Top 10 Public High Schools in Colorado

Direct Answer

The Best Overall public high school in Colorado is Cherry Creek High School, a large suburban flagship in the Cherry Creek School District that combines one of the deepest AP and IB catalogs in the state, a graduation rate above 90%, and a long record of National Merit scholars and elite college placement.

The Best Value pick is Fairview High School in Boulder, which delivers top-tier academics, a renowned International Baccalaureate program, and strong outcomes at zero tuition, rivaling expensive private schools on results. This list is built for Colorado families and students comparing free public options across the Denver metro, Boulder County, Jefferson County, Colorado Springs, and Northern Colorado — from large comprehensive flagships to high-performing charters.

Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from the Colorado Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and individual districts.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each school against the priorities Colorado families actually raise when they tour campuses and compare report cards. We leaned on published data from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, NCES, and College Board AP and IB reports. The weighting:

• Academic performance (SAT/PSAT, CMAS, proficiency) — 25%
• College and post-grad outcomes (matriculation, scholarships) — 20%
• Value and cost (free public access, resources per student) — 15%
• Teachers and resources (ratio, course catalog, funding) — 15%
• Environment and safety (climate, graduation rate) — 15%
• Extracurriculars and fit (athletics, arts, clubs) — 10%

A school that posts elite test scores but offers a thin course catalog, or one with great facilities but weak outcomes, drops in the order. The winners balance all six.

1. Cherry Creek High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families who want a large flagship with elite academics and full programs

Cherry Creek High School, in the Cherry Creek School District in Arapahoe County, is consistently ranked among the top public high schools in Colorado and enrolls roughly 3,700 students. The school offers an extraordinary catalog — dozens of AP courses plus a full International Baccalaureate diploma program — and posts an average SAT well above the Colorado mean along with a graduation rate above 90%.

Cherry Creek produces a steady stream of National Merit semifinalists and sends graduates to the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines, and top national universities. Its student-teacher ratio runs near 18:1, and the breadth of athletics, arts, and competitive academic teams is among the deepest in the state.

As a free public school, it delivers prep-school rigor at no cost.

Pros:

• Dozens of AP courses plus a full IB diploma program
• Graduation rate above 90% with above-average SAT scores
• Consistent National Merit semifinalists and top placement
• Elite athletics, arts, and academic-competition programs

Cons:

• Very large enrollment can feel overwhelming for some students
• Affluent attendance zone limits access by address

Verdict: Cherry Creek is Colorado's most complete public flagship — elite academics, full IB and AP, and deep programs, all tuition-free.

2. Fairview High School 💎 BEST VALUE

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Boulder-area families wanting elite academics and a top IB program for free

Fairview High School, in the Boulder Valley School District in Boulder County, enrolls roughly 2,100 students and is one of Colorado's strongest academic public schools. It is best known for a highly regarded International Baccalaureate program alongside a deep AP catalog, with an average SAT well above the state mean and a graduation rate near 90%.

Fairview is a perennial producer of National Merit semifinalists and sends graduates to CU Boulder, Colorado College, and selective national universities at high rates. Its student-teacher ratio sits near 18:1, and its proximity to the University of Colorado and national research labs feeds strong STEM and research opportunities.

For families seeking private-school-caliber results without tuition, Fairview is the clearest value in the state.

Pros:

• Renowned IB program plus a deep AP catalog
• SAT averages well above the Colorado mean
• Strong National Merit and selective-college placement
• STEM and research ties to CU Boulder and area labs

Cons:

• Competitive academic culture can be high-pressure
• Boulder attendance zone limits access by address

Verdict: The best value in Colorado — private-school academic results, a top IB program, and elite placement at zero tuition.

3. D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School

Type: Public (Option / Magnet) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Jefferson County families wanting a rigorous, structured college-prep environment

D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School, an option school in Jefferson County (Jeffco) Public Schools, is a small, intensely academic public school enrolling roughly 1,100 students in grades 6–12. It runs a mandatory classical college-prep curriculum with extensive AP offerings, and consistently posts SAT averages among the highest in the state and a graduation rate near 100%.

