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Denver metro district guide

Denver Public Schools

City and County of Denver

Academic reference order#7

Enrollment & assignment

DPS is not entirely lottery-based. Many addresses have boundary schools or an enrollment-zone guarantee. Families use SchoolChoice for non-boundary schools, specialty programs, charter schools, or alternatives; oversubscribed choices use admission priorities and lottery numbers.

What makes it different

The metro’s broadest choice ecosystem: neighborhood boundaries, enrollment zones, magnets, innovation schools, and a very large charter sector operate together.

GreatSchools 8+ snapshot

Schools currently appearing at 8/10 or above

  • Polaris Elementary8+
  • Cory Elementary8+
  • Steck Elementary8+
  • Bromwell Elementary8+
  • Slavens K-88+
  • McAuliffe International School8+
  • Denver School of the Arts8+
  • DSST: Conservatory Green High School8+
  • DSST: Cedar High School8+
Ratings are a July 2026 public-data snapshot and may change. Recheck before applying or buying.

Charter schools

District-authorized or district-served charter schools

  • Academy 360
  • American Indian Academy of Denver
  • Colorado High School Charter
  • Compass Academy
  • Downtown Denver Expeditionary School
  • DSST Public Schools network
  • Girls Athletic Leadership School
  • Highline Academy network
  • KIPP Colorado Schools network
  • Rocky Mountain Prep network
  • University Prep network
Charter seats are generally not guaranteed by home address and may require a separate application, priorities, or lottery.
Important

This order is a planning reference based on public academic indicators—not a declaration of “best” or “worst.” Schools within one district vary, and boundaries, ratings, programs, and admissions rules change.