and leaded windows. The wider campus has 34 acres of gardens, fields, and facilities, including a new lower-school building opened in 2021 and designed with spaces for STEAM learning, academic support services, and a large playground.

      • Address: 966 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30327
      • Telephone: 404-262-1345

      Read reviews here.

      Westminster Schools (Atlanta, GA)

      Westminster Schools homepage: Love. Challenge. Lead. Change.

      Westminster Schools is a Christian K–12 school known as one of the best in Atlanta. A day in the life of elementary school students includes classes to expand their knowledge and explore their interests, opportunities to create and perform, and a strong focus on developing empathy and biblical values.

      • Address: 1424 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30327
      • Telephone: 404-355-8673

      Read reviews here.

      The Lovett School (Atlanta, GA)

      The Lovett School homepage: Welcome to the Riverbank

      The Lovett School is an independent, coeducational, Christian school for grades K–12. The school takes a whole-child approach to education, including leadership, faith identity, culture, and community in its 13-year curriculum. One highlight of the school community year is the Fall Festival, a large event where students participate in activities, games, and competitions—all in costume.

      • Address: 4075 Paces Ferry Road Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30327
      • Telephone: 404-262-3032

      Read reviews here.

      Atlanta International School (Atlanta, GA)

      Atlanta International School homepage: Developing courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.

      The Atlanta International School is a preK–12 school offering an IB curriculum. Language learning is at the heart of the school’s mission, and it offers a primary years program that invites families to choose between Chinese, French, German, or Spanish immersion. The arts also play a critical role in the school, and there are extensive facilities for theater, music, film production, and visual arts.

      • Address: 2890 North Fulton Drive Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305
      • Telephone: 404-841-3840

      Read reviews here.

      Friends School of Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)

      The Friends School of Atlanta homepage

      Friends School of Atlanta is a Quaker school serving preK–8. The elementary school has a low ratio of students to teachers, providing a curriculum that aims to instill self-confidence and community spirit. The school also runs summer programs for some of the 132 students enrolled.

      • Address: 862 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
      • Telephone: 404-373-7846

      Read reviews here.

      Woodward Academy (College Park, GA)

      Woodward Academy homepage: Your way into the world.

      Woodward Academy is a preK–12 school rated one of the best in Georgia. The elementary program is known for its strong focus on STEAM subjects and its “Collabratory” learning space in the school library. Specialists visit the school weekly to collaborate with teachers and incorporate technology into subjects like social studies, science, and language arts.

      • Address: 1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, GA 30337
      • Telephone: 404-765-4001

      Read reviews here.

      Trinity School (Atlanta, GA)

      Trinity School homepage

      Trinity School is a preK–6 school with around 600 students and an average student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. The school also employs six Learning Team specialists to support students in small groups or individually. Trinity runs extended programs for afterschool care, summer camps, and community service programs.

      • Address: 4301 Northside Parkway Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30327
      • Telephone: 404-231-8100

      Read reviews here.

      Holton-Arms School (Bethesda, MD)

      Holton-Arms School homepage

      Holton-Arms is an all-girls grade 3–12 school known for its STEM programs. Starting in third grade, students can also become part of the Global Education Program, where they experience a wide range of global cultures through local and national field trips, cultural events, and more.

      • Address: 7303 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
      • Telephone: 301-365-6000

      Read reviews here.

      St Albans School (Washington, DC)

      St. Albans School homepage

      St Alban’s School is a 4–12 Episcopal all-boys school founded on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1 and 80% of the faculty hold advanced degrees. Every year, 250+ students from St Albans are accepted to college, with many heading to schools in the Ivy League and prestigious international universities.

      • Address: Mount St. Alban, Washington DC 20016–5069
      • Telephone: 202-537-6435

      Read reviews here.

      Woodson Branch Nature School (Marshall, NC)

      Woodson Branch Nature School homepage: Empowering Students to Be Confident, Adaptable, Innovative Leaders

      Woodson Branch is a preK–8 nature-based school. Classes take place in the community learning centre and in the great outdoors. The school campus includes a farm with an agriculture program where children care for plants and animals, a forest where students engage in the natural sciences, and spaces for art and creativity.

      • Address: 14555 US Highway 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753
      • Telephone: 828-206-1492

      Read reviews here.

      WEST

      Fusion Academy (Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington State)

      Fusion Academy homepage: The School That Changes Everything

      Fusion Academy is a private school for grades 4–12 where education is personalized to meet each student’s needs. At Fusion, classes are taught one-to-one or in small groups of 2–5 students—a student-to-teacher ratio that means each student’s schedule, curriculum, and learning materials can be adapted to meet them where they’re at. Campus life at Fusion also includes school events, student-led clubs, community action programs, and enriching field trips.

      Find your nearest Fusion Academy location on our campus page.

