FAQs
Admissions
| What type of student thrives at Dawson? |
| Dawson students are curious, driven, and kind; they don’t have to choose between those things. They thrive when they’re genuinely known by their teachers, challenged to do hard work, and given room to figure out what they care about. If your child wants to build something, perform something, lead something, or just find their people, they’ll have room to do all of it here. Dawson is the right fit for students who are ready to show up, try new things, and contribute. |
| What does the admissions process look like? |
| Our admissions process is designed to help us get to know your child and to help your family get to know us. It generally unfolds in four stages: a campus visit, a shadow day where your child spends time in actual Dawson classes, the application itself (including teacher recommendations and transcripts), and a decision. Most families move through the process between October and February. Visit our Admissions Process page for a step-by-step guide, or contact us at admissions@dawsonschool.org, we’re glad to walk you through it. |
| When should families apply for admission? |
Dawson has rolling admissions; however, applications for the following school year open in October. We recommend that families solicit the necessary recommendations and supporting documents throughout November and December of the prior year in which they wish to attend. The bulk of our shadow days are hosted on-campus in January, with decisions going out to families beginning in mid-February. |
| How competitive is admission to Dawson? |
| Dawson is a selective school, and available seats vary by grade level. Lower School tends to fill quickly, while Middle and Upper School grades often have more openings. What we’re looking for isn’t a perfect academic record. We’re looking for students who are genuinely curious, kind, and ready to be part of a community. The strongest applications give us a full picture of who your child is, not just their grades. We encourage families to apply early and reach out if they have questions about fit. |
| Do you have a waitlist or wait pool and how does it work? |
| Dawson mostly maintains wait pools for Lower School grades (K–5), where available spaces can be limited. If an opening becomes available after admissions decisions are released, the Admissions Committee reviews all qualified candidates in the wait pool. There is no numerical ranking or first-come, first-served order. Instead, the committee considers which student is the best fit for the specific opening and the needs of the class at that time. |
| Can students enroll after the school year has already started? |
| Yes, mid-year and summer enrollment happens every year. If your family is in the middle of a transition, we’re glad to talk through timing and what the process looks like. Reach out to admissions@dawsonschool.org and we’ll take it from there. |
| When will families receive admissions decisions? |
Dawson School releases admissions decisions for the upcoming academic year in mid-February. The admissions process generally follows the timeline below: October–December: Applications open in October, and most families complete campus visits, student shadow days, interviews, and application requirements during the fall and early winter months. January: Application materials and supporting documents are due. Mid-February: Admissions decisions are shared with families. For the most current deadlines, division-specific requirements, or to check the status of an application, please visit Dawson's Admissions Process page or contact the Admissions Office. |
| How old must my child be to enter Kindergarten? |
| Children generally need to be 5 by September 1st of the year they enroll. We evaluate each child holistically, so if you have questions about readiness or timing, contact our Admissions Office, we’re happy to talk through your child’s specific situation. |
| How important are teacher recommendations, transcripts, and testing during admissions? |
| Dawson uses a holistic admissions process, which means every part of an application plays an important role. Teacher recommendations, transcripts, testing (when applicable), interviews, and other application materials help the Admissions Committee gain a complete understanding of each student. No single component determines an admissions decision on its own. Families are encouraged to complete all application requirements and submit their strongest work so the committee has the fullest picture possible of their child. |
Tuition & Financial Assistance
| What is Dawson's tuition? |
| Annual tuition ranges from $32,100 to $39,950, depending on grade level. A Dawson education is a significant investment, and one our families consistently tell us is worth it. |
| Does Dawson offer tuition assistance or financial aid? |
Yes. Dawson offers need-based tuition assistance. This year, we awarded nearly $2.3 million in assistance to 87 students. The average award was approximately $27,000. Nearly 20% of Dawson students receive some level of support. Awards are evaluated annually through our application partner, Clarity. Decisions are based on family income, assets, family size, and other financial factors. We encourage families to apply early; funds are most available before initial awards are made. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, apply anyway. There’s nothing to lose by asking. |
| Will applying for tuition assistance affect my child’s chances for admission? |
