When you’re choosing a private school in Denver, the conversation isn’t really about rankings. Rankings tell you what a school did for last year’s students. What parents actually need is context: what kind of school this is, who it’s designed for, where it sits geographically relative to your home, what it costs, and what kind of students come out the other side.

Denver’s private school landscape is broader and more varied than most families expect. There are elite college-prep institutions sending graduates to Ivy League schools. There are Montessori programs that throw out the traditional classroom model entirely. There are faith-based schools spanning Catholic, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. And there are specialized programs for students who need a different approach — whether that’s one-on-one instruction, arts-focused curriculum, or outdoor education built around Colorado’s landscape.

This guide covers Denver’s strongest private schools organized by neighborhood and school type, with current tuition, enrollment, key differentiators, and the practical information parents need to make informed decisions. For families focused specifically on the Cherry Creek area, see our in-depth Cherry Creek private schools guide. For broader neighborhood context, see our best Denver neighborhoods for families.

Denver Private Schools at a Glance: What to Expect

Before diving into specific schools, here’s the landscape: Denver has approximately 106 private schools serving around 18,600 students. About 11 percent of Denver’s K–12 students attend private school, higher than the Colorado average of 8 percent. The average private school tuition in Denver is roughly $15,900 per year, though elite independent schools range from $30,000 to $43,000 or more. About half of Denver’s private schools have a religious affiliation, most commonly Catholic and Jewish.

The average student-to-teacher ratio across Denver private schools is 11:1, compared to roughly 17:1 in Denver Public Schools. Class sizes at the most selective independents run 13 to 18 students. Most elite schools offer financial aid — Kent Denver awards over $5 million annually, and one in five Graland families receives tuition assistance. If the published tuition numbers feel prohibitive, the financial aid conversation is worth having before you rule a school out.

School Type	Tuition Range	Grades	Key Characteristics
Elite Independent	$30,000–$43,000+	K–12 or 6–12	Highest selectivity. Strong college placement. Extensive AP, arts, athletics.
Independent Day	$15,000–$30,000	PK–8 or PK–12	Strong academics, accessible admissions. Often progressive/experiential.
Catholic / Faith-Based	$8,000–$18,000	K–8 or K–12	Values-based. Most affordable private option. Community-oriented.
Montessori / Alternative	$12,000–$25,000	PK–8	Child-led learning. Mixed-age. Independence and exploration.
Specialized / Therapeutic	$20,000–$45,000+	Varies	Learning differences, social-emotional needs, unique profiles.

Denver’s Top Independent College-Prep Schools

These are the schools that consistently place graduates in the country’s most selective universities. They’re also the most expensive and the hardest to get into. If college preparation and academic rigor are your top priorities, this is where the conversation starts.

Kent Denver School

Grades 6–12 | Cherry Hills Village | Tuition: $43,250 (2026–27)

Kent Denver is Denver’s most prominent independent school and the one most families measure others against. It sits on a 200-acre campus at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Quincy Avenue in Cherry Hills Village — technically outside Denver city limits but serving families from across the metro. The school traces its roots to 1922 and has operated as a co-ed institution since 1974. With 86 percent of faculty holding advanced degrees, a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and more than 140 course offerings including 20 advanced courses, Kent Denver provides the kind of academic depth that prepares students for the most competitive college admissions processes in the country. Recent graduates have matriculated to Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Yale, Dartmouth, Stanford, Georgetown, and dozens of other elite institutions. Twenty interscholastic sports include Colorado-specific offerings like mountain biking, rock climbing, and ice hockey. Approximately 22 percent of families receive financial aid, with an average award of nearly $30,000.

Colorado Academy

Grades PK–12 | South Denver | Tuition: ~$30,000–$35,000

Colorado Academy is the Denver area’s only PK–12 independent school on a single campus, which means a student can start in preschool and graduate from high school without ever changing schools. Located in the southwest part of the metro near the Ken Caryl and Columbine areas, CA draws families from Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Hilltop, and the southern suburbs. The school emphasizes creating curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners — language that sounds like marketing until you see it reflected in a curriculum that balances rigorous liberal arts academics with outdoor education, community service, and arts programming. The campus includes extensive athletic facilities, and the school’s college placement record is strong, with recent graduates enrolling at Northwestern, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Emory, Colgate, and a wide range of top-50 institutions. Colorado Academy is consistently ranked as one of the top private schools in the state.

Dawson School

Grades K–12 | Lafayette (Boulder County) | Tuition: ~$28,000–$33,000

Dawson sits on a 107-acre campus in Lafayette and draws families from Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Erie, and the northern Denver suburbs. While not technically in Denver, it’s included here because many Denver families — particularly those in the northwest metro — consider it alongside Denver schools. Dawson’s 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio is among the lowest in the state, and 68 percent of faculty hold advanced degrees. The school offers 14 AP courses with 75 percent of scores at 3 or above, and boasts 19 interscholastic sports including cyclocross. Recent graduates have enrolled at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Northwestern, Tufts, UC Berkeley, Williams, and WashU. Dawson’s campus and approach feel distinctly Colorado — outdoor education is woven into the curriculum, and the Boulder County setting offers a different energy than Denver’s urban independents.

