Aspen Country Day: Independent School Admission Process

The independent school advantage

Aspen Country Day School is the only PreKindergarten through Eighth Grade program in the Roaring Fork Valley that is accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) – the organization that sets standards and oversees private schools nationwide. Such schools are called independent because they are non-profits without ties to any public, parochial, or commercial entity.

The reasons cited again and again by the 400,000 families who send their children to independent schools include individual attention, small classes, teacher excellence, and high standards. But the main motive for families looking into private schools can be summarized in one word: quality. They realize that parents have only one chance to provide the strongest academic foundation for their children, and that’s what independent schools like Aspen Country Day do best. In ensuring that our graduates are ready for the journey ahead, we leave no element of their education to chance.

The National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, confirms what independent school families have known for years: larger percentages of students in independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools. At ACDS, our personal approach to excellence in academics, arts, and outdoor education gives children the essential confidence and competence for a lifetime of learning.

Studies show that students at independent schools

Families often ask, "Is Aspen Country Day connected to other country day schools, like Seattle or Greenwich Country Day?" Not officially, but in spirit, yes.

The first country day schools were established as part of a movement in the late 1800s to combine the warmth of family life in a day school setting with the academic rigor and character-building programs of the best boarding schools.

Today, schools like ours are leading innovation in areas such as design thinking, experiential education, and creative collaboration. Most are part of the National Association of Independent Schools.

Learn more about how an independent school can help your child thrive.