| No. Admission decisions are made without consideration of the financial circumstances of the applicant. After the Admission Committee has reached its decisions, the Tuition Assistance Committee makes grants to admitted students who have submitted tuition assistance applications and have demonstrated need. While Dawson tries to meet the demonstrated need of most newly admitted students, it is possible to be admitted to Dawson but denied tuition assistance. Such students are offered a place on the tuition assistance waiting list. |
| What types of families qualify for tuition assistance? |
| Tuition assistance at Dawson is based on demonstrated financial need rather than a specific family type or circumstance. The school evaluates each application individually to understand a family's financial situation and ability to contribute toward tuition. Assistance is awarded to help make a Dawson education accessible to qualified students from a wide range of backgrounds. Families who believe they may need financial support are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance as part of the admissions process. |
| How much tuition assistance do families typically receive? |
| For the current school year, the school awarded approximately $2.3 million in tuition assistance to 87 students. The average tuition assistance award was approximately $27,000 per student, though individual awards vary based on each family's financial circumstances and demonstrated need. |
What if I am unsure whether my family qualifies for tuition assistance? |
| Apply. Families have nothing to lose by asking, and we’d rather you find out through the process than wonder. Contact our Admissions Office if you’d like to talk through your situation before applying. |
| How does Dawson determine tuition assistance awards? |
| Tuition assistance is evaluated through Clarity, our application partner, using a comprehensive picture of each family’s financial situation, including income, assets, family size, and other relevant factors. We follow NAIS Principles of Good Practice to ensure awards are equitable and consistent. A few things to know: both parents/guardians are generally expected to be employed (with exceptions for medical circumstances or children under six), and business owners will be asked to provide complete tax documentation. Awards are reviewed annually and are not finalized until tax documents are received. For specific questions about how your situation might be evaluated, contact our Admissions Office, we’re glad to help you understand the process. |
| Do families need to reapply for tuition assistance every year? |
| Yes. Each student’s need is recalculated annually. Parents are, therefore, required to submit a Clarity application and tax forms each year. Grants are adjusted annually based on your demonstrated financial need, which typically results in small adjustments to your funding amount each year. Normally, a family can expect that tuition assistance will be continued throughout the student’s enrollment, provided the financial need is substantiated yearly. Tuition assistance will not, however, be awarded to families who have delinquent accounts with the school. |
| How confidential is the tuition assistance process? |
| Completely confidential. Dawson treats all financial assistance information with strict privacy. We ask families to do the same—keeping award information private protects the integrity and sustainability of the program for everyone. |
Academics
| How challenging is Dawson’s academic program? |
Dawson is academically serious and deliberately so. Students engage in advanced coursework, critical thinking, analytical writing, and real-world problem-solving. Teachers don’t teach to a test; they teach students to think. But rigor at Dawson isn’t pressure for its own sake. Small class sizes and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio mean no student gets lost. When students struggle, there’s a person—a teacher, an advisor, a learning specialist—who notices and responds. The result is students who are thoughtfully challenged and genuinely prepared: for college, for work, and for a world that doesn’t come with an answer key. |
| What is the student-to-teacher ratio and average class size? |
| 6:1 with an average class size of 15 |
| What qualifications do Dawson teachers have? |
| 70% of our faculty have advanced degrees. We have an 91% faculty retention rate with an average tenure of 8 years. We currently have no first-year teachers on staff. |
| What academic support is available if a student needs extra help? |
| Every division at Dawson has at least one full-time Learning Specialist who works directly with students, teachers, and families. Support is individualized; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. For students with specific learning needs, commonly provided accommodations include extended time on assessments, separate testing environments, preferential seating, audiobooks, speech-to-text tools, calculator access, and structured breaks. If your child has specific learning needs, we encourage you to contact us early in the admissions process so we can have an honest conversation about fit and support. In Middle and Upper School students also have a dedicated advisor, and access to division-specific counselors. |
| Does Dawson offer STEM, engineering, computer science, and research opportunities? |
