2024 Best Public High Schools in Colorado

• Adams 12 Five Star Schools, CO•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 4.37 out of 5  49 reviews

Sophomore: I have gone to the school since kindergarden and there are many good things about the school in its many clubs and programs such as our fairly decent sports program, wood shop, design lab, robotics lab and more! However the school does have many shortcomings as there are some teachers who are not too great to say the least, the school scheduled changes literally every single year as it hasn't stayed consistent for more than 2 years since 2016, and there is alot of homework, like alot of homework. The average day in the school can consist of around 3-4 homework assignments from my experience so if you do go here be prepared to loose sleep trying to finish assignments and projects. Overall if you are considering trying to get into this school it is a charter school that only accepts gifted kids so you need to reach that benchmark on an IQ test so overall I would recommend trying to go somewhere else just purely because of the workload this school has.... Read 49 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,551

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Cherry Creek School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  983 reviews

Senior: Cherry Creek High School is an incredible place that helps students grow and find themselves. The academic section of Cherry Creek High School is well respected across Colorado because of its unique and talented teachers that have a passion for sharing their knowledge. The athletic performance and community at this institution are one of the strongest ones I have ever experienced. Clubs and extracurricular activities also make this high school unique and special. This institution offers a wide variety of extracurriculars that allows students to explore their hobbies and their passions. Even though some activities are bigger and more influential, there are always new clubs emerging from students with innovative and different perspectives.... Read 983 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 3,809

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Boulder Valley School District, CO•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  466 reviews

Senior: Peak to Peak is a very encouraging environment. As a student, I feel very prepared for college through their college prep courses and taking AP exams, as the teachers are amazing! I feel like I’ve learned so much and grown in so many skills, I really do recommend trying to go here. I think the only downside to this school is the culture of overachieving and the pressure to make grades determine your worth. I can say for certain that many students I know deal with this, even myself. Asides from that, however, everyone is very unique in their own ways, and the teachers are astounding at their work and teaching.... Read 466 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,448

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Cheyenne Mountain School District No. 12, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  189 reviews

Alum: When I attended Freshman orientation at CMHS, I had no idea what they were going to throw at me. But now that I just graduated from CMHS, I can say without a doubt that they prepared me and my peers for college and beyond. I won’t lie, the school is rather difficult in terms of its academic performance. Students have high expectations placed upon them. The staff there is nearly perfect, and the counseling office staff is beyond amazing. The admin team can be hit or miss, especially when it comes to planning events. But COVID-19 definitely didn’t help with that. On that note, my sophomore year was particularly awful due to COVID-19. I’m going to omit the entirety of my sophomore year from this review since that was not indicative of what normal high school life at CMHS was like. The overall atmosphere I would say is pretty good, but the social life of the high school can also be hit or miss. I won’t count that against the high school itself, but it is something to note. Overall, 4 stars... Read 189 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,261

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Boulder Valley School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  459 reviews

Senior: Fairview is a good school, filled with kind staff whom many are relatable. The janitorial staff is friendly and they care, along with cafeteria staff and security guards. All the staff seem like they want to make a connection with students, but admin can be a bit strange at times wanting to keep control of the students while trying to be relatable and it strikes many as strange. The education you receive is quite good, every teacher I’ve had was very motivated and tried to share that with their students. However, there are faults of the school especially with scandals a few years ago and the drama that can arise from having thousands of students, while the one major complaint is the expectations, as this is a very high preforming school students can and will feel the pressure of expectations placed by peers, teachers and parents.... Read 459 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,977

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Cherry Creek School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  635 reviews

Senior: There’s a lot of great resources in terms of academics, but for activities it can be a bit difficult to become more involved, unless the club or sport already has a lot of participation. There’s a large Mormon population in the area, which is a little interesting! (They’re also more involved in performing arts haha). We have some great performing arts programs, with our choirs and orchestras among the best in the state. Our marching band, however internationally ranked! There’s a fairly even ratio of people who lean conservative and people who lean liberal, but to my knowledge there’s never been any harassment from either side. Our honors and AP programs are fantastic- but they are less diverse than our grade level courses. When you can communicate, the school works with you, but you have to be the one to make the first step. Honestly, I’ve had a great four years here. Great learning and mostly nice people.... Read 635 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,851

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  264 reviews

Sophomore: D’Evelyn’s a great school for those who are willing to challenge themselves. There isn’t a lot of drug use or violence. However, due to its focus on academics, things like extracurriculars, sports, and “fun” classes are substandard. Due to its difficulty, your GPA suffers. Only colleges in the area compensate for the difficulty on the school in admissions. On the other hand, D’Evelyn really prepares you for college. The students are also a little snobby. Overall, great school for academics, but not for extracurriculars or college admissions.... Read 264 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 1,119

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  525 reviews

Junior: Rock Canyon acedemics have been awesome so far! I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and this upcoming school year i am taking a lot of courses that peak my interest and that I really love! The clubs are very diverse and they have a lot of opportunities to get in on as a student! Most of the teachers are very helpful when I need assistance on class work/school work! From a student perspective, I would like to see kindness and understanding expressed more among the other student at Rock Canyon High School because I believe that the issue most students have is the way other students treat them. Thank you... Read 525 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 2,376