Hilltop, Observatory Park & Central Denver Schools

The Hilltop and Observatory Park neighborhoods are home to some of Denver’s most established private schools, positioned centrally enough to draw families from Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Congress Park, and beyond.

Graland Country Day School

Grades PK–8 | Hilltop | Tuition: $30,700–$38,900 (2026–27)

Graland is Denver’s premier independent elementary and middle school and the feeder for families who want their children to transition to Kent Denver, Colorado Academy, or top boarding schools for high school. Founded in 1927, Graland combines a traditional classroom structure with experiential learning — students regularly leave campus for field-based learning, community service, and overnight trips that are integrated into the academic program rather than tacked on as extras. The school operates on an all-inclusive tuition model, meaning tuition covers lunch, snacks, books, technology, school supplies, field trips, and program fees. No surprise invoices throughout the year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1 and the 650-student community is deliberately kept small enough that every student is known. Graland’s campus is in the heart of Hilltop, offering daily bus routes for families throughout the metro. One in five families receives tuition assistance.

St. Anne’s Episcopal School

Grades PK–8 | Observatory Park/University area | Tuition: ~$18,000–$24,000

St. Anne’s sits on a seven-acre campus in south-central Denver and offers a values-based education rooted in the Episcopal tradition while welcoming families of all faiths. The school emphasizes character development alongside academics, with a strong arts program and community assembly tradition where the entire school gathers weekly. Class sizes are small and the culture is intentionally warm and community-oriented. St. Anne’s is often compared favorably to Graland by families who want a strong independent school experience at a lower price point with a slightly smaller and more intimate community.

Stanley British Primary School

Grades PK–8 | Lowry (near Hilltop) | Tuition: ~$20,000–$27,000

Stanley British Primary uses the British Primary approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, mixed-age groupings in some programs, and a curriculum that encourages children to follow their curiosity. The school sits on a campus in the Lowry neighborhood and draws families who want an alternative to the traditional classroom model without going fully Montessori. It’s a strong option for creative, curious children who thrive with more autonomy in their learning process.

Cherry Creek Area Private Schools

Cherry Creek is Denver’s most concentrated area for private education, with several options spanning the full range from PK through 12th grade. We cover Cherry Creek schools in depth in our complete Cherry Creek private schools guide, but here’s a quick overview of the key options for families comparing across all of Denver:

St. Mary’s Academy (Grades PK–12, Cherry Hills Village, ~$15,000–$22,000) is a Catholic school with a strong academic reputation and a more accessible price point than the top independents. It draws families from Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, and Centennial. Blessed Sacrament Parish School (Grades K–8, Park Hill/Montclair, ~$8,000–$10,000) offers a Catholic elementary education at one of the most affordable price points in Denver’s private school landscape. Denver Jewish Day School (Grades K–12, southeast Denver, ~$22,000–$28,000) provides a dual-curriculum education combining rigorous academics with Jewish studies, including a six-week immersion experience in Israel for tenth graders.

For detailed profiles on these and other Cherry Creek area schools including admissions timelines, campus visits, and the specific characteristics that differentiate them, see our Cherry Creek private schools deep dive.

Washington Park & South Denver Schools

The neighborhoods south of downtown — Washington Park, Platt Park, and the Bonnie Brae area — offer several strong private options, particularly for elementary-aged children. For general information on the Wash Park area, see our Washington Park neighborhood guide and our Washington Park schools guide.

Montessori School of Denver

Ages 3–Grade 6 | Wash Park area | Tuition: ~$16,000–$22,000

The Montessori School of Denver is one of the metro’s most respected Montessori programs, offering a true Montessori experience from preschool through sixth grade. Mixed-age classrooms, self-directed learning, and an emphasis on hands-on materials define the approach. The school draws families from Wash Park, Platt Park, Bonnie Brae, and Observatory Park who want an educational philosophy that prioritizes independence, intrinsic motivation, and exploration over traditional grading and testing. If your child is curious, self-motivated, and sometimes frustrated by the constraints of a traditional classroom, Montessori is worth exploring.

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Grades K–8 | Wash Park/Bonnie Brae | Tuition: ~$8,000–$10,000

Good Shepherd provides a Catholic education with solid academics at one of Denver’s most accessible private school price points. The school’s location in the Bonnie Brae area makes it a natural choice for Wash Park and South Denver families who want a values-based education with smaller class sizes than DPS can offer but without the premium tuition of the independent schools. Good Shepherd graduates typically transition into either Denver’s competitive public high schools or into private high schools like Regis Jesuit, Mullen, or St. Mary’s Academy.

