Best schools in Denver – 2025

Hello friends, welcome to the Tigerjek, in this post I will tell the Best Schools in Denver. Denver is located in Colorado, in the South Platte River Valley at the western edge of the High Plains, with the Rocky Mountains to its west. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area featuring the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, historic Larimer Square, and professional sports teams like the Broncos and Nuggets. Colorado is among the most educated states, with 63% of residents aged 25 and older holding a post-secondary educational credential in 2023, matching Massachusetts and exceeding the national average. Here are the Top 10 schools of Denver:-

The Denver Waldorf School

The Denver Waldorf School was founded in 1974 as the first Waldorf school in Colorado. In 1977, having grown significantly from its humble beginnings, the school found a permanent home in an old school building, where it remained for 26 years. DWS continued to grow and serve more students, and in 1995 the high school was added. In the summer of 2014, The Denver Waldorf School moved to its current location on Pennsylvania St. The building offered much opportunity for growth and the location was a unique juxtaposition, being centrally located in an urban city with easy access to nearly 80 acres of open space in Harvard Gulch.

The Denver Waldorf School guides children to become original thinkers, creative innovators, and compassionate world citizens. A unique urban school with access to open space in nearby Harvard Gulch Park, DWS offers an academically rigorous education grounded in hands-on learning and experiential exploration through the integration of music, movement, and the arts.

Founded on Rudolf Steiner’s humanitarian curriculum, The Denver Waldorf School awakens and inspires students’ critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and artistic expression, preparing them to bring relevant contributions to the world.

The Denver Waldorf School values the development of the whole human being and provides educational opportunities through the understanding of Rudolf Steiner’s humanitarian curriculum, which is informed by the spiritual philosophy of Anthroposophy and encourages the practice of engaging the thinking, feeling, and willing aspects of the human being. 

The Denver Waldorf School

The Denver Waldorf School, founded in 1974, is one of the leading Waldorf institutions in Colorado. Located at 2100 S. Pennsylvania Street in Denver, the school serves children from early childhood through grade 12. It operates as an independent, non-profit, co-educational community and follows the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.

The school’s mission is to nurture the whole child — head, heart, and hands — by balancing rigorous academics with arts, movement, and practical skills. Its values emphasize truth, beauty, and goodness, while also encouraging social responsibility, environmental awareness, and community involvement.

From the earliest years, students are introduced to experiential learning through storytelling, crafts, gardening, music, and art. In the elementary years, they engage in “main lessons” that blend academics with creativity, often producing their own illustrated lesson books. As they advance into middle and high school, students encounter a liberal-arts curriculum that includes science, mathematics, world languages, and humanities, alongside electives such as web design, handwork, and theater.

Class sizes are intentionally kept small — averaging between 18 and 28 in lower grades and 13 to 19 in high school — to foster meaningful connections between teachers and students. The school is known for its strong academic outcomes, with every graduate accepted into college and many receiving substantial scholarships. The Class of 2021, for example, was awarded more than $4 million in scholarships.

Admissions involve campus tours, applications, student shadow days, and interviews with families. Financial aid is widely available, with nearly 70 percent of students receiving some form of assistance. The Denver Waldorf School also welcomes international students and is SEVIS-approved to issue I-20s.

Situated near Harvard Gulch’s open green space, the campus provides both an urban and natural learning environment. Over the decades, The Denver Waldorf School has become a vibrant community where academic excellence, creativity, and social renewal come together to prepare students not only for higher education, but also for life.

KIPP Denver Collegiate High School

KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, established in 2009, is a tuition-free public charter school located at 451 S. Tejon Street in Denver, Colorado. Serving students in grades 9 through 12, the school is part of the KIPP Colorado Schools network, which is known for its college-preparatory approach and commitment to educational equity.

The mission of KIPP Denver Collegiate is clear: to ensure that every student graduates prepared for college, career, and life. To achieve this, the school combines rigorous academics with strong character development, encouraging students not only to excel in coursework but also to grow as leaders and engaged citizens.

