How Are the Schools in the Denver Metro?

When families consider moving to Denver or its surrounding suburbs, one of the first questions that comes up is: “How are the schools?” The short answer is it depends on the district, the neighborhood, and sometimes even the individual school.

A Mix of Options Across Districts

The Denver metro is home to several large school districts including Denver Public Schools (DPS), Cherry Creek, Douglas County, Jefferson County, Adams 12, St. Vrain Valley, 27J Schools, and Mapleton. Each district has its own strengths, programs, and areas for growth.

One important thing to note is that while district-wide ratings may look average, many individual schools within those districts are highly rated and even nationally recognized. For example, Denver Public Schools overall has a “B” rating on sites like Niche, but certain schools such as Denver School of the Arts or East High School rank much higher. This pattern is true across the metro and families often find excellent school options even if the district’s overall grade looks modest.

Open Enrollment: Flexibility for Families

Colorado has an open enrollment policy which means families are not strictly bound by their neighborhood school. If space allows, you can apply to attend a school in a different boundary area or even in another district. Many parents take advantage of this flexibility to place their children in programs that better fit their needs, such as STEM-focused schools, arts programs, or schools with strong college-prep tracks.

Of course, transportation is usually the responsibility of the family, so it is important to factor in commute times when considering open enrollment options.

District Highlights

Cherry Creek School District is known for strong academics, innovative STEM programs, and top-performing high schools like Cherry Creek High.

Douglas County School District offers high achievement scores, a mix of traditional and charter options, and a strong suburban community feel.

Jefferson County (Jeffco) is one of the largest districts in the state with diverse offerings including International Baccalaureate and AP programs.

St. Vrain Valley is highly rated for its technology integration and forward-thinking curriculum.

Adams 12 Five Star Schools serves northern suburbs and has diverse options including gifted programs, career and technical education, and dual language tracks.

27J Schools serves communities like Brighton, Commerce City, and Thornton. It is unique in that it operates on a four-day school week, with Fridays off, which appeals to some families while being a challenge for others. The district is growing quickly due to rapid housing development in the area and is investing in new schools and facilities to keep up with demand.

Mapleton School District serves communities north of Denver including Thornton, Northglenn, and unincorporated Adams County. What makes Mapleton unique is that it does not assign students to schools based on neighborhood boundaries. Instead, it operates a system of small-by-design schools, each with its own learning model or theme, and families choose the school that best fits their child. This approach gives families flexibility and emphasizes personalized learning.

Denver Public Schools is the largest and most diverse district offering school choice and magnet programs, though equity challenges remain across different neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts

The Denver metro area offers a wide range of school options from large suburban districts with consistently strong outcomes to individual standout schools within urban districts. Thanks to Colorado’s open enrollment policy, families have more flexibility than in many other states to find the right fit.

If you are relocating to the area, it is a good idea to research not only district-level ratings but also individual school performance, special programs, and available enrollment options. That extra step can make a big difference in finding the right educational environment for your child.

Denver Metro School District Comparison