Faith-Based Schools Across Denver

Roughly half of Denver’s private schools have a religious affiliation. For many families, faith-based schools represent the best value in private education — smaller class sizes, character development, and community cohesion at tuition rates that are often half or less what the independent schools charge.

Regis Jesuit High School

Grades 9–12 | Aurora (serves metro Denver) | Tuition: ~$18,000–$21,000

Regis Jesuit is one of the largest and most established Catholic high schools in the metro area, operating separate boys’ and girls’ divisions on a shared campus. The Jesuit educational model emphasizes academic rigor, service, and the development of the whole person. The school’s athletic programs are among the strongest in the state, and its college counseling sends graduates to a broad range of universities including Georgetown, Notre Dame, Villanova, BC, and the University of Colorado system. For Catholic families seeking a serious college-prep high school experience, Regis Jesuit is consistently the top choice.

Mullen High School

Grades 9–12 | Southwest Denver | Tuition: ~$17,000–$19,000

Mullen is a co-ed Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition, located in southwest Denver near the Federal Center area. With an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio, 24 AP courses, 22 honors classes, and a conservatory-level arts program with over a million student artist song downloads, Mullen offers an unusually broad range of opportunities for a school its size. The athletic program is competitive at the state level, and the school’s emphasis on service produces graduates who are both academically prepared and community-minded. Recent graduates have enrolled at Princeton, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and Marquette among many others.

Denver Christian School

Grades PK–12 | Southwest Denver | Tuition: ~$11,000–$15,000

Denver Christian offers a complete PK–12 Christian education on a single campus, making it one of the few schools in the metro where a student can start in preschool and graduate from high school in the same community. The school recently announced an expanded campus and new head of school, signaling investment in growth. At its price point, Denver Christian represents one of the strongest values in Denver private education for families who want a faith-integrated academic experience. The school offers 10 interscholastic sports and a growing extracurricular program.

Specialized and Alternative Programs

Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom, and Denver has several programs designed for different learning profiles.

Fusion Academy (Greenwood Village)

Grades 6–12 | Greenwood Village | Tuition: ~$45,000–$55,000+

Fusion’s model is radically different: every class is one-on-one, one student and one teacher. This isn’t tutoring — it’s a full school program where students have different teachers for different subjects, with each teacher acting as a mentor in the one-on-one setting. The model works for students who have struggled in traditional settings, students who are accelerated beyond their grade level, student athletes or performers who need flexible scheduling, and students with learning differences who benefit from individualized pacing. The tuition reflects the staffing intensity, but for families who have tried multiple traditional schools without success, Fusion often represents the solution.

International School of Denver

Grades PK–9 (expanding) | Park Hill | Tuition: ~$18,000–$25,000

ISD offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum with full language immersion tracks in French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Students develop fluency in two languages while following a rigorous international academic framework. The school draws families from across the metro who prioritize multilingual education and global perspective. It’s a fundamentally different approach than the traditional American independent school model, and it produces students who are genuinely bilingual and culturally fluent.

Montessori Academy of Colorado

Grades PK–8 | South Denver | Tuition: ~$15,000–$22,000

MAC combines progressive Montessori pedagogy with a structured academic program, experiential learning, and social-emotional support. The school recently launched a purpose-based middle school program that guides students through a journey of self-discovery and community contribution — unusual for a Montessori school, which traditionally serves younger children. For families who want the Montessori philosophy extended beyond elementary school, MAC is one of the few options in Denver.

How to Choose: A Framework for Denver Families

With this many options, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here’s a practical framework that most private school counselors won’t give you because it’s too direct:

Start With Your Child, Not the School

The most expensive school is not automatically the best school for your child. A high-energy, hands-on learner will thrive at Stanley British Primary or a Montessori program and may feel constrained at a traditional college-prep. A student who craves structure and clear academic expectations will thrive at Kent Denver or Regis Jesuit and may feel lost in a child-directed program. Match the school’s philosophy to your child’s learning profile, not to your aspirations for their resume.

Geography Matters More Than You Think

A school that’s a 45-minute commute each way will cost your family an hour and a half every day — in a child’s time, a parent’s time, and the practical ability to participate in after-school activities, playdates, and community events. Schools near your home or your work create a much richer experience. For families in Cherry Creek, Hilltop, or Wash Park, the geographic options are excellent. For families in the northern suburbs, Dawson School in Lafayette or the Boulder private school landscape may be worth considering — see our Boulder private schools guide for options.

Run the Real Numbers

Tuition is the headline, but the total cost includes books and materials (some schools include these, others don’t), technology fees, activity fees, transportation, uniforms, lunch programs, and the various fundraising expectations that are part of private school culture. Graland’s all-inclusive model is refreshingly transparent. Most other schools will have additional costs beyond published tuition. Budget 10 to 15 percent above the stated tuition for a realistic total. And apply for financial aid even if you think you won’t qualify — the thresholds are often higher than families assume, particularly at the wealthiest schools.