A standout feature of the academic program is the “AP for All” model. Every student in grades 10 through 12 is enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement class, with exam fees covered by the school. In addition to core subjects, students have access to a wide range of electives, from creative writing and social justice studies to ceramics, theater, and choir. Through the KIPP Forward program, students also receive support with college applications, career planning, and long-term goal setting.

The school serves a diverse community of about 450–500 students, the vast majority of whom are Hispanic or Latino. Nearly all students come from minority backgrounds, and around 90 percent qualify as economically disadvantaged. Despite these challenges, the school boasts a graduation rate of more than 90 percent and ranks among the stronger public high schools in Denver, with 100 percent of upperclassmen participating in AP courses.

Beyond academics, KIPP Denver Collegiate offers a rich student life. Clubs and organizations include Student Council, a Gay Straight Alliance, Anime Club, Robotics, and Yearbook. Athletics are also a strong part of the culture, with teams in basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country. Families are actively involved through monthly “Cafecito” meetings with the principal and a Collaborative School Committee that helps shape school priorities.

In just over a decade, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School has established itself as a rigorous, supportive, and community-driven institution. Its blend of challenging academics, inclusive culture, and college-focused support makes it a vital educational option for Denver families.

Denver Language School

Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience.  Colorado must educate students who are equipped linguistically and culturally to communicate successfully in a multicultural American society and abroad.  Therefore, it is necessary for the United States and the State of Colorado to provide educational opportunities for all students from pre-school through university level to develop and maintain proficiency in English and in at least one or more other modern or classical languages. 

Competence in more than one language and its cultures enables people to communicate with those of other cultures in a variety of settings and develop insight.

Language immersion provides a host of educational benefits for your child:

• Immersion is the most effective method of language instruction in the U.S.—and the fastest growing.
• Having a second language increases a child’s skills in abstract reasoning, listening and problem-solving, allowing them to excel in other subjects. In fact, studies show that immersion students outperform their non-immersion peers in math and English standardized subtests by fifth grade.
• Students who have high levels of proficiency in two or more languages score better on tests like the SAT, giving them an edge in college applications.

And important benefits for your child later in life:

• Being bilingual opens doors to a world of important and higher-paying career opportunities in a global workforce.
• Immersion education expands cultural awareness and understanding, and creates empathetic and knowledgeable world citizens.
• 4 out of 5 new jobs in Colorado are directly related to international trade. 

Mission: To achieve academic excellence and intercultural competence through language immersion education.

Vision:

1. To become a model of students acquiring superior second language skills as the basis for high overall academic achievement.
2. To develop the knowledge and skills in students necessary to be productive and valued citizens in a culturally diverse, global economy.
3. To prepare all students to be academically successful in their choice of secondary and post secondary education options.
4. To create an innovative school that can be replicated in Colorado and nationally.

The Goddard School of Denver

The Goddard School of Denver is part of a nationwide network of private preschools that specialize in early childhood education. With multiple campuses across the city—including locations in Emerson Street, Park Hill, City Park West, and Highlands—the schools provide care and learning programs for children ranging from six weeks old through pre-kindergarten.

At the heart of The Goddard School’s philosophy is the belief that young children learn best through play. Each classroom is designed to encourage exploration and curiosity while building foundational skills in literacy, math, science, and the arts. The curriculum, known as the “Wonder of Learning®” program, blends structured lessons with hands-on discovery, ensuring that children not only acquire knowledge but also develop creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Families are drawn to The Goddard School for its balance of nurturing care and academic preparation. Classrooms are organized by age group, from infant and toddler programs to preschool and pre-K levels, with small class sizes that allow teachers to focus on individual growth. Enrichment opportunities such as language, STEAM activities, and arts are built into the program to broaden children’s experiences.

Safety and family trust are also central to the school’s approach. Each campus operates with strict health and security protocols, including controlled access, clean learning environments, and strong communication with parents. Locations typically open early in the morning and remain open until early evening, accommodating the schedules of working families.

