Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Private High Schools in Denver
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Private High Schools in Denver
Direct Answer
The Best Overall private high school in the Denver area is Kent Denver School in Englewood, an independent college-preparatory school whose small classes, deep AP and arts programs, and strong matriculation to selective colleges keep it at the top of metro-Denver rankings.
The Best Value pick is Regis Jesuit High School, a Catholic college-prep school whose tuition runs well below the elite independents while delivering high graduation rates, broad advanced coursework, and a strong service-and-college-prep tradition. This list is built for families and students weighing where to enroll across metro Denver, focused on academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from Niche, U.S. News, the schools' own published figures, and accreditation sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families consistently cite, drawing on published figures from Niche, U.S. News, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS), and each school's own reporting. The weighting:
- Academic performance (test scores, AP/IB), 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes, 20%
- Value and cost, 15%
- Teachers and resources, 15%
- Environment and safety, 15%
- Extracurriculars and fit, 10%
A school that trades on reputation but offers thin programs, or posts strong outcomes without meaningful aid, drops in the ranking. The winners balance rigor, outcomes, and access.
1. Kent Denver School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Private independent (nonsectarian) | Tuition: Roughly $35,000 | Best for: Students seeking the metro's deepest independent college-prep program
Kent Denver School in Englewood enrolls roughly 700 students in grades 6 to 12 on a large suburban campus and is widely regarded as the premier independent school in metro Denver. Kent offers an extensive AP catalog, strong arts and athletics, and a student-faculty ratio near 8:1 that supports small, discussion-driven classes.
The school reports near-universal college matriculation, with graduates regularly enrolling at selective national universities and liberal-arts colleges. Kent is known for strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and visual and performing arts, plus a robust financial-aid program that broadens access.
Pros:
- Deep AP catalog and strong arts and athletics
- Student-faculty ratio near 8:1
- Near-universal selective-college matriculation
- Robust financial-aid program
Cons:
- High tuition before aid
- Competitive admission
Verdict: Kent Denver wins on balance, the metro's deepest independent college-prep program with outcomes to match.
2. Colorado Academy
Type: Private independent (nonsectarian) | Tuition: Roughly $33,000 | Best for: Families wanting a large independent campus with strong academics and athletics
Colorado Academy in Lakewood enrolls about 950 students across Pre-K through grade 12 on a sprawling campus on Denver's west side. The Upper School offers a broad AP-level curriculum, well-regarded arts, and a strong athletics program, with a student-faculty ratio near 8:1.
Colorado Academy reports strong college matriculation to selective schools and is known for an emphasis on experiential learning, including outdoor and travel programs. Its size and resources support a wide range of electives and activities, and the school maintains a meaningful financial-aid budget.
Pros:
- Broad AP-level curriculum and strong arts
- Student-faculty ratio near 8:1
- Large campus with extensive athletics
- Strong selective-college matriculation
Cons:
- High tuition before aid
- Large campus may feel less intimate
Verdict: A top independent standout, strong academics and athletics on one of the metro's largest campuses.
3. Regis Jesuit High School
Type: Private Catholic (Jesuit) | Tuition: Roughly $20,000 | Best for: Families wanting elite Catholic college prep at a strong value 💎 BEST VALUE
Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora enrolls about 1,700 students across separate boys' and girls' divisions and is the metro's flagship Jesuit college-preparatory school. Tuition runs well below the elite independents while the school delivers a deep AP catalog, strong athletics and arts, and a graduation rate near 99% with near-universal college matriculation.
Grounded in the Jesuit tradition of service and academic rigor, Regis Jesuit offers extensive financial aid and a strong record placing graduates at selective Catholic and national universities. That combination of rigor, outcomes, and lower tuition makes it the value leader.
Pros:
- Tuition well below the elite independents
- Graduation rate near 99% with near-universal college matriculation
- Deep AP catalog plus strong athletics and arts
- Extensive financial aid and Jesuit service tradition
Cons:
- Faith-based, single-gender divisions may not fit every family
- Large enrollment relative to the small independents
Verdict: The value champion, elite Jesuit college prep and strong outcomes at a fraction of the independent-school price.
4. Mullen High School
Type: Private Catholic (Lasallian) | Tuition: Roughly $17,000 | Best for: Families seeking strong Catholic academics and athletics at an accessible price
Mullen High School in Denver enrolls about 900 students and is a respected coeducational Catholic college-preparatory school in the Lasallian tradition. Mullen offers a broad AP and honors curriculum, a strong athletics program, and a graduation rate near 98% with strong college matriculation.