D'Evelyn's structured model, strong foreign-language requirements, and tight student-teacher ratio near 18:1 drive outcomes that rival the largest flagships. As a public option school, it admits students from across Jeffco, often by waitlist, with no tuition. Graduates routinely enroll at top in-state and national universities.

Pros:

• SAT averages among the highest in Colorado
• Graduation rate near 100% with required college-prep core
• Free public option school open across Jefferson County
• Structured, rigorous classical curriculum

Cons:

• Demanding required curriculum is not for every learner
• Smaller size limits some athletics and electives

Verdict: A small public powerhouse — elite test scores and college placement through a structured, tuition-free college-prep model.

4. Peak to Peak Charter School

Type: Public Charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Boulder-county families wanting a top charter with a college-prep focus

Peak to Peak Charter School, in Lafayette (Boulder County), is one of Colorado's highest-performing public charter schools, enrolling roughly 1,400 students across K–12 with a strong high-school program. It posts SAT averages well above the state mean, a graduation rate at or near 100%, and a deep AP catalog with high participation.

Peak to Peak is a frequent producer of National Merit semifinalists and sends graduates to selective universities nationwide. The free, lottery-admission charter pairs rigorous academics with a tight-knit community and a student-teacher ratio near 17:1. For Boulder-county families seeking small-school focus with elite outcomes, it is a standout.

Pros:

• SAT averages well above the Colorado mean
• Graduation rate at or near 100% with deep AP catalog
• Free, lottery-admission public charter
• Strong National Merit and selective-college placement

Cons:

• Lottery admission limits access in high-demand years
• Smaller athletics footprint than comprehensive schools

Verdict: One of Colorado's best public charters — elite academics and college placement in a tight-knit, tuition-free setting.

5. Boulder High School

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Boulder families wanting a large flagship with strong IB and broad programs

Boulder High School, in the Boulder Valley School District, enrolls roughly 2,000 students and pairs strong academics with the depth of a comprehensive flagship. It offers a full International Baccalaureate program and a broad AP catalog, posts SAT averages above the state mean, and reports a graduation rate near 90%.

Boulder High is known for excellent humanities, arts, and journalism programs, plus competitive athletics, and its student-teacher ratio runs near 18:1. Proximity to CU Boulder feeds strong college-going culture and concurrent-enrollment options. Graduates regularly enroll at CU, Colorado College, and selective national universities.

Pros:

• Full IB program plus a broad AP catalog
• SAT averages above the Colorado mean
• Strong humanities, arts, and journalism programs
• College-going culture next to CU Boulder

Cons:

• Academic averages trail Fairview within the same district
• Large enrollment requires student self-direction

Verdict: A strong Boulder flagship — IB rigor and broad programs in a vibrant college town.

6. Rocky Mountain High School

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Fort Collins families wanting a large, high-performing comprehensive school

Rocky Mountain High School, in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, enrolls roughly 2,000 students and ranks among Northern Colorado's strongest public schools. It offers an International Baccalaureate program and a deep AP catalog, posts SAT averages above the state mean, and reports a graduation rate near 90%.

Rocky Mountain is known for excellent STEM, music, and athletic programs, and its student-teacher ratio runs near 19:1. Proximity to Colorado State University strengthens its college-going culture and concurrent-enrollment options. Graduates frequently enroll at CSU, CU Boulder, and selective out-of-state universities.

Pros:

• IB program plus a deep AP catalog
• SAT averages above the Colorado mean
• Strong STEM, music, and athletics
• Concurrent-enrollment ties to Colorado State University

Cons:

• Large enrollment can dilute individual attention
• Outcomes trail the elite Denver and Boulder leaders

Verdict: Northern Colorado's standout comprehensive flagship — IB rigor, broad programs, and strong CSU ties.

