Denver metro home-buying guide
School districts across the Denver metro.
This planning order reflects 2025 Colorado public academic-performance frameworks and the current distribution of highly rated schools—not an absolute “best to worst” label.
The order uses academic signals only—not student demographics, household income, or home prices. Differences within one district may exceed differences between districts. Always verify the exact boundary school, choice rules, and current ratings.
Douglas County School District
A very large south-metro district with extensive school choice and one of the region’s largest charter sectors.
Cherry Creek School District
City boundaries and district boundaries do not match. Many Aurora addresses are in Cherry Creek Schools, while others are in Aurora Public Schools.
Boulder Valley School District
The district crosses several municipalities and combines address-guaranteed neighborhood enrollment with a lottery-based choice system.
Littleton Public Schools
The district is smaller than several metro peers, and its boundary does not match the full City of Littleton.
Jeffco Public Schools
A geographically broad west-metro district spanning dense suburbs, established cities, and foothill communities.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Serves several fast-changing north-metro communities, and municipal boundaries overlap more than one district.
Denver Public Schools
The metro’s broadest choice ecosystem: neighborhood boundaries, enrollment zones, magnets, innovation schools, and a very large charter sector operate together.
Aurora Public Schools
Aurora addresses may belong to APS or Cherry Creek Schools, so the city name alone never confirms the district.
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