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Boulder Valley School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  310 reviews

Senior: The school environment is so cheerful and safe. The staff is very friendly and supportive of all students. I’m the only girl in school who wears a head covering and I’ve always felt so welcomed. The school body in all makes everyone feel welcome and it feels like a big family. The school is very clean and the court yard is gorgeous all 4 seasons. They are one of many few schools which offer a variety of unique classes that get students ready for whatever career paths they wish to take on after high school. The teachers have a deep connection with their students not only in the classroom but outside of school as well. They wish to see all of their students thrive and become responsible young adults that will continue to impact their community in many positive ways. The school games and dances are very festive and security is has become a very big priority of them to ensure the fun and safety of all students who attend. Overall a very welcoming and bright environment!... Read 310 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,139

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Harrison School District No. 2, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  126 reviews

Alum: Most of the teachers are absolutely fantastic; pay isn’t phenomenal so you can tell that they truly care about the students. There is almost always a mass exodus between middle and high school due to a change in politics and student life. The curriculum is expanding along with the population of the school, which is great for high schoolers who may consider leaving due to the limited experiences. New classes include AP Psychology and A Capella Choir, among others. Students do tend to be very prone towards cliques, but most groups get along relatively well.There is very heavy support for the basketball and soccer teams specifically, but very little recognition for liberal arts such as knowledge bowl and theater, although they are well populated programs.... Read 126 reviews

• grade A

• Students 321

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Denver Public Schools, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  621 reviews

Senior: My overall experiences being a student at East High school has been beyond wonderful. I had rough start to high school, as I spent my freshman year online during lock down due to the COIVD-19 pandemic. So least to say, starting my first day of in person school in my sophomore year was nerve wracking. Although I was a sophomore, it felt like I was a freshmen all over again. Getting lost and running around the school trying to find my class was how my first day of school went. After that day, I remember feeling upset and worried about the rest of my school year. Though thankfully, I had the opportunity to see East High School's wonderful community blossom. I have met amazing people that I'm grateful to call my friends and serval amazing teachers that support me throughout my high school career.... Read 621 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,589

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Denver Public Schools, CO•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  273 reviews

Alum: Denver School of the Arts was overall a very enriching experience when it came to furthering my skills in the arts. The resources provided for this course of study were phenomenal. The main concerns I would raise for any incoming students are that: #1) While this school can be very beneficial for someone looking to follow the arts, it can often be difficult path for someone who has decided that the arts are not for them. Many students decide that they would rather pursue a different passion in life by the time they are seniors. This can make the highly art centered environment fairly hard to be a part of. Especially since there are no sports! #2) The school spirit is generally lacking. While there are many school sponsored events that students can attend while enrolled at DSA, many of them revolve around individual art forms. This makes it difficult for students to make friends who are studying different arts than them and isolates the different specializations... Read 273 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,090

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Denver Public Schools, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  251 reviews

Sophomore: Honestly i really like my high school experience here at DSST Mont view, they offer so many college opportunities, there's so many clubs for so many interests, sports , diversity & inclusivity, advanced classes and prepare you overall for college. I'm black and Muslim growing up I've been to 8 different schools but I've never been as accepted by my community and have as many friends as i did in this school. The only 2 things I would say is the the school and system is very controlling considering we are going into college independent, and the school doesnt have many school lunch options that are vegetarian or halal. but overall i love it here if I had to switch i wouldn't!... Read 251 reviews

• grade A

• Students 570

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  77 reviews

Parent: Our son is a graduating senior (2023) and we can't be happier at STEM. He was part of the first elementary class (grade 5) and has been at STEM ever since. This has allowed him to develop close friendships with peers, great relationships with teachers and staff, and a solid career path at age 17. He will actually graduate from college with an Associate's degree in Cybersecurity before he graduates from high school! This was made possible with participation in P-Tech and the Concurrent Enrollment programs. He is now well-prepared for college and for life. If your child shows propensity for engineering or technology, math or science, STEM will nurture those gifts and provide many opportunities to shine, not only through advanced classes, but also enrichment including Tech Student's Association, Computer Science Honor Society, BEST Robotics,Cyberpariot, paid internships, and more. Our son is applying to many of the country's top universities to continue his education.... Read 77 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,455

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• St Vrain Valley School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  379 reviews

Senior: I moved to Niwot High School my senior year and with limitations from the pandemic, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Niwot is a very competitive school that offers various classes (IB, AP, HONORS, and GenEd) that prepare you for the university route or career path. The teachers and staff are all nice, and they prioritize the success and learning of the students. The high school carries great energy through its athletics and academics. There are many opportunities to get involved in different clubs. I wouldn't consider myself as being the most artistic person but I was exposed to many art classes. I enjoyed every second of the class and got involved in a class I wasn't comfortable doing. Go Cougars!... Read 379 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,484