Tuition sits among the most accessible of the top private schools, and the school maintains a substantial financial-aid budget. Mullen is known for its supportive community, service emphasis, and balance of academics, arts, and competitive sports for a diverse student body.
Pros:
- Accessible tuition with strong financial aid
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Broad AP and honors curriculum
- Strong athletics and service tradition
Cons:
- Faith-based identity may not fit every family
- Smaller endowment than the elite independents
Verdict: A strong, affordable Catholic college-prep option, solid academics and athletics for the price.
5. Denver Academy
Type: Private independent (learning differences focus) | Tuition: Roughly $30,000 | Best for: Students who learn differently and need specialized support
Denver Academy in Denver enrolls about 400 students in grades 1 to 12 and specializes in teaching students who learn differently, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. The school uses small classes, individualized instruction, and an explicit, structured approach, with a student-faculty ratio near 6:1.
Denver Academy reports strong college matriculation for its graduates, many of whom go on to four-year colleges with the study skills and self-advocacy the school emphasizes. For families whose students need targeted support, it is the metro's leading specialized independent school.
Pros:
- Specialized support for students who learn differently
- Student-faculty ratio near 6:1
- Individualized, structured instruction
- Strong college matriculation for its students
Cons:
- Narrow focus may not suit every learner
- High tuition before aid
Verdict: The best specialized independent school in the metro for students who need targeted learning support.
6. Bishop Machebeuf High School
Type: Private Catholic (diocesan) | Tuition: Roughly $15,000 | Best for: Families wanting a small, faith-centered Catholic high school
Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver enrolls about 300 students and is a small diocesan Catholic college-preparatory school known for a tight-knit community and a classical, faith-centered approach. The school offers honors and AP courses, a strong service program, and a graduation rate near 98% with solid college matriculation.
Its small size supports a student-faculty ratio near 9:1 and personalized attention. Tuition is among the lowest of the top private schools, and the school maintains a financial-aid program to broaden access for Catholic families across the metro.
Pros:
- Small, tight-knit faith-centered community
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Honors and AP courses with personal attention
- Among the lowest tuition of the top private schools
Cons:
- Small size limits program breadth
- Strong religious identity may not fit every family
Verdict: The best small Catholic option, personal attention and a faith-centered education at an accessible price.
7. Valor Christian High School
Type: Private Christian | Tuition: Roughly $20,000 | Best for: Families wanting a faith-based school with elite athletics and strong academics
Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch enrolls about 1,300 students and is one of the metro's largest Christian college-preparatory schools, nationally known for elite athletics alongside a strong AP and honors curriculum. Valor reports a graduation rate near 99% and strong college matriculation, with many graduates earning athletic and academic scholarships.
The school offers extensive arts, leadership, and service programs grounded in a Christian worldview. Its modern campus and resources support a wide range of activities, and the school maintains a financial-aid program for families.
Pros:
- Nationally recognized athletics
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Strong AP and honors curriculum
- Extensive arts, leadership, and service programs
Cons:
- Faith-based identity may not fit every family
- Athletics-driven culture is intense
Verdict: The best faith-based athletic powerhouse, elite sports with strong academics on a modern campus.
8. St. Mary's Academy
Type: Private Catholic (girls', upper school) | Tuition: Roughly $25,000 | Best for: Families wanting a Catholic all-girls college-prep upper school
St. Mary's Academy in Englewood runs a coeducational lower school and a girls-only Upper School rooted in the Catholic tradition of the Sisters of Loretto. The Upper School enrolls a few hundred students and offers a strong AP and honors curriculum, a student-faculty ratio near 8:1, and near-universal college matriculation.
The all-girls environment emphasizes leadership, STEM, and the humanities, and the school is known for sending graduates to selective colleges. St. Mary's maintains a financial-aid program and a long-standing reputation for academic excellence among Denver's Catholic schools.
Pros:
- All-girls Upper School emphasizing leadership and STEM
- Student-faculty ratio near 8:1
- Near-universal college matriculation
- Long-standing academic reputation
Cons:
- Single-gender, faith-based model may not fit every family
- Higher tuition than other Catholic schools
Verdict: The best Catholic all-girls option, strong academics and leadership in a focused environment.
9. Denver Christian School
Type: Private Christian | Tuition: Roughly $14,000 | Best for: Families wanting an affordable Christian college-prep school
Denver Christian School in Lakewood enrolls students from preschool through grade 12 and offers a college-preparatory program grounded in a Christian worldview. The high school provides honors and AP courses, competitive athletics, and a graduation rate near 99% with strong college matriculation.
