Choosing a private school in Denver is about more than academics. It can shape daily routines, commute times, community connections, and even which neighborhoods make the most sense for your family. With dozens of private, parochial, and independent schools across the metro area, understanding your options is an important step for both current residents and families planning a move.
This guide breaks down Denver’s private school landscape, including school types, tuition ranges, admissions timelines, and how proximity to top schools can influence real estate demand. Whether you’re weighing Montessori versus college prep, faith-based education, or long-term neighborhood value, this overview is designed to help you make informed, confident decisions.
For info on public schools in Denver, click HERE.
Quick Take
Denver is home to more than 100 private and parochial schools, offering everything from Montessori and arts-focused programs to rigorous college preparatory and faith-based education.
Tuition varies widely depending on grade level and school type, generally ranging from about $7,000 to $40,000+ per year. Many schools offer need-based financial aid, merit scholarships, and flexible payment plans.
From a real estate perspective, neighborhoods near highly regarded private schools often see stronger buyer demand and premium pricing.
Denver’s Private School Landscape
Denver’s private school ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the Mountain West. Families will find long-established institutions like Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy alongside innovative programs such as Denver Academy and nationally recognized Montessori and Waldorf schools.
Many families choose private education for smaller class sizes, specialized learning environments, religious instruction, or a strong college preparatory focus. Unlike Denver Public Schools, private schools are not tied to attendance boundaries or enrollment zones. This offers families citywide flexibility, but it also requires earlier planning and careful budgeting.
Independent Day Schools (Non-Religious)
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Grades: 6–12
Tuition: ~$37,000/year
Notes: Rigorous academics, strong athletics, performing arts, and college placement.
Real Estate Connection: Homes in Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village are in high demand due to proximity to campus.
Denver Academy (University Hills)
Grades: 1–12
Tuition: ~$28,000–$32,000/year
Focus: Individualized instruction and neurodiverse learning.
Nearby Neighborhoods: University Hills, Wellshire, Observatory Park.
Colorado Academy (Southwest Denver / Lakewood border)
Grades: Pre-K–12
Tuition: ~$36,000–$40,000/year
Features: IB-inspired academics, extensive athletics, outdoor education.
Popular Nearby Areas: Bow Mar, Pinehurst, Grant Ranch.
Graland Country Day School (Hilltop)
Grades: Pre-K–8
Tuition: ~$32,000/year
Known for: STEAM programs, arts integration, and exceptional elementary curriculum.
Real Estate Note: Hilltop homes near Graland often attract families relocating from out-of-state.
Denver Waldorf School (Wash Park / Platt Park)
Grades: Pre-K–12
Tuition: ~$16,000–$22,000/year
Educational Model: Waldorf philosophy emphasizing creativity and experiential learning.
Faith-Based & Parochial Options
St. Mary’s Academy (Cherry Hills Village)
Grades: Pre-K–12 (All-girls in high school)
Affiliation: Catholic
Tuition: ~$25,000–$30,000/year
Highlights: Nationally ranked all-girls college preparatory program with strong STEM offerings.
Regis Jesuit High School (Aurora)
Grades: 9–12 (Separate boys’ and girls’ divisions)
Affiliation: Jesuit Catholic
Tuition: ~$22,000/year
Nearby Real Estate: Tallyn’s Reach, Southlands, Saddle Rock neighborhoods appeal to commuting families.
Denver Christian School (Lakewood)
Grades: Pre-K–12
Affiliation: Interdenominational Christian
Tuition: ~$13,000–$17,000/year
Known for: Faith-based academics and strong arts and athletics.
Montessori Academy of Colorado (Downtown Denver)
Grades: Infant–Middle
Affiliation: Independent (non-religious)
Tuition: ~$12,000–$24,000/year depending on program.
Yeshiva Toras Chaim (East Denver)
Grades: 9–12 (Boys)
Affiliation: Orthodox Jewish
Focus: Religious and Talmudic studies with general education.
Denver Jewish Day School (Southeast Denver)
Grades: K–12
Affiliation: Jewish
Tuition: ~$25,000–$30,000/year
Real Estate Note: Many families cluster around Southmoor Park, Cherry Hills, and Greenwood Village.