      Childpeace Montessori School (Portland, OR)

      Childpeace Montessori School homepage: Education for Life

      Childpeace Montessori School is a preK–8 children’s house serving students between the ages of 12 months and 14 years. The self-directed Montessori strategies used at the school foster children’s independence in and ownership of their learning. Each class has a three-year age mix (for example, a class for children between the ages of three and six), which helps younger children learn from older students, and older students share and reinforce what they’ve learned.

      • Address: 1516 Northwest Thurman Street, Portland, OR 97209
      • Telephone: 503-222-1197

      Read reviews here.

      Westridge School (Pasadena, CA)

      Westridge School homepage: Where the First Draft of Extraordinary is Written

      Westridge is an all-girls school for grades 4–12. The school offers a rigorous academic program and a Global Scholars program in the upper school, which invites students to create an interdisciplinary study of a global issue. Students also take part in community action projects, and during Discovery Week, they can travel to engage in local, national, and international experiences that challenge them and broaden their horizons.

      • Address: 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, CA 91105
      • Telephone: 625-799-1153

      Read reviews here.

      The Nueva School (Hillsborough, CA)

      The Nueva School homepage

      The Nueva School is a preK–12 school with around 220 students enrolled in the lower school. The school has a total of 160+ staff, 68% of whom hold an advanced degree. With a focus on global citizenship, the school offers language programs in Japanese, Spanish, and Mandarin, and students have the opportunity to participate in school trips that could take them to four different continents.

      • Address: 6566 Skyline Boulevard, Hillsborough, CA 94010
      • Telephone: 650-350-4600

      Read reviews here.

      Crossroads School (Santa Monica, CA)

      Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences homepage

      Crossroads is a K–12 school with around 1,200 registered students. It’s known for its programs in both science and the arts, and has a student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1. A new highlight of the school is the Bezdek Center for Performing Arts, which offers state-of-the art lighting and sound, theatres, and rehearsal spaces in a 58,000 square-foot facility.

      • Address: 1714 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
      • Telephone: 310-829-7391

      Read reviews here.

      The Harker School (San Jose, CA)

      The Harker School homepage: Magic Happens at Harker

      The Harker School is a K–12 school known for its STEM programs. It’s the largest independent private school in California, with a student body of almost 2,000. When children reach the middle and upper schools, they can benefit from 15 different computer science programs, and from partnerships with 10 different international sister schools.

      • Address: 500 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129
      • Telephone: 408-249-2510

      Read reviews here.

      Colorado Academy (Denver, CO)

      Colorado Academy homepage: Boundless Possiblity

      Colorado Academy is a preK–12 school based in Denver with a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1. The school sits in an extensive, tree-lined, 94-acre campus, which offers numerous opportunities to play, research, compete, and learn. The school is proud of its traditions, which include senior-kindergarten buddies, grandparents’ day, and an all-school picnic to foster a sense of community between grades.

      • Address: 3800 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80235
      • Telephone: 303-914-2513

      Read reviews here.

      Blessed Sacrament Catholic School (Denver, CO)

      Blessed Sacrament Catholic School homepage

      The Blessed Sacrament is the top-rated Catholic elementary school in Denver. There has been an elementary component to the school for more than a century, and the curriculum combines a well-rounded academic program, faith and moral formation programs, athletics, after-school activities, and after-school care.

      • Address: 1958 Elm Street, Denver, CO 80220
      • Telephone: 303-377-8835

      Read reviews here.

      Graland Country Day School (Denver, CO)

      Graland Country Day School homepage: A great school fuels the imagination

      Graland Country Day School is a preK–8 school in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood. The school has around 700 students and 90 full-time faculty members. Nearly 30% of those staff members have been teaching for 20+ years, and 10% have taught at Graland for 20 years or more. The curriculum includes daily physical activity for all students, which takes place either in the 32,000 square-foot gym or in the open space around campus.

      • Address: 55 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220
      • Telephone: 303-399-8361

      Read reviews here.

      Aspen Academy (Greenwood Village, CO)

      Aspen Academy homepage: One of the best Private Schools in Colorado

      Aspen Academy is a preK–8 school. A typical day in the life of a student includes a varied curriculum of science, technology, engineering, art and math, as well as leadership development and entrepreneurship. Classrooms at this school are designed to be multi-sensory spaces.

      • Address: 5859 University Boulevard, Greenwood Village, CO 80121
      • Telephone: 303-346-3500

      Read reviews here.

      Find the Right Private Elementary School for Your Child

      We hope there’s a school on this list that’s a good fit for your child and your family.

      If you’re looking for a private upper-elementary school that personalizes the learning experience to your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, consider reaching out to your nearest Fusion Academy campus.

      Contact our admissions team to find out more.

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