Visit Before You Decide

No article, ranking, or parent recommendation replaces walking through a school while classes are in session. Every school listed here offers campus tours and admission events. Watch the students, not just the facilities. Are they engaged? Are they interacting with teachers as people, or performing compliance? Does the energy in the hallways match the energy your child brings? Trust what you observe more than what the admissions office tells you.

Denver Private School Tuition Comparison

School	Grades	Tuition	Area	Type
Kent Denver School	6–12	$43,250	Cherry Hills Village	Independent college-prep
Graland Country Day	PK–8	$30,700–$38,900	Hilltop	Independent day
Colorado Academy	PK–12	$30,000–$35,000	South Denver	Independent college-prep
Dawson School	K–12	$28,000–$33,000	Lafayette	Independent college-prep
Denver Jewish Day School	K–12	$22,000–$28,000	SE Denver	Jewish independent
Stanley British Primary	PK–8	$20,000–$27,000	Lowry	Progressive independent
Intl School of Denver	PK–9+	$18,000–$25,000	Park Hill	IB / immersion
St. Anne’s Episcopal	PK–8	$18,000–$24,000	Observatory Park	Episcopal
Montessori Academy of CO	PK–8	$15,000–$22,000	South Denver	Montessori
St. Mary’s Academy	PK–12	$15,000–$22,000	Cherry Hills Village	Catholic
Regis Jesuit	9–12	$18,000–$21,000	Aurora	Catholic (Jesuit)
Mullen High School	9–12	$17,000–$19,000	SW Denver	Catholic (Lasallian)
Montessori School of Denver	3 yrs–Gr 6	$16,000–$22,000	Wash Park	Montessori
Denver Christian	PK–12	$11,000–$15,000	SW Denver	Christian
Good Shepherd Catholic	K–8	$8,000–$10,000	Bonnie Brae	Catholic
Blessed Sacrament	K–8	$8,000–$10,000	Park Hill	Catholic

Tuition is approximate for the 2025–26 or 2026–27 school year based on the most recently published figures. Contact schools directly for current rates and financial aid information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Private Schools

How much does private school cost in Denver?

Denver private school tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $43,000 or more per year, depending on the type of school. Catholic and faith-based schools typically cost $8,000 to $18,000. Independent day schools range from $15,000 to $35,000. Elite college-prep institutions like Kent Denver charge over $43,000. The Denver average across all private schools is approximately $15,900 per year. Financial aid is widely available — apply even if you think you may not qualify.

What are the best private schools in Denver?

The most highly regarded independent schools in the Denver metro include Kent Denver School (grades 6–12, Cherry Hills Village), Graland Country Day School (PK–8, Hilltop), Colorado Academy (PK–12, south Denver), and Dawson School (K–12, Lafayette). Among faith-based schools, Regis Jesuit and Mullen High School are the strongest college-prep options. The best school for your child depends on their learning style, your family’s values, and your geographic location.

Do Denver private schools offer financial aid?

Yes, most Denver private schools offer need-based financial aid. Kent Denver awards over $5 million annually, with an average award of nearly $30,000. One in five Graland families receives tuition assistance. Even at the most expensive schools, financial aid can make private education significantly more accessible. Applications typically use the Clarity or SSS systems and are due in January or February for the following school year.

What is the application timeline for Denver private schools?

Most Denver private schools have application deadlines between early January and early February for the following school year. Open houses and campus tours typically run from September through December. Admission decisions are usually communicated in mid-February to early March. For families relocating to Denver mid-year, many schools will consider late applications if space is available — contact admissions offices directly.

How does Denver’s school choice system affect private school decisions?

Denver Public Schools operates a choice-based enrollment system called SchoolChoice, which allows families to apply to any public or charter school in the district regardless of address. This means Denver has an unusually strong public school system with competitive options. Many families compare specific public and charter schools alongside private options rather than defaulting to private. The private school decision in Denver is often less about escaping poor public schools and more about seeking specific educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, religious education, or specialized programs.

Finding the Right School for Your Denver Family

Denver’s private school landscape offers something for nearly every family: elite college-prep, progressive experiential learning, faith-based education, Montessori, international baccalaureate, one-on-one instruction, and everything in between. The decision isn’t which school is the “best” — it’s which school is the best fit for your specific child, your family’s values, your geographic reality, and your budget.

Start tours early. Apply for financial aid broadly. And prioritize the match between school philosophy and your child’s actual temperament over the school’s ranking or reputation. The right school is the one where your child thrives.

For families exploring Denver neighborhoods alongside schools, see our Denver luxury living guide, our best Denver neighborhoods for families, and our Cherry Creek vs Washington Park comparison. For Boulder families, see our Boulder private schools guide and our Boulder living guide.

