Best High Schools in Denver, CO

The city of Denver, Colorado is home to 57 high schools that span public, public charter, and public magnet institutions, serving students from grades 6-12. These schools exhibit a wide range of academic performance, with standout institutions like D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School and Denver School of the Arts consistently ranking among the top schools in the state, while others like North High School and West High School struggle with low proficiency rates.

The data reveals stark performance gaps between the highest and lowest achieving schools in the district. Top-performing schools boast over 80% proficiency in state assessments like CMAS, while lower-performing schools can fall below 20%. This variation is correlated with the schools' socioeconomic demographics, as those serving more economically disadvantaged populations tend to have the lowest test scores and rankings. The Denver Public Schools district as a whole ranks 76th out of 115 in Colorado, but individual school quality within the system varies greatly.

Several of the highest-ranked schools in Denver are public charter or magnet institutions, suggesting the district's traditional comprehensive high schools face challenges in improving outcomes for their students. Proficiency gaps start emerging as early as 6th and 7th grade, highlighting the critical importance of strong academic foundations in the middle grades. Addressing these disparities will require a multifaceted approach targeting school-level factors, student demographics, and the broader educational ecosystem in Denver.