Expat Education Guide: Schools in Denver

Education Overview

Denver scores 4.0/5 for education quality and 4.0/5 for family-friendliness. The city has 9 school neighborhoods with international, bilingual, and local options for expat families. Expect approximately 22 education-related costs.

Denver Public Schools (DPS) is the largest school district in Colorado, serving over 90,000 students with a reputation for innovation and school choice options. The city is known for its strong charter school network, bilingual immersion programs in Spanish, and growing international school presence. Denver offers excellent educational diversity with traditional public schools, innovative charter schools, prestigious private institutions, and several international schools following various curricula.

Quick Stats

Education Score

4.0 /5

Family Score

4.0 /5

School Areas

Cost Items

Estimated Costs

One-Time Costs

$6,000

Monthly Costs

$4,258/mo

Sample Costs

Full Breakdown →

One-Time

School Registration $150

Private School Application Fee $125

International School Application Fee $200

Monthly

Tuition Fees Private $1,250/mo

Tuition Fees International $1,833/mo

Transportation Monthly $125/mo

Showing 6 of 22 costs — sign up to see all

Top School Neighborhoods

See All 9 →

Cherry Creek

Density 4/6

Types: Public, private, charter school options

Notable: Bromwell Elementary, Graland Country Day

Washington Park

Density 4/6

Types: Public elementary, middle, high schools

Notable: Steele Elementary, South High School

Stapleton

Density 4/6

Types: Public elementary, middle, high schools

Notable: Northfield High School, DSST: Conservatory Green

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Practical Tips

Consider applying to Denver Public Schools' choice programs during the January-February window

late applications significantly reduce chances of getting into popular schools like DSST or Denver School of the Arts

You could look into the University of Colorado Denver's continuing education programs

they often provide the same instructors as degree programs at 40-60% lower cost without admission requirements

Consider visiting private schools during their fall or early spring open houses

admissions staff often have more time for individual attention during these periods and showcase facilities

Consider Front Range Community College for prerequisite courses

credits transfer seamlessly to most Colorado universities at one-third the cost of taking them directly

Useful Links

Denver Public Schools

Official district website for Denver's largest public school system, including enrollment procedures, school finder, and academic programs.

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Colorado Department of Education

State education department providing school ratings, enrollment requirements, special education services, and educational standards information.

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University of Colorado Denver

Major public research university in downtown Denver offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.

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Community College of Denver

Public community college providing affordable associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce training, and transfer options.

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Denver Public Library

City library system offering free English classes, computer training, job search assistance, and educational resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Denver has 9 neighborhoods with excellent school options. The best areas depend on whether you need international, public, or private schools. Check ReloPlanner for detailed school density scores per neighborhood.

International school tuition in Denver varies widely by school and grade level. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see detailed education cost breakdowns personalized to your family size.

There are approximately 22 education-related costs to consider when moving to Denver, including both one-time and recurring expenses. Create a free ReloPlanner account to see the full personalized cost breakdown.

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Data verified: March 2026

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