
Finding Our Way – Together
Let’s face it, life is difficult, and everyone is just trying to find their way. At September School, we focus on social and emotional learning as highly as academic growth. This approach, based on collaboration, support, teamwork, honesty, and skill development, empowers teens to embrace who they are, how they learn, and how to treat others.
Is it hard? You bet it is. Is it enriching? Without a doubt.
For more than 44 years, September School has served as Boulder’s longest running independent, private high school. Our experienced, genuine, and caring faculty and staff work together to transform the lives of our community’s teens. In turn, our students have the opportunity to embrace responsibility by building relationships with others and with themselves.
Growing and Learning Together
At September School, we focus on social and emotional learning just as much as academic growth. Based on collaboration, support, teamwork, honesty, and skill development, this approach empowers teens to embrace who they are and how they learn. They’ll work with us and with their peers collaboratively, engaging with others respectfully and compassionately.
Is this a hard task? It can be. But we know all kids are worth it, and no one needs to be left behind by the education system. That’s why we’re here: to embrace diversity in all types of kids with all types of learning styles. We’re here to be the support system you need.
For more than 44 years, September School has served as Boulder’s longest running, independent private high school. Our experienced, genuine, and caring faculty and staff work together to transform the lives of our community’s teens. In turn, our students have the opportunity to grow by building relationships with others and with themselves.

Choosing a Private High School for Your Teen
If you’ve found September School, you’re probably looking for alternative approaches for your teen. Private schools in Colorado come with a range of philosophies and differing degrees of success. September School is not a school of last resort; it is a genuine opportunity for teens to feel comfortable in their learning environment. We’re a place that values and nurtures diversity, honesty, and personal responsibility.
As a leading private high school in relationship-based education, September School offers a progressive and supportive community where students are invited to learn and achieve. Our curriculum covers core academic subjects for grades 9-12, coupled with a core focus on cultivating emerging individual talents and interests. When you’re choosing from private schools in Colorado, consider how relationship-based education at September School in Boulder can open up a world of opportunities for your child.
Students thrive through collaborative practice, critical thinking, real-world exploration, and skill development. Our philosophy focuses on restorative justice, conflict resolution, and personal accountability. We provide a community that is inclusive for those with different learning styles and learning disabilities, and we welcome straight, LGBTQ, and trans students of all races. We offer support for teens dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Ready to find out more?
If you feel September School may be a good private high school for your teen, chances are you are right. Please call us at (303) 443-9933 to visit and learn more.
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Why Give to September School?
As an independent school, September School operates without financial support from local, state and federal governments.
Our unique relationship-based education approach means that we maintain very low student: teacher and student: counselor ratios. And, unlike traditional schools, our curriculum takes our students outside the classroom walls and into the world. Our budget is shaped by these needs.
Many families new to private schools are surprised to learn that tuition doesn’t cover the full cost of private school education. At September School, only 80-90% of our budget is covered by tuition and fees. We make up the difference with grants and through our fundraising programs, including:
- Annual Fund
- Community Circle
- Capital Campaigns
ANNUAL FUND
The Annual Fund provides unrestricted funds to our school and runs from July 1 to June 30 every year. Our goal is that 100% of September School families pledge to the Annual Fund, in a way and at a level that works for them:
Monthly subscription (recommended monthly amount: $40)
Annual contribution (recommended annual amount: $500)
Your gift of any amount supports the people and programs that make our community so special. When we work together, it all adds up.
COMMUNITY CIRCLE
Through our Community Circle, you work with us in a more powerful way to build financial sustainability and our continued growth. Community Circle donors pledge to support September School with gifts of $5,000 or more.
Friend ($5000-$9999)
Partner ($10,000 or more)
In recognition of your generosity, Community Circle members receive:
Inclusion of your name on the school’s website and in all appropriate fundraising materials
Mention of your name at key school events, including graduation
Invitation to special Community Circle events
For donations of more than $25,000, you may designate a place on our campus to put your name.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS
In 2019, we celebrated our 45th year with the completion of Phase 1 of our new campus at 96 Arapahoe in Boulder, CO. Nestled at the mouth of Boulder Canyon, our historically landmarked campus provides extraordinary access to the outdoors, including Boulder Creek and many local trails, as well as to the extended classroom in Boulder and the surrounding area.
The complete buildout of our new campus will allow us to offer world-class education to our students and expand our enrollment to 80 students.
Phase 2: renovate the historic barn (next to our primary building) and address interim facilities needs
Phase 3: Build a new community space
Your gifts to our Capital Campaign will help us continue this important and timely work.
HOW YOU CAN GIVE--WE’VE MADE IT EASY
Give online--it’s fast, safe and secure
Click here to make your gift via Paypal.
Click here to make your gift via Coloradogives.org.
Write a check! Make checks payable to:
September School
ATTN: [Name of program: Annual Fund, Community Circle or Capital Campaigns]
96 Arapahoe Ave
Boulder, CO 80302
Donate stocks or disbursements from your IRA
You may also make donations to September School in stock or via qualified charitable donations via disbursements from your IRA directly to September School.
For these types of donations, please consult your tax advisor first and then contact the school directly to make specific arrangements prior to making any transfer.
INCREASE IMPACT THROUGH EMPLOYER MATCHING
Remember, many employers match their employee’s gifts to non-profits. You may be able to double or triple the amount September School receives by submitting matching gift forms, and you will receive credit for the total gift!
YOUR GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
September School is a 501c3 charitable organization. All donations to our school are tax-deductible.
Learn more about giving to September School
If you’re interested in helping us re-awaken the love of learning through a financial gift and want to learn more, please contact us at info@septemberschool.org or 303-443-9933.