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2020 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 132
Best Schools
132 results

  1. Kent Denver School

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

    Senior: The teachers and academics are truly top-notch at Kent. However, any time you want to try something new or bring something new to Kent in terms of events or programs, expect a fight with the administration. Kent tries to market itself as somewhat diverse but it really isn't at all. You'll be college-ready coming out of Kent but you won't necessarily be prepared for the real world beyond their artificial bubble.
    Read 101 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 713 Students
    • 7:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Colorado Academy

    • Private School
    • Denver, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 38 reviews
    #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 38 Reviews

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

    • Cherry Creek School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 851 reviews
    #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 851 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 3,573 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. St. Mary's Academy

    • Private School
    • Englewood, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 90 reviews
    #3 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 90 Reviews

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

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 7-12
    • 213 reviews
    #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 213 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,025 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Fairview High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 400 reviews
    #3 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Junior: Attending Fairview High School had granted me an excellent high school education! I would recommend this school because it provides many opportunities (clubs, internships, volunteer services, etc.) as well as necessary resources. The average high school freshman may have no clue what their passion is, but with Fairviews' College and Career Center, anyone can find their career path and the right school for them! The academics at Fairview are incredible and accurately prepare students for the real world. Overall, I love Fairview High School and am thankful for all that it has provided for me!
    Read 400 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,178 Students
    • 23:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Regis Jesuit High School

    • Private School
    • Aurora, CO
    • 9-12
    • 364 reviews
    #4 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Sophomore: At RJ, there is so much school spirit and the sports programs are great! I am a part of the field hockey team which is one of the best programs in the state. Although there is only one coach that has real experience in field hockey, while the other coaches do not have much experience coaching and have zero experience in collegiate playing. The only couple of downsides are that Theology takes up a possible class, so if you want to try a bunch of classes during high school, I would not recommend it. Another downside is the choir programs are not very good. As a member of the choir, I can say that the teachers are not great at choosing songs. Usually, they are either too easy or they are not meant to be sung by a choir but are more of a soloist song. The people in the choir itself though are super supportive. If you are looking to be a part of an advanced choir, I would not recommend attending Regis. At Regis, I have experienced some bullying, but nothing too serious.
    Read 364 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,671 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Grandview High School

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

    Senior: Grandview is overall a very good school. My parents moved out of the district and I did not want to go to another school. I would recommend it to anyone who was looking for a good high school and place to live. We are inclusive, athletic, and achieve academic excellence. There are so many clubs and activities to be involved in!
    Read 556 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,627 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Dawson School

    • Private School
    • Lafayette, CO
    • K-12
    • 24 reviews
    #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
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  12. Boulder High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 265 reviews
    #5 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Boulder High School has an excellent curriculum and dedicated teachers. There are many different levels of classes, ranging from regular, to advanced, to AP, and a myriad of electives to choose from each year. However, there is an extremely prominent achievement gap within the school, and wealthy white students fill many of the seats in advanced and AP classes. This produces a sort of de-facto segregation between social groups outside of class as well, which can lead to narrowed worldviews.

    At BHS, we have little to no school spirit, and spirit weeks often pass by unnoticed, with barely anyone participating. Stands likewise remain empty often, but when we do turn up, we turn up in droves.

    We have many different clubs to choose from, and students are very politically active, and very accepting when it comes to the LGBT community.
    Read 265 Reviews

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

  13. East High School

    • Denver Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 544 reviews
    #6 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Parent: I have two students at East, a senior and a sophomore. They are very different learners but they're both having excellent experiences at East academically, socially, and with sports. There are so many teams, clubs, and groups. The teachers are amazing. I believe they are getting the best education in Colorado in the arts, science, English, world language and social students. Several of the teachers have doctorates! It has a university feel and a gorgeous campus too.
    Read 544 Reviews

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

  14. Denver School of the Arts

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

    Senior: Overall, I have really enjoyed my time at DSA. The arts programs are unparalleled, and the academics are great. I’ve loved almost every one of my teachers, and being in such a small class has allowed me a lot of time to spend one on one with teachers and counselors. The clubs and activities have gotten better in the past couple of years. The only issue I have is with some aspects of the student culture. At DSA, there feels like an expectation to take as many AP classes as possible, so there’s a ton of competitiveness between students. I don’t always feel supported by my peers, and success in school feels more like a target on your back than an achievement. A small class has been pretty nice for me in the long run, but the downside is that everyone knows everyone else, so gossip spreads fast. So long as you stay true to yourself and learn to not care what people think, you can succeed.
    Read 227 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,088 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Peak to Peak Charter School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • K-12
    • 421 reviews
    #8 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: Peak to Peak Charter School is an excellent school, particularly for college readiness and all academics. The teachers are very well chosen and create good, genuine connections with the students. There are many opportunities not available at other schools, such as free preparation for standardized tests and the college application process. The staff does everything to ensure students pass their classes and get all of the required credits. There are many clubs, and students are allowed to make clubs if they so desire. The music department is very good.
    Read 421 Reviews

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

  16. Rock Canyon High School

    • Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 463 reviews
    #9 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 463 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,179 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. DSST: Stapleton High School

