Choosing a School in Denver — Your Complete Guide to Making the Right Decision

Choosing a school in Denver can feel like a full-time job—especially when you’re balancing family life, commutes, budgets, moving, and your child’s unique learning style. The good news? Denver has exceptional school options across public, charter, independent, religious, micro-school, and hybrid models.

This guide breaks down every option, how to confidently navigate enrollment, and great neighborhoods with great schools.

Step 1: Start With Your Child, Not the School

Before diving into applications, open houses, or rankings, take a moment to reflect.

• Think about your child’s interests, energy, and learning style.
• Consider which environments they thrive in—structured, flexible, small classes, or hands-on learning.
• Clarify what your family values most: location, community, diversity, academic rigor, extracurriculars, or schedule.

This step sets the tone for the entire process.

Your School Options in Denver

Denver is home to one of the most dynamic and flexible school landscapes in the country. Here’s what each option looks like, in plain English.

1. Public Schools (Neighborhood + Choice)

   • Public schools in Denver are tuition-free and automatically assigned based on your home address. But Denver families also have access to SchoolChoice, a system that allows you to apply to up to 12 schools—magnet, boundary, and charter.
   • What You Should Know:
     • DPS guarantees every child a seat at their neighborhood school or designated enrollment zone school. Check out their School Finder here.
     • You can “choice in” to other schools inside or outside your zone.
     • Public schools may give placement tests, but not admissions tests.
   • DPS SchoolChoice Deadlines (For 2026–27)
     • Round 1: Dec 2, 2025 @ 10am – Jan 20, 2026 @ 4pm
     • Ranking up to 12 schools matters—your top choices should truly be your top choices.
   • Other district timelines like Jeffco, Aurora, Adams 12, and Cherry Creek, also vary but follow similar open enrollment processes.

2. Charter Schools

   • Charter schools are tuition-free public schools with more flexibility in teaching models. Many offer focuses like STEM, arts, or college prep.
     • DPS charter schools use the SchoolChoice application.
     • Charters outside DPS require direct applications.
     • Many use lotteries if demand exceeds available seats.
     • Here’s a list of charter schools: Colorado League of
       Charter Schools Directory

3. Independent Schools (Private)

   • Independent schools offer small class sizes, individualized learning, and rich extracurriculars. They have their own admissions processes, which may include:
     • Applications
     • Essays
     • Teacher recommendations
     • Campus visits
     • Admissions testing (ISEE or SSAT, depending on the grade level)
   • Financial aid is widely available via systems like Clarity Tuition or SSS.
   • List of schools: ACIS School Directory 

4. Religious Schools

   • Catholic and Christian schools offer faith-based education with varying levels of religious integration. Many families appreciate their:
     • Strong community culture
     • Lower tuition compared to many independent schools
     • Structured learning environment
   • Some Catholic high schools require the HSPT exam.
   • List of schools: visit Niche to search by religion

5. Boarding Schools

   • Boarding schools offer immersive, college-prep experiences in small, tight-knit communities. They can be more affordable than expected due to generous financial aid.
   • List of Schools: The Association Boarding Schools

6. Micro-Schools & Hybrid Models

   • Denver also has a growing collection of micro-schools, hybrid-learning environments, and alternative education models—perfect for families looking for:
     • Flexible schedules
     • Project-based approaches
     • Values-aligned communities

Tips for Making the Best Denver School Decision

What to look for when touring schools:

• A culture where students feel belonging
• Engaged classrooms with curiosity and collaboration
• Strong communication between teachers and families
• Evidence of differentiated instruction
• Clear support systems for learning accommodations

Real Estate + Schools

For many Denver homebuyers, school options are just as important as square footage or location. As your trusted real estate advisors, our role is to help you make the best informed decisions for your family.

Better information = better decisions = happier moves.

If you’ve found the perfect school but you are out of district or simply too far for an easy commute for your children, moving might make sense. Check out some of our favorite neighborhoods that happen to house some of the best schools in Denver.

North Denver:

• Capitol Hill: Residents and visitors alike know the Capitol Hill neighborhood for its nightlife, youthful atmosphere, and convenient access to essentials like grocery stores, coffee shops, and more.
• Park Hill: Whether you choose to live in North Park Hill or South Park Hill, you’ll be in one of the most racially diverse areas of Denver.
• Central Park: Central Park’s runways, hangars, and terminal have given way to thousands of single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and townhomes interconnected among a vast network of parks, trails, and open space.
• Highland: This inner city neighborhood has enjoyed a rebirth over the last two decades and has become one of the “hot” neighborhoods due to its proximity to downtown and its charming tree-lined streets.
• Five Points: Five Points is a vibrant northern Denver neighborhood with over 150 years of rich, evolving culture. It has passed it’s “up and coming” phase and is truly one of Denver’s shining, revitalized successes.
• Greenwood Village: This delightful community boasts a unique blend of urban sophistication and suburban comfort, offering residents an exceptional quality of life.

South Denver:

• University Hills: Denver’s University Hills Neighborhood is a serene and peaceful enclave, offering residents a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Denver. Nestled amidst tree-lined streets and charming homes, this neighborhood boasts a quiet oasis in the city.
• Washington Park: Not just a park, but also a neighborhood, Wash Park is one of the premier districts of south-central Denver that stands out for its unique blend of contemporary and Victorian architecture.
• Cherry Creek North: The 16 walkable blocks of Cherry Creek North overflow with independent and international retailers, unique fashion and jewelry boutiques, home furnishing stores, spas, salons, art galleries, and restaurants.
• East Colfax: East Colfax is a lively, music-filled and multi-ethnic scene for locals and visitors alike. Developers have built this revitalized urban neighborhood around Colfax Avenue just east of downtown Denver.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Choosing a school in Denver doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With clear deadlines, a bit of planning, and an understanding of the different school models, your family will find a place where your child can thrive.