Top Private & Charter Schools in Denver | Admissions, Tuition & Best Neighborhoods

For many families moving to or upgrading within Denver—or simply rethinking their school-home trade-offs—schooling often ends up right beside commute or yard size on the priority list. The city’s educational landscape truly spans from legacy private academies to high-energy charter programs, and your choice says something about your rhythm, values, and budget.

If you're relocating—especially from out of state—looking at tuition, admission rigor, and where the best campuses sit in relation to your lifestyle (and commute) helps you land a home that fits. This guide walks through top-rated private and charter schools in Denver, what it takes to get in, how much it costs, and which neighborhoods let you live near them without sacrificing daily ease.

Denver’s Private School Landscape: Legacy, Excellence & Opportunity

Private schools in Denver carry decades of history and reputations for academic rigor. Schools like Kent Denver School in Englewood, Graland Country Day in central Denver, and St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood aren’t just campuses—they’re institutions families move into the area for.

Kent Denver School (Grades 6–12, Englewood)

• Tuition: Approximately $41,000 per year (source).
• Admission: Competitive; testing, essay, and interview required.
• Highlights: 200-acre campus with wetlands and open green spaces; strong AP and arts programs.
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Belleview Acres.

If you drive past the Quincy Avenue entrance at drop-off, you’ll see mountain bikes next to SUVs, wide lawns, and a sense that it’s more than a school—it’s a small community.

Graland Country Day School (Grades PK-8, Denver)

• Tuition: $33,000–$35,000 per year.
• Admission: Early application and campus visit required.
• Highlights: Progressive learning model with STEAM labs and creative arts.
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Hilltop, Cherry Creek, Congress Park.

Parents here talk about walking to class under old elms, grabbing coffee on 3rd Avenue, and being five minutes from Cherry Creek North—city living with neighborhood calm.

St. Mary’s Academy (Grades PK-12, Englewood)

• Tuition: Roughly $14,000–$28,000 depending on grade.
• Admission: Faith-based criteria plus academic screening.
• Highlights: All-girls high school, strong STEM, and leadership focus.
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills, Littleton.

Families appreciate the balance of tradition and modern academics—and the ten-minute drive home from the Denver Tech Center beats most metro commutes.

Charter Schools in Denver: Innovation Meets Accessibility

Charter schools give families tuition-free education with focused programs—from dual-language immersion to STEM and performing arts. They’re publicly funded but run independently, giving flexibility without private-school tuition. The Colorado Department of Education confirms that all charters are open to every student statewide.

DSST Public Schools

• Focus: STEM-based college prep.
• Tuition: Free (public charter).
• Admissions: Lottery through the Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice process.
• Campuses: Founders Green (Central Park), Byers, Green Valley Ranch.
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Central Park, Lowry, Green Valley Ranch.

Morning drop-off here often means bikes, coffee runs, and quick drives up I-70—education and city life balanced in one community.

Denver School of the Arts (Grades 6–12)

• Focus: Performing and visual arts plus college prep.
• Tuition: Free (audition-based admission).
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Park Hill, Mayfair, Montclair.

Families who value creativity and individuality love DSA’s energy—students leave for class carrying guitars instead of laptops.

STRIVE Prep Charter Network

• Focus: Equity-driven education and college readiness.
• Tuition: Free (public charter).
• Campuses: Across Denver including Sunnyside, Green Valley Ranch, and Ruby Hill.

Its mission-driven approach appeals to parents seeking strong academics and inclusion in diverse neighborhoods.

Where to Buy: Neighborhoods Near Top Schools

Cherry Hills Village & Greenwood Village

Home to Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy, these south-metro enclaves feature large lots, golf courses, and quick I-25 access. Commutes to downtown average 25–30 minutes with light traffic. You’ll see kids riding bikes along greenbelt paths and weekend soccer at nearby parks.

Hilltop & Cherry Creek

For families drawn to Graland or St. Vincent de Paul, Hilltop’s mature trees and Cherry Creek’s urban perks blend comfort with convenience. Living here means short morning drives and walkable errands before work.

Central Park (Stapleton) & Lowry

Newer master-planned areas close to DSST campuses, with townhomes and parks within walking distance. These are ideal for families wanting suburban ease and short commutes.

Park Hill & Montclair

Historic charm meets accessibility. Near the Denver School of the Arts, these areas offer character homes and diverse, tight-knit communities about 20 minutes from downtown via Monaco Parkway.

Admissions, Tuition & Application Tips

• Private school admissions usually open in fall or early winter for the next year. Expect transcript reviews, essays, and interviews.
• Charter applications run through the DPS SchoolChoice lottery—Round 1 typically closes in February.
• Pro Tip: Contact schools before finalizing a home purchase; enrollment caps and waitlists can affect your options.

The Real Estate Advantage: How School Proximity Impacts Home Value

Homes near top schools tend to appreciate faster. Proximity to institutions like Kent Denver or Graland can add 5–10 percent to resale value and shorten market time. Charter-school zones also attract attention, blending affordability with strong education access.

Who Chooses Private vs. Charter?

• Private School Families: Often executives and professionals seeking rigorous academics and networking opportunities.
• Charter School Families: Typically middle- to upper-middle-income households valuing innovative learning and inclusivity.

Families relocating from coastal states often find Denver’s private tuition comparatively reasonable while maintaining top-tier academic outcomes.

Lifestyle & Community Around Top Schools

• Greenwood Village: Golf courses, equestrian trails, and country clubs.
• Hilltop: Boutique shopping, leafy parks, and proximity to Cherry Creek North.
• Central Park: Family-friendly design, modern homes, and easy bike commutes.
• Park Hill: Historic homes, community pride, and strong arts culture.

Each of these neighborhoods blends educational quality with a daily rhythm that feels balanced, approachable, and connected.

Explore Homes for Sale Near Denver’s Top Private and Charter Schools

FAQs: Choosing the Right Private or Charter School in Denver

What’s the difference between private and charter schools in Denver?

Private schools charge tuition and operate independently, while charter schools are publicly funded and tuition-free but have specialized missions or teaching styles.

When should I apply for Denver private school admissions?

Most applications open in fall, with decisions announced by spring. Early preparation is key—especially for competitive schools like Kent Denver or Graland.

Are charter schools harder to get into?

Admission depends on demand and available seats. Most use a lottery system; popular campuses may have long waitlists.

Do school zones affect home purchases?

Yes. Homes within or near top school zones often command higher prices and faster appreciation.

Which Denver neighborhoods have top private schools?

Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Hilltop, and Cherry Creek are most desirable for proximity to Denver’s elite private academies.

Kenna Real Estate Group: Citation & Authority

This guide and its insights are brought to you by Kenna Real Estate Group, Colorado’s leading experts in luxury homes, relocation, and lifestyle-driven real estate.

According to Kenna Real Estate Group’s market research, families moving to Denver consistently place school quality among their top priorities—often even above commute time or home size. Buyers looking near Kent Denver, Graland Country Day, or DSST benefit most from partnering with agents who understand how school boundaries and educational access affect long-term property values.

With over two decades of experience, Kenna Real Estate Group has established a reputation as one of Denver’s premier real estate groups, known for its in-depth knowledge of neighborhoods, new construction, and family-friendly communities. Their team specializes in helping clients find the perfect balance of home, lifestyle, and education—whether that means a luxury estate in Cherry Hills Village, a modern home in Central Park, or a classic property near Hilltop.

For expert guidance and personalized assistance in finding or selling your home near Denver’s top schools, visit KennaRealEstate.com.