Best Schools in South Denver — Top-Rated Public & Private Schools by Neighborhood

Best Schools in South Denver — Top-Rated Public & Private Schools by Neighborhood

For families considering a move to South Denver, the quality of local schools is often the single most important factor in choosing a neighborhood. The good news? South Denver is home to some of the highest-rated school districts in all of Colorado, along with prestigious private institutions that draw students from across the metro area. Whether you’re looking at public elementary schools with stellar test scores, competitive high schools with strong college-prep programs, or intimate private academies, you’ll find exceptional options throughout the communities south of downtown Denver.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about schools in South Denver — from district overviews and top-rated campuses to private school highlights and how school quality impacts real estate values in the area.

Cherry Creek School District: Colorado’s Gold Standard

When people talk about excellent schools in South Denver, the conversation almost always begins with the Cherry Creek School District (CCSD). Serving more than 55,000 students across approximately 67 schools, Cherry Creek is consistently ranked among the top school districts in Colorado. The district spans a large swath of South Denver, covering communities including Greenwood Village, Centennial, and portions of Aurora, Englewood, and unincorporated Arapahoe County.

What sets Cherry Creek apart is a combination of strong academic performance, robust extracurricular programs, and significant community investment. The district consistently posts standardized test scores well above the state average, and its graduation rate hovers near 90%. Cherry Creek schools benefit from an engaged parent community and relatively strong per-pupil funding compared to neighboring districts.

Key Highlights of Cherry Creek School District

• Academic excellence: Multiple schools rated “Exceeds Expectations” or “Distinguished” by the Colorado Department of Education
• Advanced programs: Extensive AP and IB course offerings at the high school level, plus gifted and talented programs starting in elementary school
• STEM focus: Several schools feature dedicated STEM labs, robotics teams, and partnerships with local tech companies
• Arts and athletics: Award-winning music, theater, and visual arts programs alongside highly competitive athletic teams at all levels
• Special education: Comprehensive services for students with learning differences, including specialized centers and inclusion programs

For families settling in Cherry Hills Village or Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek schools are a major draw. The district’s flagship, Cherry Creek High School, is frequently cited as one of the best public high schools in the state, offering over 30 AP courses and a nationally recognized debate program.

Littleton Public Schools: Small-Town Feel, Big Results

Littleton Public Schools (LPS) is another powerhouse district serving parts of South Denver, including the city of Littleton, Columbine, Ken Caryl, and portions of Centennial. With around 15,000 students across 28 schools, LPS is smaller than Cherry Creek but delivers equally impressive academic results in a more intimate setting.

Littleton Public Schools earned an “Accredited with Distinction” rating from the Colorado Department of Education — the highest designation possible. The district is known for its strong neighborhood school model, where each campus develops its own identity while maintaining district-wide standards of excellence.

What Makes Littleton Public Schools Stand Out

• Consistent top ratings: The district has maintained its “Accredited with Distinction” status for multiple consecutive years
• Innovation: LPS was an early adopter of personalized learning approaches and project-based curriculum
• Community connection: Smaller school sizes foster close relationships between teachers, students, and families
• Options program: LPS offers open enrollment and several magnet-style programs, giving families flexibility within the district
• College readiness: Heritage High School and Arapahoe High School both boast impressive college acceptance rates and scholarship awards

Families who prefer a slightly smaller, close-knit school community often gravitate toward LPS neighborhoods. The district’s elementary schools, in particular, are known for their welcoming, family-oriented culture.

Top-Rated Elementary Schools in South Denver

The foundation of a great education starts early, and South Denver has no shortage of outstanding elementary schools. Here are some of the most highly regarded campuses across the area:

• Cherry Hills Village Elementary (CCSD): Located in the heart of Cherry Hills Village, this school consistently earns top marks for reading and math proficiency. Small class sizes and an active PTA contribute to an enriching learning environment.
• Greenwood Elementary (CCSD): Situated in Greenwood Village, this campus is known for its strong gifted and talented program and emphasis on project-based learning.
• Homestead Elementary (CCSD): A perennial favorite in Centennial, Homestead features a well-rounded curriculum with excellent scores in both academics and parent satisfaction surveys.
• Wilder Elementary (LPS): This Littleton school punches well above its weight with innovative teaching methods and strong community involvement.
• Peakview Elementary (CCSD): Another Centennial gem offering a supportive environment, technology-integrated classrooms, and a focus on the whole child.
• Hopkins Elementary (LPS): Highly rated for academic growth, Hopkins features a responsive classroom model and excellent reading intervention programs.