When you’re choosing a private school in Denver, the conversation isn’t really about rankings. Rankings tell you what a school did for last year’s students. What parents actually need is context: what kind of school this is, who it’s designed for, where it sits geographically relative to your home, what it costs, and what kind of students come out the other side.

Denver’s private school landscape is broader and more varied than most families expect. There are elite college-prep institutions sending graduates to Ivy League schools. There are Montessori programs that throw out the traditional classroom model entirely. There are faith-based schools spanning Catholic, Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. And there are specialized programs for students who need a different approach — whether that’s one-on-one instruction, arts-focused curriculum, or outdoor education built around Colorado’s landscape.

This guide covers Denver’s strongest private schools organized by neighborhood and school type, with current tuition, enrollment, key differentiators, and the practical information parents need to make informed decisions. For families focused specifically on the Cherry Creek area, see our in-depth Cherry Creek private schools guide. For broader neighborhood context, see our best Denver neighborhoods for families.

Denver Private Schools at a Glance: What to Expect

Before diving into specific schools, here’s the landscape: Denver has approximately 106 private schools serving around 18,600 students. About 11 percent of Denver’s K–12 students attend private school, higher than the Colorado average of 8 percent. The average private school tuition in Denver is roughly $15,900 per year, though elite independent schools range from $30,000 to $43,000 or more. About half of Denver’s private schools have a religious affiliation, most commonly Catholic and Jewish.

The average student-to-teacher ratio across Denver private schools is 11:1, compared to roughly 17:1 in Denver Public Schools. Class sizes at the most selective independents run 13 to 18 students. Most elite schools offer financial aid — Kent Denver awards over $5 million annually, and one in five Graland families receives tuition assistance. If the published tuition numbers feel prohibitive, the financial aid conversation is worth having before you rule a school out.

School Type	Tuition Range	Grades	Key Characteristics
Elite Independent	$30,000–$43,000+	K–12 or 6–12	Highest selectivity. Strong college placement. Extensive AP, arts, athletics.
Independent Day	$15,000–$30,000	PK–8 or PK–12	Strong academics, accessible admissions. Often progressive/experiential.
Catholic / Faith-Based	$8,000–$18,000	K–8 or K–12	Values-based. Most affordable private option. Community-oriented.
Montessori / Alternative	$12,000–$25,000	PK–8	Child-led learning. Mixed-age. Independence and exploration.
Specialized / Therapeutic	$20,000–$45,000+	Varies	Learning differences, social-emotional needs, unique profiles.

Denver’s Top Independent College-Prep Schools

These are the schools that consistently place graduates in the country’s most selective universities. They’re also the most expensive and the hardest to get into. If college preparation and academic rigor are your top priorities, this is where the conversation starts.

Kent Denver School

Grades 6–12 | Cherry Hills Village | Tuition: $43,250 (2026–27)

Kent Denver is Denver’s most prominent independent school and the one most families measure others against. It sits on a 200-acre campus at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Quincy Avenue in Cherry Hills Village — technically outside Denver city limits but serving families from across the metro. The school traces its roots to 1922 and has operated as a co-ed institution since 1974. With 86 percent of faculty holding advanced degrees, a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and more than 140 course offerings including 20 advanced courses, Kent Denver provides the kind of academic depth that prepares students for the most competitive college admissions processes in the country. Recent graduates have matriculated to Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Yale, Dartmouth, Stanford, Georgetown, and dozens of other elite institutions. Twenty interscholastic sports include Colorado-specific offerings like mountain biking, rock climbing, and ice hockey. Approximately 22 percent of families receive financial aid, with an average award of nearly $30,000.

Colorado Academy

Grades PK–12 | South Denver | Tuition: ~$30,000–$35,000

Colorado Academy is the Denver area’s only PK–12 independent school on a single campus, which means a student can start in preschool and graduate from high school without ever changing schools. Located in the southwest part of the metro near the Ken Caryl and Columbine areas, CA draws families from Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Hilltop, and the southern suburbs. The school emphasizes creating curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners — language that sounds like marketing until you see it reflected in a curriculum that balances rigorous liberal arts academics with outdoor education, community service, and arts programming. The campus includes extensive athletic facilities, and the school’s college placement record is strong, with recent graduates enrolling at Northwestern, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Emory, Colgate, and a wide range of top-50 institutions. Colorado Academy is consistently ranked as one of the top private schools in the state.

Dawson School

Grades K–12 | Lafayette (Boulder County) | Tuition: ~$28,000–$33,000

Dawson sits on a 107-acre campus in Lafayette and draws families from Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Erie, and the northern Denver suburbs. While not technically in Denver, it’s included here because many Denver families — particularly those in the northwest metro — consider it alongside Denver schools. Dawson’s 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio is among the lowest in the state, and 68 percent of faculty hold advanced degrees. The school offers 14 AP courses with 75 percent of scores at 3 or above, and boasts 19 interscholastic sports including cyclocross. Recent graduates have enrolled at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Northwestern, Tufts, UC Berkeley, Williams, and WashU. Dawson’s campus and approach feel distinctly Colorado — outdoor education is woven into the curriculum, and the Boulder County setting offers a different energy than Denver’s urban independents.