Yes, and then some. In fact, Dawson is ranked the #2 Best High School for STEM in Colorado by Niche.com. We have a continuous K–12 thread, giving students across all three divisions challenging science and math study, plus hands-on opportunities to explore engineering, design, robotics, and real-world problem-solving. All students work in our Makerspace as well. As students progress into the Upper School, those foundational skills expand into advanced coursework and co-curriculars. Students can pursue specialized technology classes like AP Computer Science, app development, game design, and digital fabrication, or join our competitive FIRST Robotics team. For those looking to conduct high-level research, the Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Capstone and our Distinctions program provide a formalized pathway for Upper School students to dive into deep independent studies, allowing them to graduate with demonstrated expertise in Science, Civics, Business and Entrepreneurship, Art, or Innovation. Upper School students also have dual enrollment options through our CU ACCESS partnership. |
| How much homework should students expect? |
Homework is considered a building block for strengthening the work done in school. Beginning in kindergarten, homework is part of a Dawson student's daily plan. Homework should not become a family burden. If a student has difficulty with a homework assignment, parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the teacher via phone or email for further clarification. In general, students are given homework assignments to provide follow-up, reinforcement, enrichment, and continuity within the overall curriculum plan. Due to the differences in students' study habits, abilities, and assignments, it is very difficult to state the exact amount of time that should be spent on homework. The following is a general guideline of expectations:
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| Do students participate in standardized testing? |
Lower School: NWEA MAP test 3 times a year Middle School: NWEA MAP test 2 times a year Upper School: PSAT, ACT, SAT, and AP exams |
| How do Dawson's Upper School academics differ from nearby schools? |
| The most obvious difference: your child will be known. With an average class size of 15 and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, every student at Dawson has teachers who know their name, their strengths, and what they’re working on. Beyond that, Dawson’s Upper School offers things that are genuinely hard to find elsewhere: the Connections signature internship program (grades 9–12), Distinctions, a formal graduation credential in science, civics, business & entrepreneurship, art, or innovation, dual enrollment with CU Boulder, and a dedicated college counseling team with a 30:1 ratio that starts working with students in 9th grade. Students don’t just get into college. They arrive ready. |
| How does Dawson’s college counseling program work, and what kind of results do students achieve? |
30:1 student-to-counselor ratio — vs. 100:1 national private school average, and 200:1 at many nearby schools. Starts in 9th grade. By the time students write their Common App essay, they've had three years of conversations with a counselor who genuinely knows them. What's included:
Class of 2026 outcomes:
The goal isn't the same list for every student — it's the right fit for each one. |
Lower School
| What does a typical day look like in Lower School? |
| Lower School students start their day in a homeroom class with their core teacher, building a strong foundation in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Throughout the week, they rotate through six specialist classes: art, music, technology, Spanish, library, and PE—each taught twice a week. Students also get three recesses every day (yes, three). Play isn’t a reward at Dawson; it’s considered essential to learning. Free after-school care is included in tuition from 3:30 - 5:00, Monday to Thursday. |
| How does Dawson approach math in Lower School? |
| Dawson Lower School uses the Origo Stepping Stones mathematics program across all grades K–5, a research-backed curriculum designed to build genuine number sense rather than just procedural fluency. Students learn not just how to get the answer, but why it works. |
| How does Dawson support students’ social and emotional development in Lower School? |
| Through Conscious Discipline, a research-based framework that all Dawson Lower School teachers are trained in. Conscious Discipline teaches students how to regulate their emotions, resolve conflict, and build the kind of trust and connection that makes learning possible. The philosophy is simple: a child who feels safe and settled can take academic risks. We invest in emotional development, not instead of academic rigor, but because of it. Every division also has a full-time dedicated social-emotional counselor and learning specialist. |
Middle School
| What makes Dawson’s Middle School different? |
| Middle School at Dawson is built around a single idea: that these years matter too much to waste on passive learning. Students take a strong academic core (English, math, science, social studies, world languages) alongside a new Life Skills class, a dedicated course that builds executive functioning, study strategies, and the practical interpersonal skills students need for high school and beyond. 6th graders have music all year (band or choir). 7th and 8th graders have expanded technology time that includes dedicated AI literacy lessons. Small class sizes (average: 15), a daily advisory program, and a dedicated social-emotional counselor and learning specialist mean no middle schooler gets lost in the shuffle. |
| What is the Life Skills class? |
| Life Skills is a new dedicated class for all three Middle School grades, a direct investment in the habits and competencies that don’t fit neatly into any other subject. Students work on executive functioning skills (organization, time management, goal-setting), study strategies for managing increasing academic demands, and practical interpersonal skills from how to make a confident first impression to how to navigate a difficult conversation. It’s not a free period or a soft elective. It’s one of the most practical things we teach. |
