David Go
Denver, Colorado, is a vibrant city known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving economy, and diverse communities. For families considering a move to the Mile-High City, or those already residing here, the quality of local public education is often a top priority. Denver Public Schools (DPS) offers a wide array of educational options, from traditional neighborhood schools to innovative magnet and charter programs. This guide highlights some of the top-rated and most highly regarded public schools across various levels within Denver, showcasing their unique strengths and contributions to student success. Whether you’re seeking a school with a strong arts focus, rigorous STEM programs, or an international curriculum, Denver has exceptional public school choices to meet diverse student needs.
Denver School Of The Arts
Denver School Of The Arts (DSA) stands out as a premier public magnet school offering a rigorous academic curriculum alongside intensive arts training. Located in Denver, Colorado, DSA caters to artistically gifted students in grades 6-12, providing specialized instruction in areas such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, and creative writing. The school fosters a vibrant and supportive community where creativity and academic excellence thrive hand-in-hand. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated instructors who are professionals in their fields, and numerous opportunities for performances, exhibitions, and community engagement. DSA is committed to preparing its students for success in higher education and future careers in the arts and beyond, making it a truly unique educational experience in the Denver Public Schools system. [9]
⭐ 4.3 (76 reviews)
Academics
- ✅ Rigorous academic curriculum
- ✅ Specialized arts training
- ✅ College preparatory
Arts Programs
- ✅ Dance
- ✅ Music
- ✅ Theater
- ✅ Visual arts
- ✅ Creative writing
Environment
- ✅ Vibrant and supportive community
- ✅ State-of-the-art facilities
Denver East High School
Denver East High School, one of Denver’s oldest and most prestigious public high schools, is renowned for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and rich traditions. Situated near City Park, East High offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a wide array of electives, and robust extracurricular activities in athletics, clubs, and performing arts. The school prides itself on fostering a challenging yet inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential. With a commitment to equity and excellence, Denver East High School prepares students for college and careers, instilling values of leadership, critical thinking, and community involvement that extend well beyond graduation. [3]
Academics
- ✅ Comprehensive curriculum
- ✅ Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- ✅ College preparatory
Extracurriculars
- ✅ Athletics
- ✅ Clubs
- ✅ Performing arts
Environment
- ✅ Diverse student body
- ✅ Inclusive learning environment
- ✅ Rich traditions
DSST: Montview High School
DSST: Montview High School is part of the highly successful DSST Public Schools network, known for its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and college preparatory curriculum. Located in the Central Park neighborhood, Montview High emphasizes a culture of high expectations, character development, and rigorous academic instruction. Students benefit from a structured learning environment, small class sizes, and personalized support designed to ensure college readiness. The school boasts strong matriculation rates to four-year universities and offers a variety of extracurricular activities and athletic programs. DSST: Montview is dedicated to equipping all students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in college and contribute to their communities. [4]
Academics
- ✅ STEM education focus
- ✅ College preparatory curriculum
- ✅ Rigorous academic instruction
Support
- ✅ Structured learning environment
- ✅ Small class sizes
- ✅ Personalized support
Outcomes
- ✅ Strong matriculation rates to universities
- ✅ Character development
McAuliffe International School
McAuliffe International School, a prominent Denver Public School, offers an enriching middle school experience centered around the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP). Located in the Park Hill neighborhood, McAuliffe fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and a global perspective. The school is dedicated to developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. Students engage in challenging academics, explore various electives, and participate in community service. McAuliffe International School provides a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, develop strong communication skills, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning, setting a solid foundation for high school and beyond. [5]
Academics
- ✅ International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- ✅ Critical thinking
- ✅ Interdisciplinary learning
Curriculum
- ✅ Global perspective
- ✅ Challenging academics
- ✅ Various electives
Development
- ✅ Community service
- ✅ Social-emotional growth
Slavens Elementary School
Slavens Elementary School is a highly-regarded public elementary school in Denver, known for its strong academic foundation and nurturing community environment. Situated in the Wellshire neighborhood, Slavens serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade, emphasizing a comprehensive curriculum that includes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school is committed to fostering a love of learning, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional development in all its students. With dedicated teachers, active parent involvement, and a supportive administrative team, Slavens provides a vibrant and engaging educational experience. Its focus on individual student growth and a collaborative school culture makes it a sought-after institution for families in the Denver area. [7]
Academics
- ✅ Strong academic foundation
- ✅ Comprehensive curriculum (literacy, math, science, social studies)
Community
- ✅ Nurturing environment
- ✅ Active parent involvement
- ✅ Collaborative school culture
Student Development
- ✅ Love of learning
- ✅ Critical thinking skills
- ✅ Social-emotional development
Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, and Denver offers a wealth of excellent public education options. From the arts-focused curriculum of Denver School Of The Arts to the college-preparatory environment of DSST schools and the strong community ties of institutions like Slavens Elementary, families in Denver have access to a diverse range of high-quality learning environments. We encourage prospective families to visit school websites, attend open houses, and speak with current parents and faculty to find the perfect fit for their children’s educational journey in this dynamic city.
