Where Children
Fall in Love with Learning
Rolling admissions
·Registration for 2027-28 now open!
·Tuition assistance available
"Bixby is a place that sees my whole son — the academic, social, and emotional. The teachers nurture and challenge him, recognizing when he needs a lift and when he needs a push. The small class sizes allow teachers and the students themselves to view each child as a unique learner. Jax has grown from a shy little boy to a confident kid."
— Teresa Tate
Bixby Parent
Our Programs
From preschool through elementary, every program at Bixby is rooted in curiosity, creativity, and respect for each child.
Preschool & TK
Our early childhood and transitional kindergarten programs blend play-based exploration with purposeful learning. Mixed-age groups, loving teachers, and a curriculum shaped by each child's interests nurture curiosity and school readiness.
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Elementary School
With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, we use individualized instruction to challenge and explore each child's interests, talents, and passions — with a curiosity-driven, rich curriculum that goes well beyond Math, Science, and Literacy.
Request Info →Why Families Choose Bixby
Everything that makes Bixby different — from class size to curriculum to community.
Small Classes, Big Impact
A 6:1 student-teacher ratio means your child is known deeply and challenged individually, from preschool through 5th grade.
Expert Teachers
In Elementary, your child learns from dedicated specialists in each subject. In Preschool and TK, teachers lead with play, warmth, and age-appropriate challenge.
Whole-Child Learning
Music, Spanish, swimming, and sports are part of every day. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout — building confidence, empathy, and curiosity.
Progress You Can See
Progress at Bixby is measured through narrative feedback, portfolios, and family conferences, so you’ll know exactly how your child is growing in every dimension.
"Bixby taught me how to belong to myself and celebrate the uniqueness of our community."
— Katie Kowal
Bixby Alumna · Rhodes Scholar · Director, AI for Weather at University of Chicago
Meet Your Child's Teachers
Across Preschool, TK, Kindergarten, and Elementary, Bixby teachers are experienced educators who bring expertise, warmth, and genuine care to every child.
Head of School
Nina Lopez
Harvard-Radcliffe College, B.A. · Columbia University, JD
Nina leads campus tours personally and is the first person you'll meet when you visit Bixby. A Bixby parent since 2012 and Head of School since 2018, she brings 20+ years in education and a deep belief in every child's potential.
"I believe deeply in the potential of every child and in the power of individualized, responsive education to realize that potential."
Bixby teachers are...
Perceptive
Our teachers pay close attention. They notice what lights your child up, where they struggle, and who they’re becoming — so every child feels deeply known and seen.
Experienced
With an average of 15 years in the classroom, our teachers know what helps children grow and bring that expertise to every interaction.
Specialized
Because our teachers are specialists in their subjects, they bring a passion that inspires deeper curiosity and the expertise to meet each child right where they are.
Invested
Bixby is a place where teachers choose to stay. They are anchors of our community, providing the stability that supports learning and the continuity that builds trust.
Collaborative
Education at Bixby is a partnership. Our teachers see families as experts on their own children and students as stakeholders in their own growth.
Passionate
Our teachers genuinely love being here, and our students feel it. That joy creates classrooms where your child feels empowered to ask questions and try hard things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bixby is different by design. Here are the top questions we get from prospective families.
What is Bixby School?
Bixby is an independent, progressive school in Boulder, founded in 1970. Our teachers design their own project-based, child-led curriculum rather than following a packaged program — starting with who your child is and building learning from there. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio and core classes co-taught by two subject-specialist teachers, every child is deeply known. The campus is part of the program: three acres of outdoor space, an indoor saltwater pool, chef-prepared meals, and regular swim lessons for every child.
What ages and grades does Bixby serve?
Bixby is a PreK–5 school. Preschool enrolls children beginning at age 2.5. Transitional Kindergarten is available as an optional bridge year before kindergarten. Kindergarten and elementary grades 1–5 follow, with core subjects co-taught by two subject-specialist teachers. Families considering a specific program can learn more on our preschool and elementary pages.
How much does tuition cost, and is financial aid available?
Tuition for the 2026–27 school year is $27,616 for preschool and $30,800 for Transitional Kindergarten through 5th grade. Tuition includes chef-prepared lunch daily (plus snacks for preschool), swim lessons, field trips, and all supplies. Financial aid is available — more than 17% of Bixby families receive tuition awards, with an average award of approximately $20,650. Bixby also participates in Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) program, which reduces tuition for qualifying preschool and Transitional Kindergarten families.
Is Bixby a good fit for gifted, twice-exceptional, or neurodivergent learners?
Bixby's small class sizes and individualized approach make it a strong environment for children who learn differently — whether they're gifted, twice-exceptional, or neurodivergent. With a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, our teachers can adapt instruction to each child's learning profile rather than teaching to the middle of a large class. We don't use a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Teachers start with who your child is — their strengths, their challenges, their interests — and build from there. If applicable, we request copies of evaluations and provider recommendations during admissions so we can work collaboratively with your family to develop a support plan.
Where do Bixby students go after 5th grade?
Bixby graduates attend a wide range of public and independent middle schools, including Summit Middle Charter (ranked #1 in Colorado), Friends School, Mackintosh Academy, Manhattan Middle, Southern Hills, and Horizons K-8. In a 2021 independent survey by Connor Associates, 85% of alumni and former parents said Bixby's academic foundation enabled students to perform well at the schools they went on to attend.
How do I know if Bixby is the right fit for my child?
The best way to find out is to visit. Tours last about 45 minutes, are led by our Head of School Nina, and include time in active classrooms. You'll leave with the answers to the questions specific to your child.
Recognized & Accredited
Schedule a Tour with Nina
Book a campus visit with our Head of School to see Bixby in action!
Have questions? Get in touch.
Fill out the form below and our admissions team will be in touch within one business day.
Or call us today at (303) 494-7508
Vendor or business inquiry? Please email office@bixbyschool.org instead.