Upper School & College Counseling
| How does Dawson prepare students for college and life after graduation? |
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| How does Dawson's college admissions compare to local public high schools? |
| Dawson provides an exceptionally personalized college counseling experience that is difficult to match. With a 30:1 student-to-college counselor ratio, guidance begins in 9th grade and includes one-on-one planning, dedicated college counseling coursework, and direct access to over 100 college admissions representatives who visit campus each year. Students also build competitive college applications through our rigorous academics, internships, community service, leadership opportunities, dual enrollment opportunities, and specialized programming such as EntreX Lab. As a result, Dawson graduates regularly earn admission to highly selective colleges and universities, with many receiving significant merit scholarship awards. |
| Why do Dawson graduates stand out? |
| Dawson graduates stand out because they are supported by a highly personalized educational experience that helps them develop strong academic, leadership, and real-world skills. Through rigorous coursework, internships, community service, entrepreneurship opportunities, and individualized college counseling, students gather distinctive experiences that reflect their passions and accomplishments. Combined with close mentorship from faculty and counselors, these experiences prepare Dawson graduates to succeed at highly selective colleges and make meaningful contributions beyond graduation. |
| What is your college admissions rate? |
| We have a 100% college acceptance rate. Graduates are routinely accepted into a wide range of top-tier institutions, with their admittance rates sitting well above global averages. 93% of the Class of 2026 were accepted to at least one of their top three schools (Class of 2026 Senior Exit Survey). |
| Does Dawson offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program? |
| No. The IB Diploma is an all-or-nothing credential with significant pressure built in. The IB Organization’s own data shows that roughly 20% of students who sit the final exams don’t earn the diploma, and school-level attrition before exams can run considerably higher. Research also shows that students who take IB courses but don’t complete the full diploma have broadly similar college outcomes to those who do, which raises a fair question: is the all-or-nothing credential worth the cost? For Dawson, the answer is no. Our AP program gives students the depth that colleges value, with the flexibility to pursue what actually interests them. 90% of our AP students score a 3 or higher. And our academic experience goes well beyond AP: the Distinctions program, dual enrollment with CU Boulder, and the Connections internship give students credentials and real-world experiences that stand out in college applications in ways a diploma—IB or otherwise—simply can’t. |
What types of AP classes do you offer? |
| We offer 16 Advanced Placement courses across math, technology, the sciences, humanities, and world languages. |
Programs & Experiences
| What is the Connections program? |
| Connections is Dawson’s signature internship program for Upper School students (grades 9–12). It places students in real organizations across high-demand industries and unique regional opportunities, giving them hands-on experience, professional relationships, and a clear path from classroom learning to future careers. Students in grades 9–12 can participate in after-school internships for co-curricular credit. Juniors and seniors have the option to complete a semester-long, for-credit internship during the school day, with a course release 2 days per week. Connections isn’t a resume line. It’s the moment students realize they can actually do this, whatever ‘this’ turns out to be. |
| What is the Distinctions program? |
| Dawson’s Distinctions program is a formal graduation credential for Upper School students who go beyond graduation requirements to develop deep expertise in a field they’re passionate about. Students who complete the required coursework and a culminating experience—an internship, capstone, portfolio, or performance- earn a Distinction in one of 5 areas: Science, Civics, Business & Entrepreneurship, Art, or Innovation. A Distinction demonstrates something a GPA can’t: sustained intellectual commitment to something that genuinely matters to the student. |
| Can Dawson students take college courses for credit? |
Yes. Dawson offers two dual-enrollment opportunities. The EntreX Lab Program™ is an entrepreneurship and leadership curriculum available through the University of Delaware’s Horn School of Entrepreneurship. These classes are taught at Dawson with Dawson faculty. And through Dawson’s partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder’s High School ACCESS Program, academically qualified students in grades 10–12 can enroll in CU courses that count toward both a Dawson diploma and a college degree. These courses are taught by CU faculty at CU academic standards. |
| What is Winterim? |
| Winterim is Dawson’s signature experiential learning week, offered each winter across grade K-12. Students in Lower School engage in an in-depth study of a specific topic, such as space or dinosaurs, and study via field trips, speakers, and special experiences. Students in Middle and Upper School choose from on-campus programs or travel—local, national, and international (US only)—that integrate academic content, life skills, character development, team building, and real-world experience. Past Winterim experiences have included language immersion, wilderness expeditions, community service projects, cultural travel, and professional site visits. It’s one of those Dawson experiences students remember long after graduation. |