Hilltop, Observatory Park & Central Denver Schools

The Hilltop and Observatory Park neighborhoods are home to some of Denver’s most established private schools, positioned centrally enough to draw families from Cherry Creek, Wash Park, Congress Park, and beyond.

Graland Country Day School

Grades PK–8 | Hilltop | Tuition: $30,700–$38,900 (2026–27)

Graland is Denver’s premier independent elementary and middle school and the feeder for families who want their children to transition to Kent Denver, Colorado Academy, or top boarding schools for high school. Founded in 1927, Graland combines a traditional classroom structure with experiential learning — students regularly leave campus for field-based learning, community service, and overnight trips that are integrated into the academic program rather than tacked on as extras. The school operates on an all-inclusive tuition model, meaning tuition covers lunch, snacks, books, technology, school supplies, field trips, and program fees. No surprise invoices throughout the year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1 and the 650-student community is deliberately kept small enough that every student is known. Graland’s campus is in the heart of Hilltop, offering daily bus routes for families throughout the metro. One in five families receives tuition assistance.

St. Anne’s Episcopal School

Grades PK–8 | Observatory Park/University area | Tuition: ~$18,000–$24,000

St. Anne’s sits on a seven-acre campus in south-central Denver and offers a values-based education rooted in the Episcopal tradition while welcoming families of all faiths. The school emphasizes character development alongside academics, with a strong arts program and community assembly tradition where the entire school gathers weekly. Class sizes are small and the culture is intentionally warm and community-oriented. St. Anne’s is often compared favorably to Graland by families who want a strong independent school experience at a lower price point with a slightly smaller and more intimate community.

Stanley British Primary School

Grades PK–8 | Lowry (near Hilltop) | Tuition: ~$20,000–$27,000

Stanley British Primary uses the British Primary approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, mixed-age groupings in some programs, and a curriculum that encourages children to follow their curiosity. The school sits on a campus in the Lowry neighborhood and draws families who want an alternative to the traditional classroom model without going fully Montessori. It’s a strong option for creative, curious children who thrive with more autonomy in their learning process.

Cherry Creek Area Private Schools

Cherry Creek is Denver’s most concentrated area for private education, with several options spanning the full range from PK through 12th grade. We cover Cherry Creek schools in depth in our complete Cherry Creek private schools guide, but here’s a quick overview of the key options for families comparing across all of Denver:

St. Mary’s Academy (Grades PK–12, Cherry Hills Village, ~$15,000–$22,000) is a Catholic school with a strong academic reputation and a more accessible price point than the top independents. It draws families from Cherry Creek, Greenwood Village, and Centennial. Blessed Sacrament Parish School (Grades K–8, Park Hill/Montclair, ~$8,000–$10,000) offers a Catholic elementary education at one of the most affordable price points in Denver’s private school landscape. Denver Jewish Day School (Grades K–12, southeast Denver, ~$22,000–$28,000) provides a dual-curriculum education combining rigorous academics with Jewish studies, including a six-week immersion experience in Israel for tenth graders.

For detailed profiles on these and other Cherry Creek area schools including admissions timelines, campus visits, and the specific characteristics that differentiate them, see our Cherry Creek private schools deep dive.

Washington Park & South Denver Schools

The neighborhoods south of downtown — Washington Park, Platt Park, and the Bonnie Brae area — offer several strong private options, particularly for elementary-aged children. For general information on the Wash Park area, see our Washington Park neighborhood guide and our Washington Park schools guide.

Montessori School of Denver

Ages 3–Grade 6 | Wash Park area | Tuition: ~$16,000–$22,000

The Montessori School of Denver is one of the metro’s most respected Montessori programs, offering a true Montessori experience from preschool through sixth grade. Mixed-age classrooms, self-directed learning, and an emphasis on hands-on materials define the approach. The school draws families from Wash Park, Platt Park, Bonnie Brae, and Observatory Park who want an educational philosophy that prioritizes independence, intrinsic motivation, and exploration over traditional grading and testing. If your child is curious, self-motivated, and sometimes frustrated by the constraints of a traditional classroom, Montessori is worth exploring.

Good Shepherd Catholic School

Grades K–8 | Wash Park/Bonnie Brae | Tuition: ~$8,000–$10,000

Good Shepherd provides a Catholic education with solid academics at one of Denver’s most accessible private school price points. The school’s location in the Bonnie Brae area makes it a natural choice for Wash Park and South Denver families who want a values-based education with smaller class sizes than DPS can offer but without the premium tuition of the independent schools. Good Shepherd graduates typically transition into either Denver’s competitive public high schools or into private high schools like Regis Jesuit, Mullen, or St. Mary’s Academy.