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  560 reviews

Senior: I have switched schools every year since fifth grade, but out of all the ones I've been to, Lakewood High School may just be my favorite. The classes are challenging, rigorous, and interesting. The teachers are empathetic, kind, and friendly. The staff cares about you, your problems, and your success. The students there are caring and accepting. At this school, I've been able to make friends and learn happily!... Read 560 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,991

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Denver Public Schools, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  29 reviews

Senior: The teachers at Dsst: Byers High School become close friends/family. I love that my teachers cared for each and one of my classmates, and took the time to know us personally. This type of relationship is great, since it makes it easier to ask for help and better advocate for yourself. To add on, there are many options for classes to take in order for each student to be challenged at a reasonable level. There are many activities and extracurriculars to join, and even opportunities to start your own club! Here at Byers inclusivity and respect are highly encouraged, there are many affinity/cultural clubs open to the whole student body. Overall, I had an amazing experience at Dsst: Byers High School, and it definitely set the bar high when looking for colleges to apply to.... Read 29 reviews

• grade A

• Students 557

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Cherry Creek School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  618 reviews

Sophomore: Cherokee Trail is the best high school. We just finished an awesome homecoming week and CT spirit was amazing. There are so many resources, so you never feel like you don't have anyone to talk to or feel like you can't get help, because you can. The teachers are so nice and they're actually good a getting the message across. They are even one of the schools that have an International Baccalaureate program (IB). They also offer AP, Honors, and CE courses, to challenge yourself. There are so many clubs and activities you can get involved in, there really is something for everyone. Everyone is able to go off campus during lunch and on our off periods. Cherokee Trail is in a really great school district in Colorado. CT is the place to be!... Read 618 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,833

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  425 reviews

Senior: I have been impressed with the types of classes that Mountain Vista offers. I have had the opportunity to take many classes that offer dual-credit at the college level. I will be able to enter college with over a semester of college credit classes, in english, math, history and business. The teachers at Mountain Vista are awesome. They truly care and want to help you succeed! Mountain Vista is the best.... Read 425 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,365

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Boulder Valley School District, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  358 reviews

Alum: Monarch High School offers an exceptional academic and holistic experience for students. The faculty demonstrates an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, providing guidance, and nurturing individual growth. The diverse range of extracurricular activities encourages students to explore their passions and develop vital life skills. The school's state-of-the-art facilities enhance the learning process, while the supportive community promotes inclusivity and camaraderie. Monarch High School's rigorous curriculum prepares students for future endeavors, ensuring they are equipped with a solid foundation of knowledge. Overall, Monarch High School excels in creating an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and personally.... Read 358 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,515

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  292 reviews

Junior: My experience at Evergreen has been nothing short of delightful. The teachers and staff are committed individuals who not only do their jobs but take an interest in the students they are working with. I have a strong personal connection with many of my teachers. The extracurriculars are exceptional, I am a part of deca, cheer, senate, speech and debate, student advisory council, honors society, and many more within the community. And through my experience in these teams/clubs it shows how there is a tight nit community at evergreen. The course are amazing the only thing I would suggest for change is better and cheaper lunch options.... Read 292 reviews

• grade A

• Students 975

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Poudre School District, CO•

• K-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  107 reviews

Freshman: Liberty is a fantastic school if you are looking for a challenge and great academics. The teachers and staff are amazing and genuinely care about their students. Also, the academic help team is very very helpful. If anyone is struggling with getting caught up or just not understanding the topic, they personally come up with a personalized plan tailored to each student on how best they can improve. Unlike other schools, Liberty cares about the students and I willing to do whatever is necessary to best accommodate their students and staff.... Read 107 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,150

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Academy School District No. 20, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  236 reviews

Alum: It was academically challenging but the teachers are very good at helping! This school got me college ready, and provided me with a tight nit community of people who I can still contact for aid today. However, due to it's location, size, and other factors, the school is less than diverse. They value a classical education, which while is great for preparing one for the rigor of college, it neglects practical skills for life.... Read 236 reviews

• grade A

• Students 552

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Academy School District No. 20, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  373 reviews

Junior: Air Academy has been an awesome school for me to attend. My teachers and coaches know me and care about me. Teachers are passionate, and classes are challenging, but not impossible. We have all kinds of great classes and learning opportunities. I have loved my science and engineering classes (and of course PE). The football and track programs are like family. I highly recommend Air Academy to anyone looking for a personal learning experience!... Read 373 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,351

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Denver Public Schools, CO•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  50 reviews

Senior: I have absolutely loved my experience at Northfield Highschool. It has been a learning experience. Throughout the 3 years that I've attended, I can definitely say Northfield has impacted the way I am living. I have become a more independent, team player, and open-minded person. I've met wonderful people who have allowed me to grow. Northfield has also provided me with a lot of academic opportunities such as the International Baccalaureate Program. Through this academic experience, I can say I've taken on many of the IB characteristics such as being a risk-taker and a reflective person.... Read 50 reviews

• grade A

• Students 1,570

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1