The Highlands campus stands out as a unique example of community preservation, as it is housed in a restored historic building that once served as the Steele Gymnasium. This blend of history and modern learning reflects The Goddard School’s broader mission: to provide children with a strong foundation for the future while staying connected to the local community.

Over the years, The Goddard School of Denver has earned a reputation for creating joyful, engaging, and safe environments where children look forward to learning each day. By combining academic readiness with social and emotional growth, the schools prepare young learners not just for kindergarten, but for lifelong success.

Denver Academy

Denver Academy is a co-educational, independent day school that serves students in grades 2 through 12. Known nationally for its innovative approach to education, the school has built a reputation for helping bright and diverse learners thrive. At the core of its success is a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to honoring the individuality of each student. By tailoring instruction to meet different learning styles and needs, Denver Academy creates an environment where every student can reach their full potential.

The school’s model emphasizes both accountability and support. Teachers use a combination of formal and informal assessments, beginning at the admissions stage and continuing throughout each student’s journey, to guide their instruction. This individualized approach has been the foundation of Denver Academy for more than 50 years, transforming lives and empowering young people along the way.

The campus itself spans 21 acres, providing students with a beautiful and engaging setting for both academic and extracurricular pursuits. Families are encouraged to explore the school through tours and open houses, where they can experience firsthand what sets Denver Academy apart.

The Head of School, Mark Twarogowski, has been a cornerstone of the Denver Academy community for over 35 years. Throughout his career, he has taught students at every grade level, coached athletics, mentored colleagues, and served as director of education before stepping into his current leadership role. With degrees in psychology and education from the University of Colorado Denver and the University of Denver, Mr. Twarogowski brings both experience and vision to his work. Supporting him in his role is his longtime assistant, Rebecca Musil.

At Denver Academy, students are surrounded by educators who inspire growth, curiosity, and confidence. As Mr. Twarogowski likes to remind families, “Remember that teacher who made a difference in your life? We have 70 of them.”

Kent Denver School – Best schools in Denver

In the spring of 1922, three teachers, Mary Kent Wallace, Mary Austin Bogue and Mary Louise Rathvon—known affectionately as the “Three Marys”—went on a mountain retreat. When they returned to Denver, they had plans to open their own school for “all who seek true cultivation and the fellowship of gentle service.”

By the fall, the Three Marys had secured 13 faculty members, 82 students (including a few boys in the elementary grades!) and a mansion-turned-school-building at 933 Sherman Street in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. On September 18, 1922, the newly christened Kent School for Girls—named for founding principal Mary Kent Wallace—held its first day of classes with students in kindergarten through 11th grade.

Kent Denver is an independent, coeducational college-preparatory school serving middle and high school students in grades 6-12. Located on a 200-acre campus in Englewood, Colorado, we offer extraordinary educational experiences to diverse, talented students from across the metro area. 

Challenge School

The Challenge School is a magnet school for motivated students and gifted learners. Cherry Creek School District’s mission of dedication to excellence and equity provides us with the guidance to develop the best educational setting for all children where all students will be inspired to think, to learn, to achieve, and to care.  

Challenge School goal to spark the intellectual curiosity within their students and foster learning as a life-long process.  They teach students to recognize their abilities and build upon their strengths. Through a rigorous academic program, they encourage their students to become compassionate, critical, and creative thinkers able to communicate their ideas with impact.

Challenge School take pride in nurturing the whole child in Connections classes where they teach character development, executive functioning skills, and flexible mindset. Through Challenge School immersion program, mini-course, academic pursuits, multi-age classes and after school activities, Challenge School provides learning opportunities that embrace and transcend the teaching of traditional school subjects.

Challenge School students acquire a genuine love for learning and the disciplined habits needed to guide them throughout their educational career and lives.  Through Challenge school community’s collaboration and support, we can inspire, empower, and challenge all students.