Faith-Based Schools Across Denver

Roughly half of Denver’s private schools have a religious affiliation. For many families, faith-based schools represent the best value in private education — smaller class sizes, character development, and community cohesion at tuition rates that are often half or less what the independent schools charge.

Regis Jesuit High School

Grades 9–12 | Aurora (serves metro Denver) | Tuition: ~$18,000–$21,000

Regis Jesuit is one of the largest and most established Catholic high schools in the metro area, operating separate boys’ and girls’ divisions on a shared campus. The Jesuit educational model emphasizes academic rigor, service, and the development of the whole person. The school’s athletic programs are among the strongest in the state, and its college counseling sends graduates to a broad range of universities including Georgetown, Notre Dame, Villanova, BC, and the University of Colorado system. For Catholic families seeking a serious college-prep high school experience, Regis Jesuit is consistently the top choice.

Mullen High School

Grades 9–12 | Southwest Denver | Tuition: ~$17,000–$19,000

Mullen is a co-ed Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition, located in southwest Denver near the Federal Center area. With an 11:1 student-to-teacher ratio, 24 AP courses, 22 honors classes, and a conservatory-level arts program with over a million student artist song downloads, Mullen offers an unusually broad range of opportunities for a school its size. The athletic program is competitive at the state level, and the school’s emphasis on service produces graduates who are both academically prepared and community-minded. Recent graduates have enrolled at Princeton, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Notre Dame, and Marquette among many others.

Denver Christian School

Grades PK–12 | Southwest Denver | Tuition: ~$11,000–$15,000

Denver Christian offers a complete PK–12 Christian education on a single campus, making it one of the few schools in the metro where a student can start in preschool and graduate from high school in the same community. The school recently announced an expanded campus and new head of school, signaling investment in growth. At its price point, Denver Christian represents one of the strongest values in Denver private education for families who want a faith-integrated academic experience. The school offers 10 interscholastic sports and a growing extracurricular program.

Specialized and Alternative Programs

Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom, and Denver has several programs designed for different learning profiles.

Fusion Academy (Greenwood Village)

Grades 6–12 | Greenwood Village | Tuition: ~$45,000–$55,000+

Fusion’s model is radically different: every class is one-on-one, one student and one teacher. This isn’t tutoring — it’s a full school program where students have different teachers for different subjects, with each teacher acting as a mentor in the one-on-one setting. The model works for students who have struggled in traditional settings, students who are accelerated beyond their grade level, student athletes or performers who need flexible scheduling, and students with learning differences who benefit from individualized pacing. The tuition reflects the staffing intensity, but for families who have tried multiple traditional schools without success, Fusion often represents the solution.

International School of Denver

Grades PK–9 (expanding) | Park Hill | Tuition: ~$18,000–$25,000

ISD offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum with full language immersion tracks in French, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. Students develop fluency in two languages while following a rigorous international academic framework. The school draws families from across the metro who prioritize multilingual education and global perspective. It’s a fundamentally different approach than the traditional American independent school model, and it produces students who are genuinely bilingual and culturally fluent.

Montessori Academy of Colorado

Grades PK–8 | South Denver | Tuition: ~$15,000–$22,000

MAC combines progressive Montessori pedagogy with a structured academic program, experiential learning, and social-emotional support. The school recently launched a purpose-based middle school program that guides students through a journey of self-discovery and community contribution — unusual for a Montessori school, which traditionally serves younger children. For families who want the Montessori philosophy extended beyond elementary school, MAC is one of the few options in Denver.

How to Choose: A Framework for Denver Families

With this many options, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here’s a practical framework that most private school counselors won’t give you because it’s too direct:

Start With Your Child, Not the School

The most expensive school is not automatically the best school for your child. A high-energy, hands-on learner will thrive at Stanley British Primary or a Montessori program and may feel constrained at a traditional college-prep. A student who craves structure and clear academic expectations will thrive at Kent Denver or Regis Jesuit and may feel lost in a child-directed program. Match the school’s philosophy to your child’s learning profile, not to your aspirations for their resume.

Geography Matters More Than You Think

A school that’s a 45-minute commute each way will cost your family an hour and a half every day — in a child’s time, a parent’s time, and the practical ability to participate in after-school activities, playdates, and community events. Schools near your home or your work create a much richer experience. For families in Cherry Creek, Hilltop, or Wash Park, the geographic options are excellent. For families in the northern suburbs, Dawson School in Lafayette or the Boulder private school landscape may be worth considering — see our Boulder private schools guide for options.

Run the Real Numbers

Tuition is the headline, but the total cost includes books and materials (some schools include these, others don’t), technology fees, activity fees, transportation, uniforms, lunch programs, and the various fundraising expectations that are part of private school culture. Graland’s all-inclusive model is refreshingly transparent. Most other schools will have additional costs beyond published tuition. Budget 10 to 15 percent above the stated tuition for a realistic total. And apply for financial aid even if you think you won’t qualify — the thresholds are often higher than families assume, particularly at the wealthiest schools.

