Best Denver public schools? (daycares, home, neighborhoods)

[shanewear]

We are moving to Denver soon. Our child is 4yo. What are the best public schools in Denver (specifically K-8)?

We are wanting small class sizes, hands-on attention, and a really safe school. We know that CO has open enrollment, but we still want to buy a home in an area near our desired school. At this point, we are considering the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Crestmoor, Denver Country Club, and Polo Club.

Also, what preschools would you all recommend in Denver?

Thank you so much!

[davebarnes]

Slavens: K-8
Bromwell, Steck: K-5

Forget open enrollment.
You MUST live live within the school's boundary.

There are other very good K-5 schools.
It is the middle schools that are weak.
Overall, Stapleton will have the best schools due to the rapid influx of upper-middle class parents and the fact that DPS is building new schools.

[shanewear]

Originally Posted by davebarnes

Slavens: K-8
Bromwell, Steck: K-5

Forget open enrollment.
You MUST live live within the school's boundary.

There are other very good K-5 schools.
It is the middle schools that are weak.
Overall, Stapleton will have the best schools due to the rapid influx of upper-middle class parents and the fact that DPS is building new schools.

Thank you, Dave! This is what I've heard re living within the boundaries. Thanks for confirming that. Now I need to go figure out if the schools you listed are within the neighborhoods we are considering.

[davebarnes]

Denver Public Schools - maps

[Texas Ag 93]

Originally Posted by shanewear

Thank you, Dave! This is what I've heard re living within the boundaries. Thanks for confirming that. Now I need to go figure out if the schools you listed are within the neighborhoods we are considering.

Dave is correct, you really need to live within the boundaries of your desired school. Do not count on the school choice process. We live in Stapleton and ended up here after looking in several of the neighborhoods you mention (Hilltop, Crestmoor, Congress Park, Observatory Park/DU area), but passed on them specifically because the schools there were too hit and miss, or the Elementary schools were OK, but not the Middle schools.

One urban neighborhood that is highly desirable and has a very good Elementary school is Wash Park (if zoned to Steele Elementary). I know there were others even in the areas you mention, but honestly, I can't recall the names of the good Elementary schools anymore. Given the other areas you have mentioned, you should definitely look at Wash Park. Nice area, good walkability etc.

One slightly caution about Stapleton you should be aware of is that even though all Stapleton residents are guaranteed a spot in a Stapleton school, you are not necessarily guaranteed a spot in your school of choice. Stapleton is a huge development with tons of kids and is up to 5 Elementary schools now. Assignments are not based on geographic boundaries, but rather, you must fill out School Choice Forms (the deadline for which was Jan 30th). If you move in after that date, the Choice Office will see what schools have availability and give you a couple options, or just assign you one. It is a very unusual way of doing things and catches many people by surprise. There was a pretty detailed thread about it a couple of weeks ago.

//www.city-data.com/forum/denve...confusion.html

[emm74]

Ditto the other comments re: school choice in Denver. Yes, there's choice, but not enough seats to go around so you can't rely on it.

As for your preschool question, it will depend on what neighborhood you end up in. There are plenty of good options although availability could be an issue since it is mid year and many preschools (as opposed to daycares) operate on an academic calendar but unlike public schools, they aren't required to keep some open places for newcomers to the district.

[SkyDog77]

Originally Posted by Texas Ag 93

One urban neighborhood that is highly desirable and has a very good Elementary school is Wash Park (if zoned to Steele Elementary). I know there were others even in the areas you mention, but honestly, I can't recall the names of the good Elementary schools anymore. Given the other areas you have mentioned, you should definitely look at Wash Park. Nice area, good walkability etc.

Agree. Steele is great.

[amajyn]

My son goes to Downtown Denver Expeditionary School. We love it. There are kids from all over Denver, but you probably have to get on the waiting list for kindy.

[JohnnyDenver]

Originally Posted by shanewear

At this point, we are considering the neighborhoods of Hilltop, Crestmoor, Denver Country Club, and Polo Club.

Also, what preschools would you all recommend in Denver?

Thank you so much!

If you can afford to live in one of the aforementioned neighborhoods, then it would seem finances are not an issue. I would recommend private school. My friend who lives in Hilltop sends his son to one located right within that neighborhood. Excellent school.

[Augie Daugie]

Middle school is tough in Denver. Slavens K-8 will keep you covered through 8th grade. Stapleton schools also works for elementary through 8th grade (and likely high school, once that opens). The choice process is Stapleton is pretty silly, but all of the schools are great.