Bixby School

Bixby School was founded in 1970, organized around the belief that children are unique individuals, each with their own abilities, interests, and needs.
Our school design provides students with opportunities for healthy risk-taking and responsibility for choices, feeds children`s natural curiosity and intrinsic joy of learning, and cultivates critical thinking skills and mastery of concepts.
Our shared core values are respect, responsibility, and empathy. 3-acre campus, Extended Day Available: 7:45 am - 5:45 pm daily, Hot lunch prepared daily (included), Indoor pool, weekly swim lessons, Progressive Education, Hands-On, Experiential Learning, 1st-5th Grade follow a Middle School Schedule - Our Teachers are masters of their subject and passionate about what they teach. Tuition Assistance is available for Kindergarten-5th Grade.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CO School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 139 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,000
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Bixby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
139 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
5%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade
Bixby School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
10 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Summer Program Cost
$450
Summer Program Cost Notes
See website for current fees
% on Financial Aid
20%
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Danielle Hermon, Director of Admissions & Marketing

Sports

Total Sports Offered
1 sport
Sports

School Notes

  • We Are Bixby and deliver our mission by-Deeply knowing and loving every student as a complete and whole human being. Giving every student what s/he needs through a customized educational experience. Teaching rigorous academic skills through meaningful activities and inquiry-based learning, which fosters critical thinking, compassion, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Academic growth is realized through a non-graded, non-competitive setting where children are intrinsically motivated to learn. Nurturing student agency and social responsibility. Learning by doing; we encourage children to take risks and use mistakes as opportunities for growth. Cultivating joy, vulnerability, movement, self-discovery, and adventure in each of our students and in the wider community. Providing challenges that promote each child`s intellectual, social/emotional, athletic, and artistic growth and the maximization of his/her potential. Bixby`s curriculum is informed by research and guided by Colorado State Standards, though our teachers have flexibility in how they reach those benchmarks. Fostering independence through an intentional balance of freedom and responsibility. Empowering committed, passionate, world-class educators to respond nimbly to what is best for their students. Offering a unique elementary schedule with small instructional groups and teachers who are experts in their subject areas. Caring about and connecting with parents to promote engagement and to protect family time: community events, morning greetings, open doors, and open hearts, chef-prepared lunches, minimal homework in upper grades, swimming, artist-in-residence, music, sports, foreign language, whole-year/full-day unparalleled care for children. Serving a diverse population of children who are gifted, twice-exceptional, typically developing, and those with mild to moderate learning challenges; we are not able to serve students who have significant behavioral or social/emotional challenges. Fostering a small and compelling community that is intentionally safe, inclusive, and authentic.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Danielle Feinberg - Director of Lighting at Pixar
    • Katie Kowal - Rhodes Scholarship Winner
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bixby School cost?
Bixby School's tuition is approximately $24,000 for private students and $450 for summer students.
What schools are Bixby School often compared to?
Bixby Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Boulder Country Day by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Bixby School?
The acceptance rate of Bixby School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 91%. Bixby School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Colorado with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Bixby School?
Bixby School famous alumni include: Danielle Feinberg and Katie Kowal.
Does Bixby School offer a summer program?
Yes, Bixby School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Bixby School offer?
Bixby School offers 1 interscholastic sports: Swimming.
What is Bixby School's ranking?
Bixby School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Bixby School?
The application deadline for Bixby School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Bixby School located?
Bixby School is located in the Martin Acres neighborhood of Boulder, CO.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (12 reviews)
5  
This is the kind of school you want for your kid. We all have impressions of what school should be, this is it. I'm a current Bixby parent and former private (then public) school teacher. Bixby excels at building relationships and culture without sacrificing academics; rather, I feel like my student and his (subject expert) teachers are co-learners/explorers together. My 2nd grader will have real conversations/real questions, on math, science, literature, etc with people passionate about each. It's been a joy to watch my personal growth parallel with academics. Speaking from our perspective only, my son was not thriving in public school, even with GT resources. We felt like he was burnt out. Nothing really worked. A family friend recommended Bixby-- 6 weeks in we felt like we got our son back. Previously it was "I hate math"; now, "Math is my favorite subject". We were new to town/state as well--Bixby is intentional with their community building, communication, and relationship building. My son has made friends; so have I. I was hesitant about the school only going through K-5, but I think this helps them focus and do well with elementary. Can't say enough good things. Thrilled to find Bixby. Sending younger sister there next year!
- Posted by
5  
