Tessa WilliamsAs a parent, choosing the right school for your child can feel incredibly overwhelming. You want a place where they’ll feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
We understand the pressure of comparing test scores, programs, and teaching styles across the city. To help you sort through the options, we spent time looking into the best elementary schools in Denver.
Whether you’re after strong academics or a trusted neighborhood campus, this guide highlights standout academies that may be a great fit for your family!
How much does tuition at an elementary school cost in Denver?
Public elementary education in Denver is free for all residents, while private school tuition generally ranges from $9,600 to $13,750 per year, depending on the specific program and grade level.
| School Type | Average Annual Cost |
| Public Neighborhood Schools | Free |
| Public Magnet or Charter Schools | Free |
| Private Elementary (Base Rate) | $9,600 – $11,000 |
| Private Elementary (High-End) | $13,000 – $13,750+ |
1. Steele Elementary School
Website: steele.dpsk12.org
Address: 320 S Marion Pkwy
Contact: +1 720-424-3720
Hours: Mon–Fri 7 AM – 3:30 PM
Finding a school that challenges kids without overlooking their emotional growth can feel like a rare win. Steele Elementary School stands out with their Whole Child approach, which balances strong academics with creativity and personal development.
Students aren’t just pushed in subjects like math tutoring. They’re also encouraged to express themselves through acting and hands-on learning.
We especially like their dedicated garden program, where students learn science and responsibility in a more direct, memorable way.
Their active parent community is another major strength, as families help fund extra staff to keep classroom support strong.
However, getting in can be tough. Since the school performs so well and stays at full capacity, families outside the boundary may struggle with the choice system.
They also don’t offer specialized immersion tracks for parents looking for a language-focused program.
Customer Reviews
The school is terrific
We’ve had two students at Steele, with our youngest in her last year. The school is terrific and I’m frankly surprised by the negative reviews. The teachers have been great, and the school environment has been safe, accepting and fun. I have no reservations recommending this school highly!
- Parent / Guardian, GreatSchools Review
2. Teller Elementary School
Website: teller.dpsk12.org
Address: 1150 Garfield St
Contact: +1 (720) 424-3560
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:40 AM – 2:40 PM
Keeping advanced learners challenged while still giving them a warm school community can be a real concern for many families.
Teller Elementary School stands out for their strong Gifted and Talented services, supported by a dedicated teacher who works across all grades to keep students engaged and pushed.
Their diverse student body also gives kids a broader perspective early on, while clubs like robotics and yoga give them more ways to explore their interests.
We particularly love the heart behind their Backpack Program, which helps ensure students have enough food. This kind of care says a lot about the school’s community feel.
On the downside, the historic building can make modern tech integration tricky in some classrooms. Parking during pick-up can also be stressful for parents who drive in.
Customer Reviews
The staff were always super kind to the students
I went here a few years back and it was a very good and positive school. There were never any fights, the teachers and principles provided a bunch of support and there were also many fun activities we had done over the school years. The staff were always super kind to the students and the lunch was good.
- Current Student, GreatSchools Review
3. Slavens Elementary School
Website: slavens.dpsk12.org
Address: 3000 S Clayton St
Contact: +1 (720) 424-4150
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:45 AM – 4PM
A stable school community can make a child’s early education feel much more grounded. Slavens Elementary School builds that sense of continuity through their unique K-8 structure, allowing students to stay in the same environment for nine years.
This long-term setup helps families avoid the stressful middle school transition while allowing teachers to truly know students over time.
The strong teacher retention also adds to that sense of stability, since staff members often develop lasting relationships with families.
And we appreciate how the older students naturally take on mentorship roles, especially when helping younger children with reading.
The school’s academic awards and top-tier Colorado rankings show that this close community still pushes students to perform at a high level.
That said, one major hurdle is the intense demand for enrollment. The waitlist can be difficult to bypass. The shared spaces may also feel crowded during busy recess periods.
Customer Reviews
It’s an absolutely incredible school
This school has changed my son’s entire scope of education for the better. We choiced him in first grade. He’s academically excelled, and socially soared. We are incredibly impressed with the teachers, the school model, the parent community, and the students. It’s an absolutely incredible school.
- Parent / Guardian GreatSchools Review
4. Park Hill Elementary School
Website: parkhillelementary.org
Address: 5050 E 19th Ave
Contact: +1 (720) 424-4910
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:05 AM – 3:05 PM
Finding a school with deep neighborhood roots can give families a strong sense of belonging. As one of Denver’s most historically significant schools, Park Hill Elementary School carries a long tradition of community involvement and academic pride.
This institution places a major emphasis on literacy, which shows in strong reading scores among younger students.
Teachers also support a well-rounded experience through a vibrant arts program, including large theater productions that give students room to build confidence and creativity.
The spacious outdoor campus is another fantastic advantage, giving children plenty of room for physical education, recess, and active play.
However, a notable drawback is the school’s size. With more than 600 students, it can feel less intimate than a smaller neighborhood school. Recent boundary shifts may also confuse families near the edge of the zone.
Customer Reviews
Amazing school with great community engagement and support
Amazing school with great community engagement and support. Teachers have long tenure and it shows….. very experienced and wonderful at their jobs. Specials are well thought out and routinely enjoyed. School supports all learners where they are. The overall feel is that they truly care about the kids, which is the point.
- Parent / Guardian, GreatSchools Review
It’s a great neighborhood school
We have 3 children in attendance at Park Hill and are very pleased with their education. Their teachers have been great and really know each of them. They are appropriately encouraged to continually improve, accentuating their strengths and identifying areas where more work is needed. The community is fantastic with great parent engagement. It is a great neighborhood school!!
- Parent / Guardian, GreatSchools Review
5. Lincoln Elementary School
Website: lincoln.dpsk12.org
Address: 1230 S Washington St
Contact: +1 (720) 424-5990
Hours: Mon–Fri 6 AM – 3 PM
Alternative learning environments can make a major difference for children who thrive outside standard classroom routines. Lincoln Elementary School offers a specialized Montessori program within a familiar neighborhood school setting.
This child-led model is ideal for families who want students to learn through self-discovery, hands-on materials, and real-world problem-solving.
The school also uses multi-age classrooms, allowing children to stay with the same teacher for three years and build a deeper sense of trust and continuity.
The smaller campus size creates a warm, close-knit atmosphere where students feel known and supported.
Beyond academics, Lincoln places strong emphasis on practical life skills such as independence, self-governance, and confidence.
However, the Montessori structure may be a difficult adjustment if your child later moves into a traditional middle school. Admission also requires a separate lottery process, which can be stressful for parents to manage.
Customer Reviews
The teachers are warm and caring
Lincoln has been an excellent school academically and social-emotionally for my daughter, who is in the traditional program. The teachers are warm and caring, very experienced, with strong retention at the school. The community is welcoming and close knit, and invested in the school and students. The principal is very visible and engaged with both kids and parents. It’s a really special place.
- Parent / Guardian, GreatSchools Review
Lincoln has been the perfect fit for our family
Lincoln has been the perfect fit for our family – all 3 children have attended since kindergarten. Our youngest is in her last year as a 5th grader, off to Middle School next year. We will miss the teachers and community of this special school.
- Parent / Guardian, GreatSchools Review
