Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Public High Schools in Denver
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 Public High Schools in Denver
Direct Answer
The Best Overall public high school in the Denver area is the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST): Montview in Denver Public Schools, a college-prep charter network campus whose near-universal college acceptance and consistently high graduation and growth scores keep it at the top of metro-Denver rankings.
The Best Value pick is Cherry Creek High School in Cherry Creek School District, a large, well-resourced comprehensive school that delivers a deep AP catalog and strong outcomes tuition-free to every zoned family. 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 the Colorado Department of Education, U.S. News, Niche, and district sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities families consistently cite, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and individual districts. 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 posts strong scores but graduates few students, or wins on reputation while offering thin programs, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. DSST: Montview High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: College-bound students seeking a rigorous STEM-focused charter
DSST: Montview in northeast Denver is the flagship of the highly regarded Denver School of Science and Technology charter network and enrolls several hundred students in grades 9 to 12. The school reports a graduation rate above 90% and a long record of 100% of graduates earning college acceptance.
Its science-and-technology focus, daily advisory structure, and strong academic growth scores on Colorado's accountability framework make it a metro leader. DSST students take a college-prep core, and the network is known for serving a diverse student body and closing opportunity gaps.
Admission is by lottery, open to all Denver families.
Pros:
- Long record of 100% college acceptance for graduates
- Graduation rate above 90%
- Strong STEM focus and academic growth scores
- Open lottery admission for all Denver families
Cons:
- Lottery means seats are not guaranteed
- Smaller school limits some elective breadth
Verdict: DSST: Montview wins on balance, elite college outcomes and STEM rigor open to every Denver family by lottery.
2. Cherry Creek High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a large, well-resourced comprehensive school 💎 BEST VALUE
Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village, part of the Cherry Creek School District, enrolls roughly 3,600 students and is one of Colorado's most decorated comprehensive high schools. It offers one of the deepest AP catalogs in the state, with more than 25 courses, alongside strong athletics, arts, and activities.
Cherry Creek reports a graduation rate around 94% and consistently high college matriculation, all delivered tuition-free to zoned families. Its scale funds extensive electives, counseling, and college-prep resources, making it an outstanding outcomes-per-dollar choice for families who live in the attendance zone.
Pros:
- AP catalog of 25+ courses
- Graduation rate around 94%
- Deep athletics, arts, and activities
- Free, open enrollment for zoned families
Cons:
- Very large enrollment means bigger classes
- Attendance-zone housing carries a price premium
Verdict: The value champion, a vast AP catalog and strong outcomes free to every zoned family.
3. DSST: Stapleton (Central Park) High School
Type: Public charter | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students wanting a proven college-prep charter in central Denver
DSST: Central Park (formerly Stapleton) in Denver is another top campus in the DSST network and shares its hallmark college-prep STEM model. The school reports a graduation rate above 90% and a strong record of college acceptance, with academic growth scores that place it among the metro's best.
Its daily advisory, character-focused culture, and rigorous core curriculum prepare students for selective colleges. Like the rest of the network, admission is by open lottery, and the school is recognized for strong outcomes across a diverse student population.
Pros:
- Graduation rate above 90% with strong college acceptance
- Proven DSST college-prep STEM model
- High academic growth scores
- Open lottery admission
Cons:
- Lottery admission limits guaranteed access
- STEM emphasis may not fit every student
Verdict: A reliable DSST standout, the network's college-prep rigor in a central Denver location.
4. Boulder High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families in Boulder Valley seeking strong academics and IB
Boulder High School, part of the Boulder Valley School District just northwest of Denver, enrolls about 2,000 students and offers a respected International Baccalaureate (IB) program alongside a broad AP catalog. The school reports a graduation rate around 92% and strong college matriculation, helped by its proximity to the University of Colorado Boulder.
Boulder High is known for strong programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities, an engaged community, and high participation in advanced coursework. Its academic culture and resources make it one of the metro region's strongest comprehensive schools.