My children are absolutely thriving at Bixby! Their teachers truly know them and encourage and celebrate their strengths while supporting them and building their confidence in the areas in which they feel less comfortable. They are challenged in a way that is engaging and stimulates curiosity. As a family, we all feel part of the Bixby community. Do not hesitate. Bixby is beyond compare.
- Posted by
5  
Unparalleled. Bixby is the shining star of education reinforcing and encouraging childhood. They don't overcomplicate it and they don't rush kids to adulthood, they encourage critical, creative, and collaborative thinking that prepares kids to be real-world problem solvers and leaders, not just test takers. The jewel of Boulder!
- Posted by
5  
Bixby School has been such an amazing experience for my children. At the end of the year, you get a report about the progress your student(s) made over the course of the year. Reading through the teacher's comments really provided us with a picture of our children that we don't always see at home, and helped me understand my children more fully. I love how all the teachers at Bixby are so aware of each student as a person, see the best in each of them, and help the students to use their strengths and passions to further develop as a learner. Learning at Bixby has allowed my children to blossom and gain confidence in themselves not only as learners but as people! I feel like they truly see my kids, and have helped me to see them more clearly as well.
- Posted by
5  
My children attended Bixby for the 2020-2021 school year. In a year where many children became despondent with virtual classes, they thrived. They learned and made the sweetest friends and had so much fun. Bixby's handling of the ever-evolving COVID-19 public health rules was A+. Every day we knew our kids would be as safe as possible because risks were being mitigated through the time and money Bixby School invested to make in-person learning possible. Beyond that, we know our kids were seen and appreciated for who they are.
- Posted by
5  
Bixby is awesome! We moved to Bixby from BVSD during the pandemic because it has a good reputation and they have been providing consistent in-person learning. Our son loves it there - he has a ton of fun. Not only is the focus on social-emotional development stellar, our boy has really blossomed academically as well. The small classes where each teacher specializes in a different subject have been a great model for him. The teachers are amazing - they really take the time to understand each child's strengths and weaknesses and make learning fun. We have also been very impressed by how Bixby's leadership has navigated the pandemic. They have prioritized the safety of teachers and students (outdoor classrooms, cohorting, ventilation, etc.) In a data-based, scientifically sound way, working closely with Boulder County public health, while still providing a stellar academic experience. The head of school is impressive and a great communicator.
- Posted by
5  
Our child has been a Bixby since preschool; we left briefly for 1st and 2nd grade in public school, then immediately went back - Bixby has instilled in our child an absolute love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and replies "Awesome" every day when asked how school was. Small enough to give each child individual attention, while providing a rich social environment. The outdoor space is truly unique and their emphasis on a whole curriculum including science and history is unparalleled in elementary school in Boulder. We love Bixby!
- Posted by
5  
Many schools are just now discovering what Bixby has known for almost 50 years; that kids love to learn, and that partnering with adults to discover their own passions, strengths, and journey is more effective than simply having academic content imparted to them. A paragraph of words can't portray the school-- you really have to see it to believe what they're doing there. After seeing Bixby, many parents say the same thing: "wow, this is the school I wish I had gone to". The program quality is extremely high, teachers are amazing, facilities are unique and extensive (you won't believe the play structures-- I don't think there's anything like them anywhere else in the county, maybe even the state-- Bixby takes play seriously!!) Music, art, and swimming are all part of the curriculum.
- Posted by
5  
Bixby School is more than a school; it's a community. The faculty and staff are extremely dedicated to their career, and it shows in the level of attention that is afforded each and every student. Children feel heard and respected, in a supportive and safe environment. My son has flourished under their wing. Bixby School is far and above the best primary school I've encountered. Lifelong Bixby supporter!
- Posted by
5  
Bixby is wonderful! All 3 of my kids have LOVED going to school there. My oldest just entered middle school and was really well prepared by his Bixby experience. He knows how to think critically and deeply in addition to all the usual academic skills. His two younger siblings are still thriving at Bixby. They love all the hands on work. The teachers are superb and really get to know each student deeply. The relationships are key. We love Bixby!
- Posted by
5  
This school has instilled a lifelong love for learning in me. I had some of the best teachers here. I have returned to campus and have to say it is still the most incredible school and community!
- Posted by
5  
This school is a gem! Engaged students who learn deeply and are challenged and nurtured at the same time. This school has been in Boulder since 1970 and many alumni still return to the school or send their children here. The school is in my opinion unmatched in program strength, community and student-centered best practices! A must see!
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked CO School
  • School Type: Alternative School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
  • Enrollment: 139 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $24,000
  • Acceptance rate: 75%
  • Average class size: 10 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Boulder, CO is $25,741 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Boulder, CO is 90% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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