Schools in Denver: Comprehensive Guide to Education Options
Finding the right school for your child in Denver can feel overwhelming with hundreds of options across the metro area. Denver offers 285 schools serving over 111,000 students, including top-rated public schools, charter schools, and private institutions that consistently rank among the best in Colorado. The city's diverse educational landscape means you have choices whether you're looking for specialized programs, specific teaching approaches, or schools in particular neighborhoods.
Denver Public Schools operates the largest district in the area, but you'll also find excellent options in surrounding districts like Jefferson County and Cherry Creek. Many schools have earned recognition for their academic achievement, with several elementary schools like Polaris Elementary and Challenge School receiving top rankings statewide.
Understanding your school options, enrollment zones, and the application process will help you make the best choice for your family's needs. From traditional neighborhood schools to innovative charter programs, Denver's educational system provides pathways for every type of learner.
Overview of Denver School System
Denver's education system serves more than 100,000 students across multiple school types and grade levels. Denver Public Schools operates more than 200 schools with an 80% minority enrollment rate.
Education Levels and School Types
Denver offers education from preschool through 12th grade across public, private, and charter schools.
Public Schools make up the majority of options. These schools receive state and local funding and must follow state education standards.
Charter Schools operate with more flexibility than traditional public schools. Charter schools receive approval from local districts and get funding from both the district and state.
Private Schools charge tuition and have their own admission requirements. They don't follow all state regulations that public schools must follow.
Denver also participates in the Colorado Preschool Program. This gives you early childhood education options before kindergarten starts.
Denver Public Schools Structure
Denver Public Schools (DPS) is the main school district serving the city. DPS focuses on creating vibrant learning centers with caring teachers who provide culturally responsive education experiences.
The district uses a SchoolChoice system that sets it apart from many other cities. You can apply to schools citywide rather than being limited to your neighborhood school.
Application Process:
Applications open in late November
Deadlines fall in mid-January
You can rank multiple school preferences
Transportation may be provided to some schools
This system gives you more options but requires planning ahead. You need to research schools and submit applications even if you live in a school's neighborhood.
School Performance and Rankings
Denver schools show varied performance levels across the district. Rankings compare schools based on test scores, key statistics, and overall ratings - but we’ll note they can become outdated pretty quickly and sometimes your neighbors are your best indication of what the school experience will be like at any specific location.
Key Performance Factors:
State test scores in math and reading
Graduation rates for high schools
College readiness measures
Student-teacher ratios
You can research individual schools through multiple rating websites. GreatSchools provides ratings for elementary, middle, and high schools in the Denver area.
The district serves a diverse student population. 45.5% of DPS students qualify as economically disadvantaged. This creates both challenges and opportunities for schools to serve all students effectively.
Public Schools in Denver
Denver has public schools serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade across multiple districts. The Denver Public Schools district is the largest system, with additional schools in surrounding districts like Aurora and Cherry Creek.
Elementary Schools
Denver Public Schools operates dozens of elementary schools throughout the city. Some of the top-ranked elementary schools include Polaris Elementary School and Dennison Elementary School.
You'll find great schools distributed across Denver's neighborhoods. Each school serves local students with programs designed to meet diverse learning needs.
The district focuses on creating vibrant learning environments. Teachers use culturally responsive teaching methods to engage all students effectively.
Middle Schools
Middle schools in Denver bridge the gap between elementary and high school education. DPS operates several middle schools that serve grades 6-8 across the city.
These schools prepare students for the academic rigor of high school. You can expect smaller class sizes compared to high schools, with more individualized attention.
The curriculum includes core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies. Many schools also offer elective courses in arts, technology, and foreign languages.
Students participate in various extracurricular activities including sports teams and clubs. This helps them develop social skills and explore their interests.
High Schools
Denver's high school options include comprehensive schools and specialized programs. High schools in Denver prepare students for college and careers. They offer advanced placement courses, career technical education, and dual enrollment opportunities.
The average student-to-teacher ratio across Denver schools is 17:1. This allows for reasonable class sizes in most high school settings.
School Districts in the Denver Area
The Denver metro area has several major school districts serving different communities and grade levels.
Cherry Creek School District
Cherry Creek School District ranks as one of the Denver area's largest districts and the fourth-largest in Colorado. The district serves more than 51,000 students across 60 schools and programs.