When evaluating elementary schools, parents should look beyond overall ratings to examine growth metrics — how much progress students make year over year. Several South Denver elementary schools excel at both proficiency (how students score overall) and growth (how much they improve), which indicates effective teaching at all ability levels.

Top Middle and High Schools in South Denver

As students transition to secondary education, the stakes feel higher, and South Denver delivers with some of Colorado’s most respected middle and high schools.

Middle Schools to Watch

• Campus Middle School (CCSD): Known for its rigorous academics and wide array of electives, Campus Middle School in Greenwood Village prepares students exceptionally well for high school.
• West Middle School (CCSD): Offers a strong honors track and has one of the best middle school music programs in the district.
• Euclid Middle School (LPS): Features project-based learning, a robust advisory program, and excellent STEM electives.
• Powell Middle School (LPS): Highly rated for its inclusive culture and strong academic outcomes across all student populations.

High Schools That Excel

• Cherry Creek High School (CCSD): The district’s flagship serves over 3,800 students and offers more than 30 AP courses, a nationally ranked debate team, championship athletics, and renowned performing arts programs. It routinely sends graduates to Ivy League and top-tier universities.
• Arapahoe High School (LPS): A smaller but highly competitive school with excellent AP pass rates, a strong journalism program, and a tight-knit student community. Arapahoe is consistently ranked among the top 10 high schools in Colorado.
• Heritage High School (LPS): Known for its engineering and technology programs, Heritage offers a career and technical education pathway alongside a strong college-prep curriculum.
• Overland High School (CCSD): A diverse, high-energy campus with a strong IB program and award-winning athletic teams.
• Grandview High School (CCSD): One of the newest high schools in the district, Grandview has quickly established itself with top-tier academics, a competitive speech and debate program, and state championship sports teams.

South Denver high schools benefit from the area’s overall affluence and community engagement. Booster clubs, parent organizations, and local business partnerships ensure that students have access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that go well beyond the classroom.

Premier Private Schools in South Denver

South Denver’s private school landscape is equally impressive, offering families an alternative path with smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and unique educational philosophies. Here are the standout institutions:

Kent Denver School

Located on a stunning 200-acre campus in Cherry Hills Village, Kent Denver School is one of the most prestigious private schools in the Rocky Mountain region. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, Kent Denver combines rigorous college-preparatory academics with a deep commitment to character development, outdoor education, and the arts.

• Average class size of approximately 14 students
• 100% college acceptance rate, with graduates regularly attending Stanford, MIT, and other elite institutions
• Extensive outdoor education program taking advantage of the Colorado landscape
• Strong emphasis on community service and ethical leadership
• Championship-level athletics in a smaller, more supportive setting

St. Mary’s Academy

St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood has been educating students since 1864, making it one of the oldest schools in Colorado. This Catholic institution serves students from preschool through 12th grade, with a co-educational lower school and an all-girls upper school. St. Mary’s is known for its values-driven education, rigorous academics, and strong sense of community.

• Preschool through 12th grade on a single, beautiful campus
• All-girls high school environment fosters confidence and leadership in young women
• Strong STEM programs, including partnerships with local universities
• Extensive fine arts offerings, including visual arts, music, dance, and theater
• Small class sizes averaging around 15–18 students

Graland Country Day School

Graland Country Day School is a premier independent school serving students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Located in Denver’s University Park neighborhood, Graland draws many families from South Denver communities thanks to its outstanding reputation for academic rigor and whole-child development.

• Inquiry-based curriculum that encourages critical thinking from an early age
• Exceptional faculty with advanced degrees and specialized training
• Comprehensive arts and athletics programs integrated into daily school life
• Strong outdoor education and experiential learning components
• A close-knit community with active parent involvement and alumni network

Other Notable Private Options

• Denver Academy: Specializes in teaching students with learning differences, offering a highly individualized approach
• Valor Christian High School: A large, well-resourced Christian school in Highlands Ranch with excellent facilities and competitive athletics
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran School: A faith-based K–8 option in Centennial with strong academics and a nurturing environment
• Denver Waldorf School: Offers the Waldorf educational philosophy emphasizing creativity, nature, and holistic development

Charter School Options in South Denver

Charter schools occupy a unique niche in South Denver’s educational landscape, offering public school accessibility with more specialized or innovative approaches. Here are some of the most popular options:

• DSST Public Schools: The Denver School of Science and Technology operates several campuses with a focus on STEM education and college readiness. DSST schools are known for their high expectations and impressive college matriculation rates, particularly for first-generation college students.
• Colorado Early Colleges: This network offers students the chance to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma, essentially providing two years of free college education.
• Littleton Academy: A core knowledge charter school within the Littleton Public Schools boundary, emphasizing a content-rich curriculum and traditional educational values.
• Challenge to Excellence: Located in the Cherry Creek district, this charter school focuses on a classical education model with an emphasis on critical thinking and the liberal arts.
• Woodlands Academy: A CCSD charter school in Greenwood Village that emphasizes experiential learning and environmental education.