7. Cheyenne Mountain High School

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Colorado Springs families wanting a top-rated suburban school

Cheyenne Mountain High School, in the Cheyenne Mountain School District in Colorado Springs, enrolls roughly 1,300 students and is consistently the top-rated public high school in the Pikes Peak region. It offers a broad AP catalog, posts SAT averages well above the state mean, and reports a graduation rate above 90%.

The school is known for strong academics across STEM and the humanities, competitive athletics, and a stable, well-funded community. Its student-teacher ratio sits near 17:1, and graduates regularly enroll at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CU Boulder, and selective national universities.

For Colorado Springs families, it is the clear academic leader.

Pros:

• SAT averages well above the Colorado mean
• Graduation rate above 90% with a broad AP catalog
• Top-rated school in the Colorado Springs region
• Strong athletics and stable, well-funded community

Cons:

• Smaller catalog than the largest metro flagships
• Affluent attendance zone limits access by address

Verdict: The best public school in Colorado Springs — strong academics, high outcomes, and a stable community.

8. Arapahoe High School

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: South Denver-metro families wanting a large flagship with broad offerings

Arapahoe High School, in the Littleton Public Schools district in Arapahoe County, enrolls roughly 2,200 students and is one of the south metro's strongest comprehensive schools. It offers a deep AP catalog and concurrent-enrollment options, posts SAT averages above the state mean, and reports a graduation rate near 90%.

Arapahoe is known for excellent performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide range of clubs and academic teams. Its student-teacher ratio runs near 19:1, and graduates frequently enroll at CU Boulder, Colorado State, and selective national universities. For Littleton-area families, it pairs strong academics with comprehensive breadth.

Pros:

• Deep AP catalog plus concurrent-enrollment options
• SAT averages above the Colorado mean
• Strong performing arts and competitive athletics
• Broad clubs and academic-team offerings

Cons:

• Academic averages trail Cherry Creek in the same region
• Large enrollment requires self-direction

Verdict: A strong south-metro flagship — broad programs and solid academics for Littleton-area families.

9. Liberty Common High School

Type: Public Charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Fort Collins families wanting a small classical-charter with elite test scores

Liberty Common High School, a charter in Fort Collins (Poudre School District authorizer), enrolls roughly 500 students and is one of Colorado's highest-performing public charters. Built on a classical, core-knowledge curriculum, it posts SAT and ACT averages among the very highest in the state and a graduation rate at or near 100%.

Liberty Common is a frequent producer of National Merit semifinalists despite its small size, and sends graduates to selective in-state and national universities. The free, lottery-admission charter runs a tight student-teacher ratio near 16:1. For families wanting a structured, rigorous small school, it delivers outsized academic results.

Pros:

• SAT/ACT averages among the highest in Colorado
• Graduation rate at or near 100%
• Free, lottery-admission classical charter
• Outsized National Merit results for its small size

Cons:

• Small size limits athletics and elective breadth
• Structured classical model is not for every student

Verdict: A small classical-charter powerhouse — elite test scores and college placement at zero tuition.

10. Fossil Ridge High School

Type: Public (Comprehensive) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Fort Collins families wanting a modern, well-rounded comprehensive school

Fossil Ridge High School, in the Poudre School District in Fort Collins, rounds out the list as one of Northern Colorado's strongest and most modern comprehensive schools, enrolling roughly 2,000 students. It offers a broad AP catalog and concurrent-enrollment options, posts SAT averages above the state mean, and reports a graduation rate near 90%.

Fossil Ridge is known for strong STEM and business programs, competitive athletics, and a wide extracurricular slate, supported by modern facilities. Its student-teacher ratio runs near 19:1, and graduates frequently enroll at Colorado State, CU Boulder, and selective universities.

It gives Fort Collins families a well-rounded, college-focused option.