Technology & AI
| How does Dawson approach technology in the classroom? |
| Intentionally and differently by age. In Lower School, we maintain a low-tech environment. Children are developing the foundational skills—reading, writing, collaboration, play—that screens can’t replace. Technology is introduced starting in third grade as a tool for creation, not passive consumption. In Middle School, students receive MacBook Airs and learn to use a variety of softwares and technologies to design, create, and solve real problems. 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have expanded technology time through periods 7 and 8, including dedicated lessons in AI literacy and practical digital schools. In Upper School, students access a full suite of advanced courses: AP Computer Science, Sustainable Design, Modern Web Development, and Digital Fabrication, and more. Technology is treated as a professional tool—something to be used with both skill and judgment. |
| How is Dawson handling artificial intelligence in the classroom? |
| Thoughtfully and optimistically. Dawson’s approach to AI starts with a clear belief: we’d be doing a disservice to students if we pretended it doesn’t exist. Our faculty spends dedicated professional development time exploring AI tools and developing age-appropriate approaches for their specific subjects and grade levels. We’re not replacing teachers with chat bots; we’re helping students understand what AI can do, where it falls short, how to use it ethically, and what it means for the careers they’re heading toward. In 7th and 8th grade, students now have dedicated AI literacy lessons built into expanded technology time. In Upper School, AI tools are integrated into some of their coursework and assignments, alongside traditional learning elements such as hand written essays. And across all grades, the question we keep asking is: can the student demonstrate real understanding, critical thinking, and not just produce an output? Interested in learning more, read our AI Philosophy. We also have an AI use policy in effect schoolwide. |
Arts
| What arts are available at Dawson? |
| Dawson offers a wide range of visual and performing arts opportunities, including Ceramics, Woodworking, Jewelry Making, Digital Art, Photography, Sculpture, Theater, Choir, and instrumental ensembles. Students are encouraged to explore different artistic disciplines, develop their talents, and share their work through performances, productions, and exhibitions throughout the year. |
| Does Dawson have a strong arts program? |
| The arts are a core part of the Dawson experience. Visual and performing arts are woven into the experience from the earliest grades, and they grow with students as they progress. Offerings span ceramics, woodworking, jewelry making, digital art, photography, sculpture, theater, choir, instrumental ensembles, and dance. In 6th grade, music is now a year-long commitment (students choose between band and choir). Advanced study is available in Upper School, including arts-focused Distinctions for students who want to develop deep expertise. No prior experience required. Students at every level are welcome, and many of Dawson’s strongest arts students discovered their passion here. |
Athletics
| What athletic opportunities are available at Dawson? |
| Athletics are an integral part of the Dawson experience. Students across all grade levels can choose from a wide variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, tennis, basketball, baseball, volleyball, cross country, golf, cyclocross, kayaking, and more. Dawson offers 19 Upper School athletic programs as well as numerous Middle School interscholastic teams. With exceptional facilities, including two gymnasiums, tennis courts, a weight room, a climbing wall, and expansive athletic fields, students have the resources to develop their skills, compete at a high level, and enjoy the benefits of teamwork and healthy competition. |
| Does my child need prior experience or advanced skills to participate in athletics? |
| No. Dawson welcomes students of all experience levels and encourages participation, skill development, and teamwork. Whether your child is new to a sport or an experienced athlete, there are opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute. |
| Is Dawson a good choice for student-athletes? |
| Yes. Dawson provides student-athletes with a strong combination of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and personalized support. Small class sizes, dedicated coaches, and outstanding facilities give students opportunities to develop their skills, gain meaningful playing time, and grow as leaders. For those interested in playing at the collegiate level, Dawson offers individualized college counseling and recruiting guidance, helping students pursue opportunities at NCAA Division I, II, and III programs. |
| How does Dawson support student athletes and NCAA recruitment opportunities? |
