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2019 Best Schools Offering AP Courses in the Denver AreaAbout this List

Explore the best schools in your area with advanced placement courses based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Take an AP test to get college credit and find schools to help you ace AP exams. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 130
Best Schools
130 results

  1. Kent Denver School

    • Private School
    • Englewood, CO
    • 6-12
    • 94
    #1 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Overall, Kent is a great school, but it lacks diversity. The majority of the students are upper-middle class and white, though the official photos on the website primarily include minorities in order to convey diversity. The lack of diversity is probably my biggest complaint.
    Read 94 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 701 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  2. Colorado Academy

    • Private School
    • Denver, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 37
    #2 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Parent: CA offers the best education to students! The faculty and staff are exceptional and care about the well-being of the students they teach. The grounds and buildings at CA are top notch too! You will not find a better place for your child to learn and grow. CA teaches students empathy, grit, cultural competence, collaboration, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, courage and kindness. Students that graduate from CA go off into the world and contribute to their communities in amazing ways.
    Read 37 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 979 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Cherry Creek High School

    • Cherry Creek School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 817
    #1 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Sophomore: I enjoy my high school a lot and the teachers and staff are extremely nice and helpful. The teachers know their subjects really well and Creek has tons of fun clubs, sports and activities for everyone at creek so no one is ever excluded. There is a club for everyone! The only minor complaint I have about Cherry Creek high school is how strict they are about landyards. You will get sent to the dean without a warning if you are caught even for the first time not wearing it. Other than that I enjoy attending Cherry Creek high school.
    Read 817 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,573 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Sponsored

    Colorado Rocky Mountain School

    • Private School
    • Carbondale, CO
    • 9-12
    • 13

    Parent: Wonderful learning opportunities, especially outdoors with fall & spring trips and the interim trip. Lots of emphasis on team building and working as a community. Very, very caring teachers. After school activities & team sports include kayaking, rock climbing, snowboarding/ skiing, mountain biking etc. There are a few traditional team sports as well. Dorm life well structured. College counseling is small groups (~4 kids) working each week with the counselors Jr year into Sr: SAT/ACT prep, application, essay etc - ultra organized to make the stressful college process much easier.
    Read 13 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 167 Students
    • 4:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Regis Jesuit High School

    • Private School
    • Aurora, CO
    • 9-12
    • 343
    #3 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Freshman: I am finishing my freshman year at Regis Jesuit. I selected this school because of the academic rigor, the emphasis on community leadership & personal accountability, and for their Lacrosse program. In my 1st year I have found I have retained more than previous years of education, I am able to easily time manage my studies and athletic expectations by minimizing my participation in other activities. For students who want to be involved in everything and have not mastered time management of their academic responsibilities or can't time manage properly because they over extend themselves in extra curricular activities - Regis will most likely overwhelm you and you will most likely struggle.
    Read 343 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,690 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 7-12
    • 202
    #2 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: If you are a hardworking student, love study and eager to go to college, D’Evelyn high School is definitely for you! The teachers are no nonsense and are very helpful. The school has closed campus, and safety is also the top priority at D’Evelyn. School counselors are always ready to help students. Not only in academics, but in many sports, music and arts, D’Evelyn students thrive with hardworking, positive attitudes, and fun. Most D’Evelyn parents are very supportive to the students and the school. There are many activities and clubs that students can participate and enjoy, and they are super good for easing the stress from rigorous academic programs.
    Read 202 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,025 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  7. St. Mary's Academy

    • Private School
    • Englewood, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 80
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: I absolutely loved my experience at SMA high school! The school does a great job of molding strong young women who are able to voice their opinions both in and out of the classroom. The teachers are extremely invested in their students and take time to build personal relationships to ensure student's success. The sports are very fun and inclusive to new players, but could be more competitive with other teams.
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 684 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Fairview High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 382

    Senior: From attending a very small middle school Fairview was a great experience into meeting more people and having more freedom and being in a large environment. In Fairview it's "cool" to be involved with the school through sports, student government, and other clubs. With over 2,000 other kids you get to meet brand new people every year and make friends, many of which I have still kept in contact with after graduation. Fairview students are energetic people with lots of school spirit and lot of motivation to excel. Fairview offers both IB and AP courses taught by teachers that are accommodating and can work with your to make time for extra help when you ask for it. Although they offer their best help, in Fairview you are treated as an adult and are responsible for yourself and your own work that will teach you independence, time management, and organization. Go Knights!
    Read 382 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,178 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. DSST: Stapleton High School

    • Denver Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 205
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Niche User: I’ve attended DSST Stapleton since the 6th grade, and was in the graduating class for 2018. One thing I loved was how the teachers where available to offered their student one one help. Having teachers that where available to help you when you really needed it, is honestly the reason I was able to graduated. DSST core values left a ever lasting imprint on me, I sincerely still live by these core values because I’ve seen hands on how: respect responsibility, doing your best, courage, integrity, and curiosity(the six core values) opens doors of opportunity for a student. Now that I’ve left DSST culture I realized how much it shaped me into the young lady I am today.
    Read 205 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 546 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. Grandview High School