McAuliffe International School

McAuliffe International School is a highly regarded public middle school in Denver that serves students in grades 6 through 8. Opened in 2012, the school has quickly established itself as a leader in rigorous and well-rounded education. It follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness among students.

The school is home to roughly 1,400–1,500 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 19 to 1. Its diverse community includes students from various backgrounds, with about 43% minority enrollment and one-quarter of the student body coming from economically disadvantaged households. Despite these challenges, McAuliffe consistently outperforms state averages in academics, with more than two-thirds of students achieving proficiency in math and nearly three-quarters excelling in reading and language arts.

McAuliffe is also known for its strong school culture. Every two weeks, students gather in grade-level morning meetings to share achievements, voice concerns, and strengthen community ties. Homeroom sessions provide a daily space for connection and silent reading, while leadership opportunities encourage students to mentor peers, mediate conflicts, and help guide school norms. The school maintains a structured environment, with uniform requirements for students and business-casual expectations for staff, balancing professionalism with support.

Its curriculum blends traditional academic subjects with a wide variety of electives, including world languages such as Spanish and Mandarin, performing and visual arts, journalism, technology, and engineering. This balance of core learning and enrichment ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for future challenges.

Located on the historic Smiley campus at 2540 Holly Street, the school offers excellent facilities, including modern science and engineering labs, music and arts spaces, two gyms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, and athletic fields. School hours run from 9:10 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In recognition of its success, McAuliffe International was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020 and continues to rank among the top middle schools in Colorado. Its commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, and community collaboration makes it one of Denver’s most respected schools.

Westerly Creek Elementary School

Westerly Creek Elementary is nestled in the heart of the Central Park neighborhood.  Established in 2007 serving ECE, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students—WCE now serves over 700 students in ECE through Fifth grade.  As a close knit community that partners with families to support the growth and development of the whole child, Westerly Creek Elementary continues to accelerate learning for all students.

• At Westerly Creek Elementary School, we platoon, which allows teachers to become experts in their content area.
• We collaborate, reflect, and align instruction on research-based best practices using consistent language.
• Westerly Creek students receive differentiated instruction to ensure that all students reach their personal learning goals.
• Teachers and staff at Westerly Creek Elementary School create a bridge between home and school by building lasting relationships with our families and community.
• At Westerly Creek Elementary School, we enhance communication, resources, and enrichment by hosting Family Engagement Nights, conferences, and school celebrations that intentionally embrace the diversity of our community to foster a sense of belonging for all.
• At Westerly Creek Elementary School, we create a safe, equitable school learning environment that fosters high, clear, consistent expectations for student and adult behaviors that are clearly communicated.

Polaris Elementary

Polaris students engage with rigorous curriculum and creatively implemented activities on a daily basis. They apply their learning and demonstrate understanding in a plethora of ways. Polaris staff are trained to meet the unique academic and affective needs of highly gifted students. An enriched and extended curriculum framework provides the foundation for learning experiences in which students are encouraged to achieve excellence in areas of strength and supported to make continuous growth in all academic areas. 

Polaris offers creatively integrated curriculum and individual differentiation to help meet the unique needs of gifted learners. Students are grouped and regrouped flexibly on the basis of demonstrated educational need. Acceleration and compacting allow us to ensure that each student experiences success and just the right amounts of challenge!

Students are often involved in long-term projects that may integrate rigorous research, science, math, language arts and the visual/performing arts. The Polaris Program weaves the arts and technology into all curricular units. Our goal is for students to learn, to love learning and to be confident in their knowledge

Each Polaris student is provided with a Chromebook that they can use throughout the school day. Technology is integrated with the grade level curriculum. Students learn new skills and software applications for the purpose of demonstrating their content knowledge through creative expression using technology. Internet research, keyboarding, navigation and terminology are also key elements of student technology use. Students progressively build technology skills through the grades in order to utilize continuously more complex and challenging programs. We also try to expose our students to new/current technology. We have many technology devices that help our students be at the forefront of creation. 

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