    • Denver Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 216 reviews
    #10 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: DSST's name change from DSST: Stapleton to DSST Montview was revolutionary within itself. We actively joined the social justice conversations within our neighborhood, which is especially important in today's political climate. The teachers are extremely dedicated to their jobs and the students. Even without a code, they are directly involved in every grade slip or bad day. The teachers sacrifice a lot in order to create a safe, caring environment for the students. It all starts with one tutoring session or coffee cup at a time. They push students to go beyond the textbooks and into the world around us. The school is extremely diverse, actively pushing for acceptance and solidarity amongst the student body since 6th grade. Our test scores and maturity levels are awing, especially when you account for our low outside finding and diversity rates on all spectrums. They push students to transcend their limits, but reassure us that mental health comes first.
    Read 216 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 546 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  18. Lakewood High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 492 reviews
    #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 492 Reviews

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

  19. Valor Christian High School

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

    Alum: My experience was 5 stars. I come from a low income family, with a mother who has a major disability. However, I got wonderful financial assistance, as well as opportunities I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. The reason I rate the diversity level low, is because the students are 80% white, lacking opportunities for people of color. Yet, the good part is, they are open to help anyone who asks! The academic level is in the top of the country. Personally, I had the opportunity to be a part of a performing arts conservatory program. This program, helped me get into some of the top Art Institutions in the country. Because of Valor, I was able to continue my performing arts education at California Institute of the Arts, also known as " The Juilliard of the West Coast".
    Read 182 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,245 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  22. Niwot High School

    • St Vrain Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 338 reviews
    #12 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 338 Reviews

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

  23. Evergreen High School

    • Jefferson County School District No. R-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 252 reviews
    #13 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 252 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 1,085 Students
    • 21:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Mountain Vista High School

    • Douglas County School District No. RE-1, CO
    • 9-12
    • 354 reviews
    #14 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 354 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,260 Students
    • 20:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  25. Arapahoe High School

    • Littleton Public Schools, CO
    • 9-12
    • 529 reviews
    #15 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 529 Reviews

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

    • Cherry Creek School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 506 reviews
    #17 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Senior: I've spent almost four years at this school and my years here have been pretty great. Most teachers are very supportive and willing to help you to succeed. However, there are some who aren't as helpful. I was very active in the opportunities at CT and had the chance to work with some of the administrators. I have found that they were all very supportive and caring. The school wide community has been through a lot over the past few years but everyone has been encouraging and nurturing of one another. It is high school though so of course there will always be drama but CT always seems to get past it!
    Read 506 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 2,986 Students
    • 19:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Monarch High School

    • Boulder Valley School District, CO
    • 9-12
    • 315 reviews
    #18 Best Public High Schools in Denver Area

    Niche User: Monarch High School (or MoHi) is a FANTASTIC place for your children to attend high school. One of the main selling points has to be the concrete floors making you feel trapped and like a prisoner walking through the halls of a state penitentiary. The bathrooms always smell especially fruity, and the students have a special sense of bonding in there. I saw someone on their knees helping out their friend. So nice! The teachers give student at least one night's warning before a test, so there's only one sleepless night in the student's life. Don't even get me started on the student culture. Student's love their school, and each other. They even love each other in staircases! Overall, amazing school, and admin knows exactly what they're doing. 10/10!
    Read 315 Reviews

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

  28. Ralston Valley Senior High School

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

    Senior: All and all I had a highly successful high school career at Ralston Valley. As an Honors and AP student, I can say that the academic programs offered at Ralston Valley are unlike no other. With overwhelming support from charismatic and caring teachers, I was able to easily balance college level classes, two sports, homework, and a social life all at the same time. That isn't to say that there weren't challenges that went along with it though. At Ralston Valley, the academic competition among fellow students is fierce, but as long as you have your priorities set and know what you want to get out of high school, Ralston Valley is the perfect place for you!
    Read 435 Reviews

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

  29. Holy Family High School

    • Private School
    • CO
    • 9-12
    • 199 reviews
    #10 Best Private High Schools in Denver Area

    Parent: I've had four students go through Holy Family, and they all received excellent educations. The academics and athletics are both very strong, as is the faith component. There are also many clubs and extracurricular performance activities for students.

    It is a financial commitment, but the college scholarship money and the AP credits our kids received more than paid for both the cost of not only high school, but also the cost of K-8 Catholic school. The administration and faculty are generally good to excellent, and the college counselors and math/science/engineering teachers are extraordinary.

    On the downside, I agree with the comment about the cost of schedule changes being too high. Also, this is NOT a place for a student who is unwilling to put in effort to improve themselves. This is a serious academic institution, and it also has solid expectations around morality and behavior.
    Read 199 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 676 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
    View Nearby Homes
  30. Sponsored

    Northshore Christian Academy

    • Private School
    • Everett, WA
    • PK, K-8
    • 11 reviews

    Parent: I have been involved with Northshore as a parent for 4 years now. Our family has been blessed in so many ways by the teachers, administrators and families that are part of this wonderful organization. We expected that our children would receive a great education, dedicated teachers in a supportive environment: we didn't expect that Northshore would become like extended family. Northshore grows families in more ways than just educationally. We are a tribe and I couldn't imagine sending my kids anywhere else.
    Read 11 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 813 Students
    • 22:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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    St. Mary's Academy

    • Private School
    • Englewood, CO
    • PK, K-12
    • 90 reviews

    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 90 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 684 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  36. Sponsored

    Seabury School

    • Private School
    • Tacoma, WA
    • PK, K-8
    • 85 Students
    • 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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