Colorado Islamic School / Crescent View Academy (Aurora)
Grades: Pre-K–8
Affiliation: Islamic
Tuition: ~$8,000–$11,000/year
Focus: Integrated secular and Quranic education.
Montessori, Waldorf & Alternative Programs
Montessori Academy of Colorado
Grades: Infant–Middle
Tuition: ~$12,000–$24,000/year depending on program
Focus: Hands-on learning with an emphasis on independence and experiential education.
Montessori Children’s House of Denver
Grades: Infant–Elementary
Tuition: ~$10,000–$18,000/year
Focus: Montessori methodology with individualized attention and multi-age classrooms.
Denver Montessori Academy
Grades: Pre-K–Middle
Tuition: ~$12,000–$20,000/year
Focus: Montessori-inspired curriculum promoting curiosity and self-directed learning.
Denver Waldorf School (Wash Park / Platt Park)
Grades: Pre-K–12
Tuition: ~$16,000–$22,000/year
Educational Model: Waldorf philosophy emphasizing creativity, experiential learning, and nature-based education.
Boulder Valley Waldorf School
Grades: Pre-K–8
Tuition: ~$14,000–$20,000/year
Focus: Waldorf curriculum fostering creativity, independence, and holistic development.
Compass Montessori
Grades: Pre-K–Middle
Tuition: Varies by program, typically ~$12,000–$25,000/year
Focus: Project-based, curiosity-driven learning with emphasis on individualized instruction.
Logan School for Creative Learning
Grades: K–8
Tuition: ~$30,000+/year
Focus: Experiential, student-led learning encouraging critical thinking and creativity.
Tuition Costs & Financial Aid
Private school tuition varies by grade and program. Elementary tuition often ranges from $7,000 to $20,000 per year, while middle and high school tuition commonly falls between $20,000 and $40,000. Highly specialized or elite college preparatory programs may exceed $45,000 annually.
Most independent schools allocate a portion of their operating budget to financial assistance. Aid is typically need-based and assessed through services such as FACTS or School and Student Services. Some schools also offer merit scholarships, sibling discounts, or work-study options.
Colorado families may use 529 savings plans for K–12 tuition within federal limits. Always consult a financial advisor for tax implications.
Admissions Process & Key Dates
Applications generally open in early fall, with testing and interviews taking place through winter. Admission decisions are commonly released between February and March, though some smaller or specialized programs offer rolling admissions.
Families are encouraged to start early, prepare recommendations and essays where required, and attend open houses or shadow days to understand school culture.
Real Estate Implications by Neighborhood
Private schools often influence neighborhood demand, resale value, and days on market.
Cherry Hills Village and Greenwood Village command premium pricing due to proximity to Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy, with many homes exceeding $2 million. Hilltop, Crestmoor, and Lowry attract families seeking access to Graland Country Day, while Wash Park and Platt Park remain popular for Waldorf and Montessori options.
University Hills, Wellshire, and Southmoor Park appeal to families connected to Denver Academy and faith-based schools, while central Denver neighborhoods remain attractive for private preschools and commuter-friendly lifestyles.
Transportation, Schedules & Student Life
Many private schools offer bus or shuttle services across the metro area. Typical school days run from roughly 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM, with aftercare available until early evening. Athletics, arts, outdoor education, and leadership programs are common components of student life.
FAQs
Tuition is generally not tax-deductible, though 529 plans may be used for K–12 tuition within federal limits. Boarding school options near Denver are limited but available in other parts of Colorado. Admissions waitlists may move throughout spring and summer, and most faith-based schools welcome families of all backgrounds while including religious instruction.
Match the Right Neighborhood to the Right School
Private schools shape daily routines, commute patterns, and community life just as much as public options. Whether you’re targeting Hilltop for Graland, Cherry Hills for Kent Denver, or University Hills for Denver Academy, The Denver Group can help align your real estate strategy with your education goals.
Contact The Denver Group to build a personalized neighborhood and school plan.
