Rivendell is the only independent elementary school in Northern Colorado committed to personalized learning in a whole child environment.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- Top Ranked CO School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-5
- Enrollment: 157 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,805
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-5
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dyslexia, Twice Exceptional, G&T, Mild Learning Support
Year Founded
1976
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
157 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
9%
State avg.: 24%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,805
Tuition Notes
Registration Fee: 150
Summer Program Cost
$250
Summer Program Cost Notes
250 to 400 per week depending on the session
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Madeline Cook
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
5 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Chess Club, Girl Scouts
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar Lessons, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Yoga
Chess Club, Girl Scouts
Arts and Music Programs:
Guitar Lessons, Piano Lessons
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Yoga
School Notes
- Founded in 1976, Rivendell School is an independent school in Fort Collins, Colorado. Thanks to the vision and hard work of our experienced teachers and involved parents, we have proudly helped hundreds of children grow into well-educated, imaginative, caring, and responsible citizens. Rivendell School`s personalized learning approach to education-a proven method for increasing subject mastery-focuses on the progress of each child rather than on the class average. Each student is constantly evaluated, challenged, and encouraged to perform to his or her full potential. Engaging every individual in the learning process produces the best results for each student.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado cost?
Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado's tuition is approximately $10,805 for private students and $250 for summer students.
What schools are Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado often compared to?
Rivendell School Of Northern Coloradois often viewed alongside schools like River Song Waldorf School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado?
The acceptance rate of Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 91%. Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Colorado with low acceptance rates.
Does Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado offer a summer program?
Yes, Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado's ranking?
Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Colorado for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado?
The application deadline for Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 5/16/2022
We love this little school! We originally came to Rivendell for an introductory year of school for my daughter's Pre-K year. We had intended to move to our public neighborhood school the following year, but we feel in love with Rivendell. The small class sizes, caring teachers and wonderful administrative team make it such a warm and enjoyable experience for students and teachers. Extras, such as PE, art, music, Spanish and science are delivered with real care. I think what I appreciate most about our experience is our daughter's growth as a person. She is able to advocate for herself, ask thoughtful questions of adults and other kids, form and share her own opinions and think critically about problems that arise either socially or academically. We love this school and are filled with gratitude for the team of educators that make it so special!
5 9/15/2020
What is it like to see your child wake up early excited for school every day? When you drop them off can't wait for the day ahead? At pickup they are talking about their progress in STEM education specials and break time with friends? When you talk to teachers and staff they are full of energy and smiles every day? I was jealous my sister attended here, and this has been my experience with my son's attendance for the last 2+ years. Rivendell is absolutely a priceless experience that makes my heart full knowing he's in such a healthy, fun and safe environment. It's clear other parents I see and talk to are as engaged and thrilled as me.
5 7/14/2020
This is an amazing school, and I'm so thankful we found it. Rivendell caters to your student's educational needs. They meet your student where they are at and then continue to assist in their growth and development. Students are in small class sizes and get individual time with their teacher. They focus on the whole child and understand the importance of physical activity plays in allowing students to come back to the classroom and focus. This is an exceptional school.
5 7/6/2020
I cannot say enough good things about this school. My daughter started almost 2 years ago in preschool and then last year in Kindergarten. My daughter is quite shy and in preschool would not even talk to her teachers even though she loved them. I felt her quiet presence would get lost in public school so we stayed for Kinder. It has been wonderful watch them to appreciate her as an individual and her feeling like she can come out of her shell. The academics are great; the curriculum is full of enriching individualized experiences. My daughter feels very safe and comfortable which is everything to us. I love the intimate size and that all the teachers in the school know her by name. An awesome experience thus far and we feel lucky to have discovered Rivendell.
5 7/5/2020
The individualized learning approach at Rivendell really helps kids thrive. And, Rivendell is more than just a school - it is a community of teachers, families and staff. You definitely have the feeling of belonging to a community at Rivendell.
5 7/5/2020
I have a son and daughter who attended Rivendell. They are adults now, but they attribute their ability to study independently and their comfort in talking to their teachers to get help or advocate for themselves to Rivendell. The ability to work at their own pace and to understand that people learn at different paces helped them. This was an important lesson as I feel that they were driven to improve for themselves not as a competition. As a parent, I felt confident that all the staff cared about my kids, not just their current teacher. If I had questions or concerns I felt comfortable talking to the staff.
5 10/16/2014
I am a new teacher at Rivendell and I absolutely love this school! I am so impressed by the attention to detail and focus on individualized learning. I think that the small class sizes allow students to receive the attention they need. Students excel when they are given the opportunity to work on their specific needs.
Endorse Rivendell School Of Northern Colorado. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

The Evolution of Early Reading Strategies for Children
Explore the journey of early reading strategies from the 17th century to the present day, uncovering the evolution of tools, methods, and technologies that have shaped how children learn to read. This article delves into the historical milestones and contemporary approaches that offer a fascinating look at literacy development in children.

The Evolution of School Choice: A Focus on Vouchers
Explore the history and evolution of school choice, focusing on vouchers. This article provides an in-depth analysis of vouchers' origins, growth, benefits, and criticisms as part of the broader school choice movement, along with a look at current trends and future outlook.

August 11, 2023
Admissions Matters: Following Up, The Competition, & DeadlinesNavigating the complex landscape of private high school admissions requires expertise and insight. This article delves into essential areas that every school should master: inquiry follow-up, standing out in a competitive market, and choosing between rolling admissions and fixed admissions deadlines.