Dawson provides personalized support for student-athletes throughout the college recruiting process, beginning as early as ninth grade. With a dedicated college counseling team and a low student-to-counselor ratio, students receive individualized guidance on athletic recruiting, including building athletic resumes, managing highlight film, communicating with college coaches, and navigating NCAA Eligibility Center requirements. More than 100 colleges visit Dawson each year, giving students valuable opportunities to connect directly with admissions representatives and coaches. Dawson regularly graduates student-athletes who continue competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels across a variety of sports, including lacrosse, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and golf. Our student-athletes benefit from strong coaching, competitive programs, outstanding athletic facilities, and the opportunity to take on meaningful leadership roles through athletics. We also support students pursuing high-level club and travel sports, helping them balance their athletic commitments with academic success. For a complete look at our athletic offerings, explore the Dawson Upper School Athletics Program or review our college readiness roadmap. |
Student Life
What makes Dawson different from other private schools in Boulder County? |
At Dawson, your child will be known as a specific person with specific strengths, specific interests, and a specific story. That’s the product of small class sizes (average: 15), a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, teachers who stay (88% retention, average 8-year tenure), and a culture built around genuine relationships. Beyond that: A 107-acre campus with a 25,000 sq ft Innovation Center, full arts facilities, 2 gyms, and outdoor challenge course Experiential learning at every grade level, Winterim, field trips, ropes course, maker labs, and the Connections internship program A college counseling team with a 30:1 ratio, beginning in 9th grade Signature programs: Distinctions, dual enrollment with CU Boulder, Wolf Scholars, and a Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship department with a K–12 entrepreneurship lens Lower School tuition includes a free lunch. After-school care is available for an additional fee. |
| What is the culture and atmosphere like at Dawson? |
Dawson isn't the private school you might be imagining. Forget the stereotype of entitled students, status anxiety, and relentless pressure to outperform. Our motto, 'Nothing Without Labor, ' sets a different tone entirely: we believe in working hard because the work itself matters, not because you're competing against the person next to you. The people who make up this community — students, faculty, staff, families — are genuinely unpretentious. Our teachers didn't come here to pad a résumé; they came because they believe deeply in independent education done right, and they stay because the relationships they build here are real. Students are known by name, by interest, by the thing they struggled with last semester and figured out this one. What you'll actually find at Dawson is warmth. Kids who hold doors open, faculty who eat lunch with students, staff who know your kid's name before the first week is out. It's a community where honesty and dependability are the currency — not clout, not credentials, not connections. High expectations? Absolutely. But the atmosphere those expectations live in is one of genuine encouragement, not anxiety. Students are challenged to do their best work because their teachers are doing their best work alongside them, every day. That's the Dawson difference, and it's harder to manufacture than a ranking or a reputation. It's just who we are. |
| How does Dawson help new students and families transition into the community? |
| Dawson is a very personal and welcoming place. Students quickly feel at home at Dawson after stepping on campus. We have student and parent ambassadors that reach out to new families and sponsor several events for new families at the beginning of each school year. |
| How does Dawson communicate with parents and families? |
Parents receive an annual magazine, weekly school-wide newsletter, monthly division-specific communications, an end of semester newsletter from the Head of School, as well as an annual presentation on the State of the School. In the Lower School homeroom teachers also provide a Friday folder and email to keep parents up-to-date on what’s happening in the classroom. Our goal is to keep parents informed, engaged, and connected to their child’s experience at Dawson. Families also have access to the online Portal, which provides important operational information, calendars, grades and assignments, and contact information for Dawson faculty and staff. Families are encouraged to attend back-to-school nights, conferences, community events, performances, athletic competitions, and parent education opportunities throughout the year. Parents and guardians can schedule time to talk to the Head of School any time of year, as well as any faculty member during the school year. |
| What is it like to be a student at Dawson? |
Dawson is not a place where you are just part of the daily grind. In a small, intentional community like ours, you are known. Your teachers know how you think, what excites you, where you get stuck, and what you're capable of when you're pushed. It means the work you do is genuinely yours, not a standardized assignment handed to 150 students, but a challenge shaped around who you are and where you're headed. Students here get to go deep. Deep into subjects they love, and projects and experiences that would simply never happen in a larger school. Whether that's original research, an immersive field experience, a performance, an expedition, or a one-on-one conversation with a teacher who has real time for you, the Dawson experience is defined by its texture and specificity, not its scale. Your friendships are the kind that last. Not because we manufacture community, but because you can't spend years being genuinely known by people without something real forming between you.