Pros:

• Broad AP catalog plus concurrent-enrollment options
• SAT averages above the Colorado mean
• Strong STEM, business, and athletics programs
• Modern facilities and wide extracurricular slate

Cons:

• Academic averages trail the elite charters and Boulder leaders
• Large enrollment requires student self-direction

Verdict: A modern, well-rounded Fort Collins flagship — strong academics and broad programs for college-bound students.

Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a High School

• Real academic outcomes — Compare SAT/PSAT scores, CMAS proficiency, and graduation rates from CDE and U.S. News, not reputation alone. Cherry Creek, Fairview, and D'Evelyn set the state benchmarks.
• Course catalog depth — A school's AP, IB, and concurrent-enrollment offerings determine how far a motivated student can go. Cherry Creek, Fairview, and Boulder High lead on IB breadth.
• College placement — Ask where graduates actually enroll and how much scholarship money they earn. The charters and D'Evelyn post near-universal four-year enrollment.
• Student-teacher ratio and support — Smaller ratios and strong counseling, special education, and concurrent-enrollment support matter more than glossy facilities for most students.
• Fit and culture — A small charter or option school suits a self-driven student; a large comprehensive flagship suits one who wants athletics, arts, and clubs at scale.
• Cost and access — Every school here is free public; weigh attendance-zone boundaries, lottery odds for charters, and option-school waitlists.

What matters less than marketing implies: building age, stadium size, and one-off rankings headlines. Sustained graduation rates, proficiency trends, and where graduates land affect a student's future far more than a new gym.

FAQ

Which is the best public high school in Colorado? Cherry Creek High School earns our top spot, combining dozens of AP courses and a full IB program, a graduation rate above 90%, above-average SAT scores, and elite college placement — all as a free public school.

What is the best value public high school in Colorado? Fairview High School in Boulder is our Best Value: a renowned IB program, deep AP catalog, and private-school-caliber outcomes at zero tuition.

Which Colorado high schools have the highest test scores? D'Evelyn, Liberty Common, Peak to Peak, Fairview, and Cherry Creek post some of the highest SAT/ACT averages in the state, with the small charters and option schools often leading on raw scores.

Are charter schools in Colorado free? Yes. Colorado public charter schools like Peak to Peak and Liberty Common charge no tuition; they are publicly funded and admit students by lottery.

Which Colorado high schools offer the IB program? Cherry Creek, Fairview, Boulder High, and Rocky Mountain all offer full International Baccalaureate diploma programs, among the strongest IB options in the state.

Which region of Colorado has the strongest high schools? The Denver metro and Boulder County concentrate many of the highest performers — Cherry Creek, Fairview, D'Evelyn, and Peak to Peak — while Fort Collins and Colorado Springs anchor strong Northern and Southern Colorado groups.

Bottom Line

For Colorado families, Cherry Creek High School is our Best Overall public high school — a free flagship with dozens of AP courses, a full IB program, above-average SAT scores, and elite college placement. Fairview High School in Boulder is our Best Value, delivering a renowned IB program and private-school-caliber outcomes at no tuition.

If you prioritize a small structured school, a top charter, regional convenience, or a particular IB or STEM program, use the decision tree above to route yourself to D'Evelyn, Peak to Peak, Liberty Common, Cheyenne Mountain, or one of the Fort Collins flagships. Choose on outcomes, course depth, and fit — not headlines — and your student will be well served.

Sources

• U.S. News — Best High Schools in Colorado
• Niche — Best Public High Schools in Colorado
• GreatSchools — Colorado school ratings
• Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
• NCES — National Center for Education Statistics school search
• College Board — AP and IB program data
• Cherry Creek School District — Cherry Creek High School
• Boulder Valley School District — Fairview High School
• Jeffco Public Schools — D'Evelyn Jr/Sr High School
• Poudre School District — Fort Collins high schools

*Public high schools in Colorado review — best public high schools Colorado, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top picks for families.*