Dawson School
Dawson School is a K-12 college-preparatory school located in Boulder County.
School mission: Dawson is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character.We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning,to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.
Dawson graduates are young men and women who achieve their individual potential, savor life, and meet the challenges of the world.
Quick Stats (2022-23)
- Top Ranked CO School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 529 students
- Yearly Tuition: $29,900
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Dawson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Sports offered
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1970
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Student Body
Total Students
529 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
15%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
75 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
80%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
16 courses
List of Courses Offered
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$29,900
Tuition Notes
Tiered tuition: K-2, 3-5, 6-12
Summer Program Cost Notes
Summer camps - sports, arts, academics. Costs vary.
% on Financial Aid
18%
Admissions Director
Scott Schneider
Admissions Associate
Chari Nickerson
Endowment Size
$4 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Robotics Teams, Speech and Debate Team, Student-led Clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Theatrical Productions
Robotics Teams, Speech and Debate Team, Student-led Clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Theatrical Productions
School Notes
- For over 50 years, Dawson School has been offering students a remarkable educational program combining challenging college-preparatory academics, robust athletics and arts programs, and renowned experiential and outdoor education, along with leadership and character development. It is a unique combination.
- Dawson`s 500+ students are organized into a Lower (K-5), Middle (6-8), and Upper School (9-12). From the 10+ hours per week of technology, art, music, PE, library/media study, and Spanish in the Lower School through the 47 sports teams and 20 arts programs in Middle and Upper school, the depth and breadth of Dawson`s program has led to it regularly being voted best in the region. Dawson has a student:faculty ratio of 7:1, average class sizes of 15, and an athletics program voted 12th in the state across all divisions.
- The 107-acre Dawson campus includes many features: two full gyms, tennis courts, soccer, lacrosse, and baseball fields, a cyclocross course, and a large-scale challenge course; an Arts Center with theater, dance studio, music, and fine arts rooms; a new Dining Commons that is also used for meetings and events; a new Learning Commons a combined modern library and student center that is a popular hub on campus.
- The Dawson Center for Innovation opened in November 2020. This remarkable 25,000 square foot, LEED-certified building is designed as a multi-purpose space to foster leading-edge learning and creating. The space includes science classrooms and labs with special features such as multiple stoves/ovens for food chemistry and special beams designed to hold extra weight for physics experiments. There are maker spaces, design and creation areas equipped with laser and plasma cutters, woodworking and metal working equipment, and 3D and large-scale printers, and flexible space for group learning and events.
- Dawson is also committed to the development of character and to the social-emotional wellbeing of its community. The school actively promotes the exchange of diverse perspectives, and integrates four key virtues respect, compassion, courage, and integrity into every aspect of community life. Leadership opportunities are wide ranging, and students are encouraged to explore new passions, and to find and use their voice.
- Dawson`s college counseling program stresses fit, emphasizing that "college is a match to be made, not a prize to be won." There is a 1:30 ratio of college counselor to students, so each student can receive detailed, individualized guidance. Students go on to a wide ranging selection of schools, including Ivy League, public university, research institutions, private colleges. In addition, each fall, over 150 different colleges and universities travel to Dawson`s campus to meet its upperclassmen, providing students extended, face-to-face time with the people who will ultimately be reading their college application. Dawson has a 100% graduation rate, 100% of its students are accepted to four-year accredited institutions, and over $5 million in scholarships are offered annually to its 60 graduates.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dawson School cost?
Dawson School's tuition is approximately $29,900 for private students.
Does Dawson School offer a summer program?
Yes, Dawson School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Dawson School offer?
Dawson School offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Golf, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis and Volleyball. Dawson School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for most sports offered.
What is Dawson School's ranking?
Dawson School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Dawson School?
The application deadline for Dawson School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Related Schools
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People that viewed Dawson School also viewed these schools: September School, Shining Mountain Waldorf School, Front Range Academy, Holy Family High School and Graland Country Day School.
The nearest high school to Dawson School is Kathy Sherman (4.2 miles away)
The nearest elementary school is Rocky Mountain Christian Academy (3.5 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Wee Folk Forest Kindergarten (1.1 miles away)
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Location
Miles
Grades
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Front Range Academy
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(303) 469-0496
Broomfield, CO 80020
(303) 469-0496
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Holy Family High School
(Catholic)
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School Reviews
5 5/21/2016
I have been at Dawson for two years beginning last year in 7th grade. I felt that coming in as a new student and finding new friends was very easy since everyone respects anyone here.The envirnoment is very inclusive and everyone hangs out with everyone. Along with this, the small class sizes are great and allow for one on one time with teacher. This has really helped me understand material that I would otherwise struggle with. Dawson provides a variety of arts, sports and languages which make up a very well rounded education. I'm very glad that I came to Dawson.
5 10/8/2015
After 11 years as a Dawson parent of 3 children, I am more pleased than ever with the high quality education provided by supportive teachers. Through Experiential Education my kids gained invaluable cultural exposure with travel to China and Turkey. The College Counselors provided invaluable guidance through the stressful college application process. The rigorous curriculum enabled my kids to transition smoothly to college. I am very grateful to Dawson and so are my kids!
5 11/5/2014
This is our sixth year at Dawson and we have kids in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. Our four kids are all very different in both personality and academic ability. The teachers at Dawson have been extremely willing to help tailor their program to help my quick learner stay focused and also tutor my slow reader. All academic, creative and athletic talents my kids are passionate about have been supported, fostered and celebrated at Dawson. My kids have all gained confidance in themselves because of the amazing teachers at Dawson.
5 10/10/2014
I am a Dawson alum. Great school, great faculty that care about the students. You will be supported here and you will gain experiences that carry with you long after you graduate.
5 8/30/2014
Our daughter is extremely happy at Dawson. She loves the teachers, and all of the projects/activities keep her engaged and excited. The teachers are wonderful and the class sizes are very small. The "specials" are as important to the education as are the core classes. Dawson provides a great, well-rounded education, while ensuring emotional health and growth. And the campus is fabulous! It is nice for the kids to have so much space and access to the outdoors. The Lower School kids have recess three times a day...a perfect way to keep them active and engaged--both inside and outside of the classroom. Our experience at Dawson has been great!
5 8/4/2014
We are very happy with our kids at Dawson. Both the Middle and Upper Schools have small class sizes and very enthusiastic teachers. My kids have developed close relationships both with the teachers and other kids. Great arts program and the sports program is getting better. A lot of parent involvement, it is a great community and we are happy to be a part of it.
5 4/2/2013
Love it here! Teachers and administrators are experienced, forward thinking and enthusiastic. Graduates are equipped to succeed not only in college, but in life! Great arts & sports programs, plus awesome experiential learning opportunities. Facilities are unparalleled.
Endorse Dawson School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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