    • Cherry Creek School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 535
    #4 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: what i like about Grandview is that its a safe school. the education is the best, and the teachers really want you to succeed in life so that will have the best after high school experience. Also the environment is clean the school spirit could be better, but that's the kids fault for not having that much spirit. Athletics are amazing! During the time i attended Grandview High school we won a good amount of championships. The basketball program is getting better and better each year. the weight room is one of the best weight rooms in the state. and we sure like to keep it really well so it could stay like that, coach said before. the wrestling program is by far the best that i know of, we won centennial league championships 4 years in a row now! The academic side of the school is what makes the school pop out. The teachers are always pushing us students for the best and they just keep checking on us to get our work done so they could see us succeed.
    Read 535 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,627 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Boulder High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 255

    Alum: It was a great school. Many different opinions from other people. I enjoyed attending it. I made good friends and the teachers were mostly understanding and helpful. The school really cares for the safety of the students and lots of measures are taken to ensure this. The school was remodeled which was nice, the grading was hard but simple. The school definitely tried to prepare students for college in every way. There was very few parking. Great walking distance from pearl street mall which was amazing. Located in a great area where you can see the mountains.
    Read 255 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,997 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  15. East High School

    • Denver Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 512
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Alum: I loved my 4 years at East High School! Not only did they offer a variety of AP and Honors courses, they made it easy to become involved in the school through extracurricular activities. I was able to start my own club, compete at nationals for constitutional law, and form friendships with a diversity of people. Advisors and teachers were always eager to help me with any academic problem I had, no matter how big or small. The school truly comes together at sports events to support fellow student athletes. Anything is possible when you are an angel!
    Read 512 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,543 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Rock Canyon High School

    • Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 444
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Junior: I really like this school. Teachers and staff give you the opportunity to succeed, learn and try new things. No it’s not easy, but it’s nit impossible either. There are so many activities, clubs and sports to choose from, there is something for everyone. There is always someone to ask if you need help, and there are always new challenges to try. There are so many AP and honors classes, and there is a class for every type of student. There are so many different learning styles that teachers are willing to explore and teach. Great school! Love it!
    Read 444 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,179 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Peak to Peak Charter School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • K-12
    • 412

    Senior: Peak to Peak is a really great school that provided incredible guidance through my four years, and especially during the college application process of senior year. I loved my time here! The school spirit could be better, but it's definitely improved over the years, and the social scene is characterized by competition and can feel clique-y at times. Overall, the amazing education and general experience I had at Peak to Peak far outweigh the things that I would change. Go Pumas!
    Read 412 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,445 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  20. Denver School of the Arts

    • Denver Public Schools, CO
    • 6-12
    • 216
    #7 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Alum: This school is incredible for developing artists!The idea of having "majors" really gives you the full experience of the art world in a school system setting! It's also exciting to see the balance of their enriching STEM and arts classes. But I do think the arts need a little bit more: 1. Funding 2. Support 3. Time. In order to be where other arts schools are in the nation DSA needs to increase the time spent in their major. Also DSA has a problem with their diversity. I mean the school is 80% white. But other the its lack of funding and diversity, it's a really great school for the next generations!
    Read 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,088 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  21. Evergreen High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 244
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Wow! I just really like Evergreen High School a lot. There are a lot of very good teachers (even though some of them are not stellar). I have learned so much especially as I have gotten older in the school. The students can be very competitive if you are in higher level classes like AP or honors, but you can pick very easily how challenging you want school to be. Overall it's a pretty great place.
    Read 244 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,085 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Dawson School

    • Private School
    • Lafayette, CO
    • K-12
    • 24
    #5 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: I love the close-knit community at Dawson. Every students knows one another and are friendly towards one another. The teachers also have great relationships with the students. The greatest attraction, however, is the academics. Dawson is a preparatory school and is very good at preparing its students for college and life beyond high school. Overall, it is a great school.
    Read 24 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 530 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Arapahoe High School

    • Littleton Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 506
    #9 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Alum: I loved being a student at Arapahoe. The teachers are very involved and interested in students' lives, making learning more enjoyable. The administration team cares deeply for the students, and are always reaching out to better the community. I felt that the student body was very close, and I rarely saw signs of students ostracizing one another. Overall, I loved my time at Arapahoe and hope that all current and future students find the community as inviting as I did!
    Read 506 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,262 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  26. Niwot High School