Pros:
- International Baccalaureate program plus broad AP
- Graduation rate around 92%
- Strong sciences, arts, and humanities
- Proximity to CU Boulder
Cons:
- Boulder housing costs are high
- Demanding academic environment
Verdict: The best IB-plus-AP comprehensive school in the metro region for academically ambitious families.
5. Fairview High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: STEM-leaning families in Boulder Valley
Fairview High School in south Boulder enrolls about 2,100 students and is consistently ranked among Colorado's best public high schools, with a particular strength in STEM and competitive academics. Fairview reports a graduation rate around 93%, high AP participation, and a strong record sending graduates to selective universities.
The school is well known for its science research, math, and robotics teams, which compete at the state and national level. Backed by Boulder Valley's resources, Fairview pairs rigorous academics with extensive electives and activities.
Pros:
- Strong STEM culture and competition teams
- Graduation rate around 93%
- High AP participation
- Strong matriculation to selective universities
Cons:
- Intense academic pressure
- High cost of living in the attendance zone
Verdict: A STEM-forward standout, excellent for science and math-minded students in Boulder Valley.
6. Cherokee Trail High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting balanced academics and IB in Cherry Creek district
Cherokee Trail High School in Aurora, part of the Cherry Creek School District, enrolls roughly 3,000 students and offers a full International Baccalaureate program alongside a deep AP catalog. The school reports a graduation rate around 92% and strong college matriculation, with well-regarded athletics, performing arts, and STEM offerings.
As a Cherry Creek district school, Cherokee Trail benefits from strong funding, experienced faculty, and extensive counseling resources. Its size supports a wide range of electives and activities for a diverse student body.
Pros:
- Full IB program plus deep AP catalog
- Graduation rate around 92%
- Strong athletics and performing arts
- Cherry Creek district resources
Cons:
- Large enrollment yields sizable classes
- IB workload is demanding for full-diploma students
Verdict: A balanced Cherry Creek standout, IB rigor with strong activities and district support.
7. Denver East High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting Denver's largest comprehensive school with broad programs
Denver East High School in central Denver is the city's largest comprehensive high school, enrolling roughly 2,500 students in a historic landmark building. East offers an International Baccalaureate program, a broad AP catalog, and an exceptionally diverse student body.
The school reports a graduation rate around 85% and is known for strong programs in the arts, journalism, and athletics, plus a deep tradition of community engagement. Its central location and breadth of programming make it a defining Denver Public Schools institution for families who want size and variety.
Pros:
- IB program plus broad AP offerings
- Highly diverse student community
- Strong arts, journalism, and athletics
- Central Denver location and rich tradition
Cons:
- Graduation rate trails the top suburban schools
- Very large school can feel impersonal
Verdict: The classic Denver comprehensive school, broad programs and diversity in a historic building.
8. Rock Canyon High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Douglas County families seeking strong academics and athletics
Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch, part of the Douglas County School District south of Denver, enrolls about 2,200 students and is one of the region's strongest comprehensive schools. Rock Canyon reports a graduation rate around 95%, high AP participation, and strong college matriculation.
The school is recognized for competitive athletics, STEM clubs, and performing arts, supported by a well-funded suburban district. Its high graduation rate and broad advanced-course offerings make it a dependable top choice for families in the southern metro area.
Pros:
- Graduation rate around 95%
- High AP participation
- Competitive athletics and STEM clubs
- Strong Douglas County district support
Cons:
- Less program specialization than magnets or IB schools
- Popular electives can fill quickly
Verdict: A dependable southern-metro standout, high graduation and strong all-around programs.
9. Niwot High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students seeking a specialized STEM academy in a smaller school
Niwot High School in Niwot, part of the St. Vrain Valley School District north of Boulder, enrolls about 1,400 students and is known for its selective STEM Academy, a focused program in science, technology, engineering, and math. Niwot reports a graduation rate around 93% and strong college matriculation, with high AP participation.
The STEM Academy offers project-based learning, industry partnerships, and advanced coursework that prepare students for engineering and science programs. The school's smaller size and academy focus give it a distinctive identity in the northern metro region.