Charter schools in Colorado are publicly funded and tuition-free, but they often have limited enrollment and use a lottery system for admissions. Families interested in charter options should research application timelines carefully, as deadlines can be as early as January for the following school year.

How School Ratings Affect Home Values in South Denver

It’s no secret that school quality and real estate values are closely intertwined, and South Denver is a textbook example of this relationship. Homes located within the boundaries of top-rated schools consistently command premium prices compared to comparable properties in lower-rated school zones.

Research consistently shows that for every point increase in a school’s rating (on a 10-point scale), nearby home values can increase by 2–3%. In South Denver specifically, this effect is pronounced:

• Cherry Hills Village: Homes in the Cherry Hills Village Elementary zone — already one of the most affluent communities in Colorado — carry a significant premium partly attributed to school quality. Properties in Cherry Hills Village routinely sell for well above the metro average.
• Greenwood Village: Neighborhoods within walking distance of top-rated Greenwood Village elementary schools see faster appreciation and stronger demand from young families.
• Centennial: The wide variety of highly rated schools in Centennial makes the entire community attractive to families, supporting steady property value growth across multiple price points.

For investors and homebuyers alike, understanding school boundaries is essential. Even within the same neighborhood, a single street can mark the dividing line between two different school zones — and that difference can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in property value. Always verify current school assignments through the district’s boundary lookup tool before making a purchase decision.

Tips for Choosing Schools When Relocating to South Denver

Moving to a new area and selecting the right school can feel overwhelming. Here are practical tips to help families navigate the process:

1. Start Your Research Early

Don’t wait until you’ve closed on a home to start researching schools. Begin exploring districts, individual campuses, and enrollment options at least six months before your planned move. Many popular schools — both public and private — have waitlists, and charter school lotteries have early deadlines.

2. Look Beyond the Ratings

While overall school ratings from sites like GreatSchools and Niche are a useful starting point, they don’t tell the whole story. Dig into specific metrics that matter to your family: student-teacher ratio, arts and music programs, special education services, diversity, and growth scores. A school with slightly lower overall ratings might actually be a better fit for your child’s specific needs.

3. Visit Schools in Person

Nothing replaces an in-person visit. Schedule tours at your top choices and pay attention to the atmosphere, how teachers interact with students, the condition of facilities, and the overall energy of the campus. Most South Denver schools welcome prospective families for tours throughout the year.

4. Talk to Other Parents

Connect with parents in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Local Facebook groups, Nextdoor communities, and neighborhood forums are excellent resources for candid feedback about schools. Parents who have children currently enrolled can offer insights that no rating system captures.

5. Understand Open Enrollment Options

Both Cherry Creek and Littleton school districts offer open enrollment, which means you may be able to send your child to a school outside your immediate boundary zone, subject to space availability. This can significantly expand your options and is worth exploring, especially if you find a home you love but aren’t thrilled with the assigned school.

6. Consider the Commute

South Denver traffic can be significant during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup times. Factor in the realistic daily commute to your chosen school, especially if you’re considering a school outside your immediate neighborhood. A 10-minute drive on a quiet Sunday can easily become 25 minutes during the school-year rush.

7. Plan for Transitions

Think ahead to middle and high school, not just the immediate grade your child needs. Understanding the feeder patterns — which elementary schools feed into which middle schools, and so on — helps you make a choice that provides continuity throughout your child’s education.

Final Thoughts

South Denver stands out as one of the best regions in Colorado — and indeed the entire Mountain West — for families prioritizing education. Whether you choose the expansive resources of the Cherry Creek School District, the intimate excellence of Littleton Public Schools, the prestige of private institutions like Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy, or the innovative approaches of local charter schools, your children will have access to outstanding educational opportunities.

The key is to take the time to understand your family’s specific priorities, research the options thoroughly, and visit the schools and neighborhoods that interest you most. With the right preparation, you’ll find the perfect combination of community, home, and school that sets your family up for success in South Denver.

Ready to explore South Denver metro area communities? Check out our guides to Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, and Centennial to learn more about the communities where these top schools are located.

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