    • St Vrain Valley Shool District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 327
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Alum: My experience at Niwot High School mostly had to do with self-growth and discovering more about who I was in a larger, more varied setting than what I was used to in middle school. Niwot was a large enough size that I was able to learn more about myself as a person, but not so large that I lost myself in the crowd, which was definitely beneficial. The academics at Niwot are top notch, although there does seem to be a perpetuated idea that IB students are inherently smarter or more hardworking than AP or traditional kids. Niwot athletes are also great examples of student athletes, excelling both on the field/court/track and in academics. I myself was an IB student athlete, and I feel that the faculty and staff were all really understanding of us. Overall, I feel that Niwot's IB program really prepared me for college!
    Read 327 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,286 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Lakewood High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 478
    #11 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: I loved my experience in LHS. The teachers are very supportive and the school spirit and student involvement are amazing!
    There are plenty of clubs and activities for every student, and if there isn't, the administration team makes the process of creating your own club very easy.
    The academic program has been one of my favorite things from LHS. The teachers put a lot of effort into their classes, and the IB diploma program and AP courses help prepare every student for college!
    Read 478 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,116 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Monarch High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 302

    Senior: My experience at Monarch High School was great. Throughout middle school, I was very nervous regarding the toughness of classes and making friends at a new school, but MoHi made it work, and more! The first day of Freshman year I immediately made friends that would last a lifetime. Everyone there was extremely helpful, especially the teachers. They knew that these high school classes were a lot more tough than middle school classes, so they let us acclimate to these toug classes exactly how each student wanted. For me, they did not assign too much for me to handle, and it allowed me to get used to the envirnment, and that helped me succeed in all of my four years here at Monarch High School.
    Read 302 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,711 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Ralston Valley Senior High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 416
    #12 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Ralston Valley is a school that cares about their students and helps to keep them involved in the school. The students all care about their school and take action to keep it a clean and safe environment. The school has many clubs and activities that everyone can participate in. The teachers help the students succeed and make sure they are on track with their assignments. The students are all kind to one another and take action when they see bullying or harassment. Overall, my high school experience was one to remember!
    Read 416 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,821 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  30. Mountain Vista High School

    • Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 327
    #13 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: My experience at Mountain Vista High School is something I will remember for a life time. I am very involved in sports and clubs including Track, Cross Country, Student Leadership, FBLA, and Spanish NHS. My mentors and classmates support me and push me to do my best. This school is a village that loves to help each other out. Best years of my life so far!
    Read 327 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,260 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  31. Review Your School

  32. Valor Christian High School

    • Private School
    • Highlands Ranch, CO
    • 9-12
    • 169
    #7 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Valor does a great job of preparing one for college. The teachers and staff there are great! Everyone there truly cares about their students and want to make a positive impact on their lives. The school is a great Christian environment that promotes their students to come to Christ. They have great athletics and arts programs which they excel in. I participated in athletics and I couldn't have had a better experience. I was apart of a great program and while we experienced much success, the relationships that I made with my fellow teammates and coaches was much more significant than the state championships. I am very thankful that I was able to attend such a great school!
    Read 169 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,177 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  33. Silver Creek High School

    • St Vrain Valley Shool District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 159
    #15 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Silver Creek High School is one of the best high schools in the St. Vrain Valley School District. The music program at the school is amazing, with options to study choir, orchestra, band, rock band, guitar, keyboard, along with music theory and history courses.
    The art program is also well developed and offers many different mediums with a flexible curriculum. AP Studio Art is offered.
    We have a multitude of sports teams, ranging from golf, to tennis, to track and field, along with the traditional high school sports.
    We have a multitude of students with AP Honors, and a highly developed honors and AP program in all departments.
    The school is inclusive and cliques and bullying do not run the school. In my time at the school, I have not witnessed any bullying, and any I have heard of is dealt with promptly and effectively.
    Read 159 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,317 Students
    • 24:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  34. Cherokee Trail High School

    • Cherry Creek School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 475
    #16 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: The faculty is amazing! I'm close with teacher's I've never had before, and they're always willing to lend a helping hand. Student's have a myriad of clubs to join, and can even create their own. The culture of the school had a shaky start, but with student involment and organizations, it has definitely seen much improvement.
    Read 475 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,986 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  35. Sponsored

    International School of Denver

    • Private School
    • Denver, CO
    • PK, K-8
    • 1

    Parent: We moved to Denver having living abroad for some time. It was vital for us that our child would continue to be educated in a progressive and globally minded school context. Our experience over the last few years has been almost always positive - leadership have been responsive, the learning is truely unique, and the older students/alumni a real beacon of what an international baccalaureate education can bring.

    We are convinced that our Lower School child will continue to prosper at ISD as she moves through the school into the MYP.
    Read 1 Review

    • NG
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 695 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Fountain Valley School of Colorado

    • Private School
    • Colorado Springs, CO
    • 9-12
    • 32

    Alum: Easily the best decision I ever made. Challenging and nurturing teachers, beautiful campus, great community, and awesome extracurricular. With a new gym coming too! So many opportunities from a week in another country, to skiing, to studying abroad for several weeks, rock climbing team, etc. FVS also really set me up for college. However, the academics are very challenging, so my friend and I definitely felt a bit burnt out begore college.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 225 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
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