You'll find 39 elementary schools in the district along with 10 traditional middle schools and 1 alternative middle school program. The district also operates 6 high schools and 1 alternative high school option.
The district's main office is located at 4700 S. Yosemite Street in Greenwood Village, Colorado. This location puts it in the southeastern part of the metro area.
Cherry Creek offers both new and resale housing options in mostly suburban settings. The district covers multiple communities beyond just Cherry Creek itself.
Other Major Districts
Denver Public Schools (DPS) serves as the main district for Denver city proper. You can view DPS district maps and school boundaries online with filtering options by grade level.
Westminster Public Schools operates northwest of Denver in the Thornton area. This district includes 16 schools working together to provide educational services.
Douglas County Schools serves the southern metro area. Boulder Valley School District covers the northern region and consistently ranks among Colorado's top performers.
Covering the western suburbs, Jefferson County Schools cover students from the Lakewood, Golden and foothills areas.
Comparing Districts by Performance
Boulder Valley consistently ranks as the #1 school district in the Denver area. The district serves nearly 30,000 students across 56 schools from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness rates, graduation rates, and teacher quality. District rankings also consider millions of reviews from students and parents.
You can compare districts based on academic performance, diversity, and teaching quality. SAT and ACT scores no longer factor into current rankings due to reduced emphasis on standardized testing in college admissions.
The best Denver area school districts offer different educational experiences and community involvement levels. Performance varies significantly between districts, so research is important when choosing where to live.
School Boundary Maps and Enrollment Zones
Denver Public Schools uses both traditional school boundaries and enrollment zones to determine where students can attend school. You can find your assigned school by looking up your address on official maps or using online tools.
Using School Boundary Maps
Denver Public Schools provides interactive district maps that show all school boundaries for the 2025-26 school year. You can filter these maps by grade level to find elementary, middle, or high schools in your area.
The easiest way to find your school is by using the address lookup tool. You simply type in your home address and select your child's grade level. The system will show you your neighborhood school and display the boundary lines for your location.
You can also call the School Boundary Hotline at 720-423-3400 if you need help reading the maps. The boundary maps are available as downloadable PDFs (2022-23 map) if you prefer to print them out.
How Zoning Affects Enrollment
Some Denver neighborhoods use enrollment zones instead of single-school boundaries. An enrollment zone covers a geographic area where students get a guaranteed seat at one of several schools, not just one specific school.
If you live in an enrollment zone, you can pick from multiple school options as your neighborhood school. You can also still apply to other DPS schools through the School of Choice process.
This system gives families more flexibility in choosing schools. Students in enrollment zones have automatic access to several schools in their area rather than being assigned to only one building.
Private and Charter Schools
Denver offers diverse educational options beyond traditional public schools, with private schools ranging from $5,500 to $25,000 in tuition and charter schools providing tuition-free alternatives. You'll find over 105 private institutions and numerous charter options throughout the metro area.
Top Private Schools
You can choose from several highly-ranked private schools in Denver. Colorado Academy leads the rankings, serving grades PK-12 with 1,047 students at 3800 S Pierce Street.
Denver Academy offers specialized education for grades 2-12 with 450 students. The school focuses on students with learning differences and provides individualized support.
Cherry Hills Christian School serves 687 students in grades K-12 at 3898 S. Teller Street. This Christian school combines academic excellence with faith-based education.
Other notable options include Bethlehem Lutheran School with 701 students in grades PK-8, and Aspen Academy with 252 students across all grade levels.
Tuition costs vary significantly, and most schools charge additional fees for transportation, lunch programs, and books beyond the base tuition rate.
Notable Charter Schools
Denver's charter schools operate as tuition-free public schools open to all students regardless of residence. These schools maintain more operational freedom than traditional district schools while meeting higher accountability standards.
Charter schools in Denver offer unique educational approaches and specialized programs. They provide families with diverse options without the financial burden of private school tuition.
You can apply to any charter school in Denver, though some may have waiting lists due to high demand. Each charter school operates independently with its own admission process and educational philosophy.
The schools focus on innovative teaching methods, smaller class sizes, and specialized curricula that may not be available in traditional public schools.
School Choice and Enrollment Process
Denver Public Schools operates a comprehensive choice system that allows families to select from multiple schools regardless of location. The DPS SchoolChoice open enrollment process serves any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following academic year.
SchoolChoice System Overview
DPS uses a choice-based system instead of traditional school boundary maps. This means you can select up to 12 schools in priority order regardless of where they are located in Denver.