Pros:
- Selective STEM Academy with project-based learning
- Graduation rate around 93%
- Industry partnerships and advanced coursework
- Smaller, focused school community
Cons:
- STEM Academy admission is competitive
- Smaller AP catalog than the largest comprehensive schools
Verdict: The best specialized STEM academy in the northern metro for engineering-bound students.
10. Smoky Hill High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting an IB program in a diverse Cherry Creek school
Smoky Hill High School in Centennial, part of the Cherry Creek School District, enrolls roughly 2,500 students and offers a full International Baccalaureate program serving a notably diverse student body. The school reports a graduation rate around 88% and strong advanced-course participation, supported by Cherry Creek's funding and counseling resources.
Smoky Hill is known for strong STEM and global-studies offerings, competitive athletics, and a wide range of activities. Its IB program and diversity make it a strong, accessible option within one of Colorado's best districts.
Pros:
- Full IB program
- Graduation rate around 88%
- Diverse student community
- Cherry Creek district resources
Cons:
- Graduation rate trails the district's top schools
- Large enrollment means bigger classes
Verdict: An accessible IB option in a top district, strong global studies and diversity.
Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Choosing a Public High School
- Graduation and college-going rates, A school that graduates most students and sends them to college signals consistent outcomes, not just high scores from a few.
- AP/IB depth and participation, Look at how many students take and pass advanced courses, which reflects real classroom rigor across the student body.
- Charter lottery vs. Open enrollment, DSST campuses require a lottery, while comprehensive schools like Cherry Creek and Rock Canyon serve all zoned families automatically.
- Teachers and resources, Stable, experienced faculty and strong counseling matter more than building age or marketing.
- Environment and safety, Check school climate and discipline data, not reputation alone, to judge whether a student will thrive.
- Program fit, A STEM Academy at Niwot or an IB diploma at Boulder High may serve a student far better than a higher overall ranking.
What matters less than marketing implies: a single ranking number, the newest building, or average test scores alone. Fit, program access, and a supportive teacher relationship affect a student's outcome far more than a headline figure.
FAQ
Which public high school is the best in the Denver area? DSST: Montview earns the top spot for its long record of 100% college acceptance, a graduation rate above 90%, strong STEM focus, and open lottery admission for all Denver families.
What is the best value public high school in Denver? Cherry Creek High School is our best value, delivering an AP catalog of 25-plus courses, a graduation rate around 94%, and deep activities tuition-free to every zoned family.
Which Denver public high school is best for STEM? Fairview High School in Boulder Valley and the DSST charter campuses lead for STEM, with strong science research, math, and robotics programs; Niwot's STEM Academy is the top specialized option.
Do the top Denver public high schools require an application? The DSST charter campuses use an open lottery, and Niwot's STEM Academy is selective, while comprehensive schools like Cherry Creek, Boulder High, and Rock Canyon serve students in their attendance zones.
Which Denver-area district has the best public high schools? The Cherry Creek School District and Boulder Valley School District consistently rank highest, joined by strong Douglas County and St. Vrain Valley schools in the surrounding metro area.
Is an IB or AP program better in Denver public schools? Both are excellent, Boulder High, Cherokee Trail, and Smoky Hill offer the structured IB diploma, while Cherry Creek and Rock Canyon offer deep AP catalogs; the right fit depends on the student's learning style.
Bottom Line
For Denver families, DSST: Montview is our Best Overall public high school, its college-prep STEM model, 90%+ graduation rate, and record of 100% college acceptance set the standard, and admission is open by lottery. Cherry Creek High School is our Best Value, delivering a vast AP catalog and a graduation rate around 94% tuition-free to every zoned family.
If your priority is IB, a specialized STEM academy, or a particular district, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Boulder High, Niwot, or Cherokee Trail instead. Choose on program fit, outcomes, and access rather than a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News, Best Colorado High Schools rankings
- Niche, Best Public High Schools in the Denver Area
- GreatSchools, Denver school ratings
- Colorado Department of Education, SchoolView and accountability data
- Denver Public Schools, school finder
- Cherry Creek School District
- Boulder Valley School District
- Douglas County School District
*Public high schools in Denver review, best public high schools Denver, rankings, ratings, review 2027, and a review of the top picks for families.*