Visit Before You Decide

No article, ranking, or parent recommendation replaces walking through a school while classes are in session. Every school listed here offers campus tours and admission events. Watch the students, not just the facilities. Are they engaged? Are they interacting with teachers as people, or performing compliance? Does the energy in the hallways match the energy your child brings? Trust what you observe more than what the admissions office tells you.

Denver Private School Tuition Comparison

School	Grades	Tuition	Area	Type
Kent Denver School	6–12	$43,250	Cherry Hills Village	Independent college-prep
Graland Country Day	PK–8	$30,700–$38,900	Hilltop	Independent day
Colorado Academy	PK–12	$30,000–$35,000	South Denver	Independent college-prep
Dawson School	K–12	$28,000–$33,000	Lafayette	Independent college-prep
Denver Jewish Day School	K–12	$22,000–$28,000	SE Denver	Jewish independent
Stanley British Primary	PK–8	$20,000–$27,000	Lowry	Progressive independent
Intl School of Denver	PK–9+	$18,000–$25,000	Park Hill	IB / immersion
St. Anne’s Episcopal	PK–8	$18,000–$24,000	Observatory Park	Episcopal
Montessori Academy of CO	PK–8	$15,000–$22,000	South Denver	Montessori
St. Mary’s Academy	PK–12	$15,000–$22,000	Cherry Hills Village	Catholic
Regis Jesuit	9–12	$18,000–$21,000	Aurora	Catholic (Jesuit)
Mullen High School	9–12	$17,000–$19,000	SW Denver	Catholic (Lasallian)
Montessori School of Denver	3 yrs–Gr 6	$16,000–$22,000	Wash Park	Montessori
Denver Christian	PK–12	$11,000–$15,000	SW Denver	Christian
Good Shepherd Catholic	K–8	$8,000–$10,000	Bonnie Brae	Catholic
Blessed Sacrament	K–8	$8,000–$10,000	Park Hill	Catholic

Tuition is approximate for the 2025–26 or 2026–27 school year based on the most recently published figures. Contact schools directly for current rates and financial aid information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Denver Private Schools

How much does private school cost in Denver?

Denver private school tuition ranges from approximately $8,000 to $43,000 or more per year, depending on the type of school. Catholic and faith-based schools typically cost $8,000 to $18,000. Independent day schools range from $15,000 to $35,000. Elite college-prep institutions like Kent Denver charge over $43,000. The Denver average across all private schools is approximately $15,900 per year. Financial aid is widely available — apply even if you think you may not qualify.

What are the best private schools in Denver?

The most highly regarded independent schools in the Denver metro include Kent Denver School (grades 6–12, Cherry Hills Village), Graland Country Day School (PK–8, Hilltop), Colorado Academy (PK–12, south Denver), and Dawson School (K–12, Lafayette). Among faith-based schools, Regis Jesuit and Mullen High School are the strongest college-prep options. The best school for your child depends on their learning style, your family’s values, and your geographic location.

Do Denver private schools offer financial aid?

Yes, most Denver private schools offer need-based financial aid. Kent Denver awards over $5 million annually, with an average award of nearly $30,000. One in five Graland families receives tuition assistance. Even at the most expensive schools, financial aid can make private education significantly more accessible. Applications typically use the Clarity or SSS systems and are due in January or February for the following school year.

What is the application timeline for Denver private schools?

Most Denver private schools have application deadlines between early January and early February for the following school year. Open houses and campus tours typically run from September through December. Admission decisions are usually communicated in mid-February to early March. For families relocating to Denver mid-year, many schools will consider late applications if space is available — contact admissions offices directly.

How does Denver’s school choice system affect private school decisions?

Denver Public Schools operates a choice-based enrollment system called SchoolChoice, which allows families to apply to any public or charter school in the district regardless of address. This means Denver has an unusually strong public school system with competitive options. Many families compare specific public and charter schools alongside private options rather than defaulting to private. The private school decision in Denver is often less about escaping poor public schools and more about seeking specific educational philosophies, smaller class sizes, religious education, or specialized programs.

Finding the Right School for Your Denver Family

Denver’s private school landscape offers something for nearly every family: elite college-prep, progressive experiential learning, faith-based education, Montessori, international baccalaureate, one-on-one instruction, and everything in between. The decision isn’t which school is the “best” — it’s which school is the best fit for your specific child, your family’s values, your geographic reality, and your budget.

Start tours early. Apply for financial aid broadly. And prioritize the match between school philosophy and your child’s actual temperament over the school’s ranking or reputation. The right school is the one where your child thrives.

For families exploring Denver neighborhoods alongside schools, see our Denver luxury living guide, our best Denver neighborhoods for families, and our Cherry Creek vs Washington Park comparison. For Boulder families, see our Boulder private schools guide and our Boulder living guide.