Tuition is among the most accessible of the top private schools, and the school maintains a financial-aid budget. Denver Christian is known for a supportive community, small classes, and an emphasis on character and service alongside academics, making it a strong value for faith-minded families.
Pros:
- Among the most accessible tuition of the top private schools
- Graduation rate near 99%
- Honors and AP courses plus competitive athletics
- Supportive community and small classes
Cons:
- Strong religious identity may not fit every family
- Smaller AP catalog than the elite independents
Verdict: A strong, affordable Christian college-prep option for faith-minded families.
10. Graland Country Day Successor: Cherry Hills Christian and Beyond
Type: Private Christian (college-prep partner) | Tuition: Roughly $18,000 | Best for: Families wanting a smaller Christian college-prep environment
Faith Christian Academy in Arvada enrolls students from preschool through grade 12 and offers a Christian college-preparatory program with honors and AP courses, a strong athletics program, and a graduation rate near 98%. The high school emphasizes small classes, a student-faculty ratio near 12:1, and college counseling that produces strong matriculation to four-year colleges.
Tuition is moderate among the top private schools, and the school maintains a financial-aid program. Faith Christian is known for a close community, a service emphasis, and a balance of academics, arts, and athletics for families seeking a faith-based environment.
Pros:
- Moderate tuition with financial aid
- Graduation rate near 98%
- Honors and AP courses plus strong athletics
- Close community and service emphasis
Cons:
- Strong religious identity may not fit every family
- Smaller program breadth than the elite independents
Verdict: A solid smaller Christian college-prep option, close community and strong outcomes at a moderate price.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Private High School
- College matriculation and graduation rates, A school that sends most graduates to four-year colleges signals consistent outcomes, not just selective admission.
- Tuition and financial aid, Compare sticker tuition against each school's aid budget; the elite independents often discount heavily for qualifying families.
- AP/honors depth and class size, Look at how many advanced courses are offered and the student-faculty ratio, which shape real classroom rigor and attention.
- Mission fit, Catholic, Christian, and nonsectarian schools differ sharply in culture; choose one whose values match your family.
- Specialized programs, A learning-differences focus at Denver Academy or an all-girls model at St. Mary's may serve a specific student far better than a higher overall ranking.
- Environment and support, Visit to gauge community, counseling, and student support rather than relying on reputation alone.
What matters less than marketing implies: a single ranking number, the newest building, or sticker tuition alone. Fit, real aid, and program access shape a student's outcome far more than a headline figure.
FAQ
Which private high school is the best in the Denver area? Kent Denver School earns the top spot for its deep AP catalog, strong arts and athletics, student-faculty ratio near 8:1, and near-universal matriculation to selective colleges.
What is the best value private high school in Denver? Regis Jesuit High School is our best value, delivering elite Jesuit college prep, a graduation rate near 99%, and a deep AP catalog at tuition well below the elite independents; Mullen, Bishop Machebeuf, and Denver Christian are also affordable picks.
Which Denver private high school is best for students who learn differently? Denver Academy is the metro's leading specialized school, with small classes, a student-faculty ratio near 6:1, and structured instruction for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences.
Are Denver private high schools mostly religious? The metro offers both. Kent Denver, Colorado Academy, and Denver Academy are nonsectarian independents, while Regis Jesuit, Mullen, Bishop Machebeuf, St. Mary's, Valor, Denver Christian, and Faith Christian are faith-based.
Do Denver private high schools offer financial aid? Yes. The elite independents like Kent Denver and Colorado Academy maintain substantial aid budgets, and the Catholic and Christian schools offer aid to broaden access; families should request each school's net-price information.
Which Denver private high school is best for athletics? Valor Christian High School is nationally recognized for athletics, while Regis Jesuit and Colorado Academy also field strong, competitive programs across many sports.
Bottom Line
For Denver families, Kent Denver School is our Best Overall private high school, its deep AP catalog, strong arts and athletics, small classes, and near-universal selective-college matriculation set the standard. Regis Jesuit High School is our Best Value, delivering elite Jesuit college prep and a graduation rate near 99% at tuition well below the elite independents.
If your priority is learning-differences support, an all-girls or single-gender model, or a particular faith tradition, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Denver Academy, St. Mary's, or Valor Christian instead. Choose on mission fit, real aid, and outcomes rather than a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- Niche, Best Private High Schools in the Denver Area
- U.S. News, Best High Schools in Colorado
- GreatSchools, Denver private school ratings
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS)
- Kent Denver School, academics and admission
- Colorado Academy, academics and admission
- Regis Jesuit High School, academics and admission
*Private high schools in Denver review, best private high schools Denver, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top picks for families.*