The system works through three main steps. First, you research schools to find the best fit for your child. Next, you submit your application online and rank your preferred schools. Finally, DPS uses a lottery system to match students based on your rankings, school capacity, and priority preferences.
You don't have to live in Denver to participate. Families from outside the district can apply to attend any DPS school that would be a good fit for their student.
The lottery system ensures fairness in school placement. DPS launched this one-application, one-deadline process over a decade ago to create equity and consistency in school enrollment.
Application Timelines
Current Timeline for 2025-26:
Round 1 was open through February 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Updated Timeline for 2026-27:
Application deadline: January 20, 2026 at 4 p.m.
Results notification: Late February 2026
The timeline change gives families more time to research schools and complete applications. This is especially important for incoming ECE-3, kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students who typically need to find new schools.
You should submit your application during Round 1 for the best chance at your preferred schools. Later rounds may have fewer available spots.
Key Resources for Families
The 2025-26 DPS Enrollment Guides are your main resource for school information. These guides outline all steps needed to complete your SchoolChoice application.
Essential Tools:
School Finder: Research your school options online
Enrollment Guides: Get detailed information on all DPS schools
Online Application: Submit rankings through the official portal
You can access all resources through the SchoolChoice website. The site provides complete information about the enrollment process and deadlines.
The guides help you compare schools based on programs, location, and other factors important to your family. They include details about each school's offerings and admission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Denver offers diverse educational options ranging from high-performing traditional schools to specialized programs in STEM and arts. Parents can choose between public district schools, charter schools, and private institutions, with various support systems available for students with special needs.
What are the top rated schools in Denver for academic performance?
Denver has several highly-rated schools that consistently perform well on state assessments. Many of these top performers are located in areas like Cherry Creek, Littleton, and parts of Jefferson County.
Stapleton and Park Hill neighborhoods also house some of the highest-rated elementary and middle schools. These schools often have strong parent involvement and additional resources.
High schools like George Washington High School and Denver School of Science and Technology regularly rank among the best in the state. They offer advanced placement courses and college preparation programs.
How do Denver schools perform compared to the state average?
Denver Public Schools performance varies significantly by individual school and neighborhood. Some schools exceed state averages while others fall below.
The district has made improvements in recent years in reading and math scores. However, achievement gaps still exist between different student populations.
Charter schools in Denver often outperform traditional district schools on standardized tests. Private schools typically show the highest test scores but serve smaller student populations.
Can you provide a list of schools in Denver with specialized programs, such as STEM or the arts?
Denver School of Science and Technology focuses entirely on STEM education with multiple campus locations. Students engage in project-based learning and real-world applications.
Denver School of the Arts offers intensive programs in visual arts, music, theater, and creative writing. Students audition for admission and work with professional artists.
Manual High School has a strong engineering program with partnerships with local companies. They offer hands-on experience with robotics and computer programming.
MSU Denver's College Credit in High School Program allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. This gives students a head start on their college education.
What measures are in place to ensure safety in Denver educational institutions?
Denver schools employ security personnel and use controlled access systems at building entrances. Most schools require visitors to check in at the main office.
Emergency response plans include lockdown procedures and regular safety drills. Staff receive training on crisis management and threat assessment.
Many schools use security cameras and have partnerships with local police departments. Mental health counselors are available to support student wellbeing.
What are the options for public, private, and charter schools in Denver?
Denver Public Schools serves the largest number of students with neighborhood schools and magnet programs. SchoolChoice enrollment options allow families to apply to schools outside their assigned area.
Charter schools operate independently but receive public funding. They often have specialized curricula or teaching methods that differ from traditional schools.
Private schools include religious and secular institutions with smaller class sizes. Tuition costs vary widely depending on the school and programs offered.
Homeschooling is deregulated in Colorado, giving parents significant flexibility in their children's education. Families can choose their own curriculum and teaching methods.
How do schools in Denver accommodate students with special needs?
Denver schools provide individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. These plans outline specific services and accommodations needed for each student.
Special education teachers work alongside regular classroom teachers to support inclusive learning. Schools also offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling services.
Students with IEPs have access to dispute resolution services if parents have concerns about services. The Colorado Department of Education's Exceptional Student Services Unit handles complaints and provides support at 303-866-6694.
Some schools have specialized programs for students with autism or other specific needs. These programs provide intensive support and smaller classroom settings.
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