K-12 college prep school in Lafayette supporting students with learning differences and ADHD
Dawson School is a K-12 college-preparatory school in Lafayette, Colorado that supports students with mild learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and other learning needs. The school maintains small class sizes (average 15 students) and employs 75 classroom teachers, 75% of whom hold advanced degrees, creating an environment where students with diverse learning profiles can receive personalized attention alongside rigorous academics.
The school's Learning Difference Programs and ADD/ADHD support services are integrated into the college-prep curriculum, allowing students with special needs to access challenging coursework, AP classes, and advanced programs while receiving the accommodations and structured support they need. Dawson emphasizes character development alongside academics, focusing on respect, compassion, courage, and integrity—values that support students in building resilience and confidence.
Founded in 1970, Dawson enrolls 477 students and offers rolling admissions with 18% of families receiving financial aid. Tuition is tiered by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-12) starting at $36,108 annually. The school provides a broad range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and student-led clubs, helping students with special needs develop social connections and explore their interests in a supportive community.
At a Glance
GradesKindergarten-12
Students477
Class Size15:1 ratio
Tuition$36,108
Fin. Aid18% receive aid
Est.1970
DeadlineNone / Rolling
Accreditation & Memberships
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS)
School Information
| Year Founded | 1970 |
| Yearly Tuition Cost | $36,108 |
| Tuition Notes | Tiered tuition: K-2, 3-5, 6-12 |
| Total Students | 477 |
| Total Classroom Teachers | 75 |
| Percent of Faculty with Advanced Degree | 75 |
| Average Class Size | 15 |
| Grades Offered | Kindergarten-12 |
Admissions Information
| Admissions Director | Scott Schneider |
| Admissions Associate | Chari Nickerson |
| Admission Deadline | None / Rolling |
| Percent on Financial Aid | 18 |
Student Body Information
| Student Body Type | Co-ed |
| Percent of Students of Color | 14 |
Academic Programs Information
Special Education Programs
Learning Difference ProgramsADD/ADHD Support
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Advanced Courses
Mandarin VShow More (1)Hide
AP Courses
AP BiologyAP Calculus ABAP Calculus BCAP ChemistryAP Computer Science AAP Computer Science PrinciplesAP English Language and CompositionAP English Literature & CompositionAP Environmental ScienceAP French Language and CultureAP Human GeographyAP Physics C: MechanicsAP Spanish Language and CultureAP StatisticsAP U.S. Government & PoliticsAP U.S. History
List of Courses Offered
Link to List of Courses
Matriculation DataView data
Sports and Extracurricular Information
| Sports | Baseball · Basketball · Cross Country · Cycling · Golf · Kayaking · Lacrosse · Mountain Biking · Soccer · Tennis · Volleyball |
| Clubs and Organizations | Club or Organization: · Robotics Teams · Rock Climbing · Speech and Debate Team · Student-led Clubs · Arts and Music Programs: · Theatrical Productions · Recreational Athletic Programs: · Canoe & Kayak Team · Yoga |
Additional Information
| Classroom Dress Code | Casual |
| School Memberships | National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) · Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) |
| Religious Affiliations | Nonsectarian |
| School Calendar | www.dawsonschool.org/calendar |
| Summer Program Details | View Summer Program Details |
| Summer School Offered | Yes |
| Average SAT Score | 1385 |
| Average ACT Score | 31 |
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