Education and schools in Denver are of significant importance for locals and expats alike. Colorado leads the country in adult educational attainment, and the state consistently ranks among the top 10 for overall education quality.
There are several primary and secondary school options at both private and public institutions, including charter and magnet schools. There are also some international schools in Denver that follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme alongside French, Spanish, and Chinese curricula.
Public schools in Denver
Public schools in Denver are free to attend and open to all students, including foreigners. New arrivals will also be pleased to know that Denver is home to some of the best public schools in the state of Colorado.
On top of this, public schools in Denver offer open enrollment, which means that students can apply to the school of their choice. In effect, parents who choose to send their child to a public school in Denver are not limited by geographic location and can instead select a school that best meets their child’s needs. As part of the application process, parents submit forms listing their top 12 school choices. Schools then admit students based on space availability.
Charter and magnet schools
Charter schools are institutions that receive funding from the local district and the state of Colorado. Whilst these schools uphold the state curriculum, they have a greater degree of freedom when it comes to teaching methods. Charter schools tend to be more innovative and flexible than traditional public schools.
Magnet schools are public schools with specialised courses or curricula in areas such as science or the arts. They’re associated with high achievement and cultural diversity. These schools attract a range of students from all over the Denver metro area.
Both charter and magnet schools are viable options for parents looking for an affordable path to specialised, academically rigorous education. Admission can be competitive and waitlists lengthy – lottery systems are often used to confirm enrolment.
Education and Schools in the USA
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Private and international schools in Denver
There are many private schools in metro Denver, and they tend to offer a broader range of facilities than is usually found at public schools. Many ground their education in specific religious traditions or alternative pedagogical approaches. There are also those which teach a foreign curriculum, known as international schools.
International schools are a good choice for expats, particularly those who are only planning to stay in Denver for a short period, or locals who want a globally minded education for their children. Although fees are typically high, attending an international school allows expat children to meet other international students and helps them be better equipped to make the transition to life in Denver.
The majority of international schools in the Denver metro area follow the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and several of these schools offer language immersion classes.
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Special educational needs in Denver
Students with special educational needs in Denver receive strong support across both public and private schools. Federal laws – including IDEA and Section 504 – guarantee children with disabilities free access to quality education.
Both public and private schools in the city have special programmes in place to support students with learning difficulties and disabilities. In cases where a person’s disability is too severe for them to benefit from mainstream education, there are special education facilities that can offer students an individualised special needs programme tailored to meet their specific requirements.
Useful links
- Denver Public Schools: Special Education Services
- Colorado Department of Education: Special Education
Tutors in Denver
Whether your child has fallen behind in maths class, needs help with adjusting to English language instruction, or requires additional support to help prepare them for their college entrance exams, there are plenty of private tutors in Denver. Many schools also offer tutoring or academic assistance, either free of charge or at discounted rates.
Begin your search by asking your child’s school or other local parents for recommendations. Alternatively, work with established tutoring companies. These companies run programmes ranging from subject-specific intensive courses to one-on-one home tuition and small group sessions. Wash Park Tutors and Varsity Tutors are two such companies.