Dawson has helped me grow into the person I am today. The connections I was able to form with my peers and teachers have been life-changing and have opened my life up to so many different opportunities that I do not think I would have gotten if I had gone to a bigger school. - Lily S. Class of 2026 Dawson turned around my school experience with great teachers and great opportunities. - Landon B. Class of 2026 "I had a very hard transition from middle school to high school, but I started to thrive in the Dawson environment because of the personalized attention and support I received from my teachers." - Marin M. Class of 2026 I have started at Dawson in 7th grade. This community has seen me through incredible transformation and has been here for me throughout. Dawson's community is unmatched. - Elsie H. Class of 2026 Dawson has given me the opportunity to thrive amongst students who love to learn and teachers who care. I'm very grateful for this community and all it has provided. Clara N.-B. Class of 2026 |
| Is Dawson cliquish? |
| Close friendships naturally form at any school, and Dawson is no exception. But the structure of our community works against cliques more than most schools: small class sizes mean students know each other across social groups, division-wide traditions and activities keep the whole community mixing, and our advisory program creates a consistent space where belonging is actively built. |
| Is Dawson only for wealthy families? |
| No, and we work hard to make sure of that. Nearly 20% of Dawson students receive need-based tuition assistance, with an average award of approximately $27,000 this year. We awarded nearly $2.3 million in financial support across 87 students.We believe a strong school community is a diverse one. Families from a wide range of economic backgrounds are part of Dawson, and financial assistance is evaluated individually, not by family type. If cost is a concern, we encourage you to apply for tuition assistance and have a direct conversation with our Admissions team. |
| What extracurricular opportunities are available at Dawson? |
| Beyond the classroom, Dawson students can compete in 19 Upper School sports, perform in theater productions and musical ensembles, participate in our award-winning speech and debate team, join the student government, pursue robotics, and engage in a range of student-led clubs. For Middle Schoolers: athletics, arts, and dedicated activity time are built into the school day. For Lower Schoolers: PE, music, art, technology, Spanish, and library are included in the weekly schedule for every student. |
| What awards, recognitions, or accreditations has Dawson received? |
| Year-over-year we are an A+ rated, Niche Best School's winner, most recently being named a top school for both private and STEM education. Dawson is also repeatedly voted best private school in the area by several annual polls, including Boulder Daily Camera’s “BoCoGold,” Boulder Weekly’s “Best of Boulder,” and Yellow Scene magazine’s “Best of the West.” In addition, Dawson Summer Camps has been voted Best or Runner-Up camp in these same polls. |
| Is Dawson a nonprofit school, and how is the school governed? |
Dawson is a non-profit school. Dawson is governed by a board of trustees, a combination of the Alexander Dawson Foundation's executive team and local Dawson School parent and alumni trustees, and is operated by a head of school and an internal administrative team. The trustees guard the school's mission and long-term interests. The head of school is responsible for day-to-day operations. |
| Do you offer after-school care and extended-day programs? |
| After School Academy (ASA) in Lower School K-5 | M-Th | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | is included in the cost of tuition, with additional clubs you can purchase. |
| Does Dawson provide busing or transportation services? |
| Dawson offers its families a convenient, centralized-stop bus program with an affordable flat fee structure. Bus transportation includes after-school hours to support extracurriculars. Admissions can provide detailed information on bus stop locations. |
Safety & Security
| How does Dawson prioritize student safety and well-being? |
We prioritize student safety and well-being through a combination of dedicated mental health support, restorative discipline, and an active security presence. Dawson maintains a safe campus through an on-site Safety and Security Team, 24/7 video surveillance, and secure keyless building access. Dawson supports student well-being with dedicated counselors, mindfulness practices, advisory programs, and individualized learning support. Dawson cultivates respect, compassion, courage, and integrity through character education and restorative practices that promote accountability and community. |
What safety and security measures are in place on campus? |
Dawson has a full-time Safety and Security team composed of former Boulder County Deputies who are on-site during school hours, athletics, and all events. Our Director of Safety and Security works closely with trustees and the leadership team to ensure that technology, procedures, and policy leverage best practices and that we are always reviewing security proactively. There is limited access to buildings, and surveillance cameras throughout campus. We have recently invested in upgrading entry panels, surveillance systems, and first-aid equipment. Dawson also requires staff, students, and parents to review and sign an annual code of conduct handbook that includes safety and behavior policies. |