Denver Public High School Elite College Placement Index
An objective, data-driven analysis of public high schools in the Denver Area. We use a proprietary Elite College Placement Index (ECPI) to evaluate schools based on graduate outcomes and college readiness.
The Denver Area's Educational Landscape
The Denver metropolitan area, nestled against the Rocky Mountains, features a vibrant and highly competitive public education system. The story of elite college placement is largely defined by a collection of powerhouse suburban districts, particularly those in the south metro area like Cherry Creek and Littleton, and the academically renowned Boulder Valley School District. These districts have long-established reputations for excellence and serve as the primary pipelines to the University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado School of Mines, and top-tier universities across the nation. This is complemented by a growing number of high-performing charter schools and strong comprehensive high schools within Denver Public Schools, creating a dynamic, multi-faceted environment for families seeking the best educational pathways in the Front Range.
Map Legend: ECPI Ranking
Individual School Profiles
Select a district and school to view a detailed breakdown of its academic performance and college placement data.
Top 10 University Destinations (Est.)
Performance Breakdown (Scaled)
Side-by-Side Comparison
Select two schools to compare their performance profiles directly.
Institution Alpha
Institution Beta
Top 10 Destinations (Est.)
Top 10 Destinations (Est.)
Direct Performance Breakdown
Full Regional Ranking
Explore the full dataset of Denver area high schools. Use the filters to narrow the results by district or school type.
Data Sources & References
This project synthesizes data from multiple sources to create a comprehensive, illustrative model of college matriculation patterns. Due to the lack of a centralized reporting system, no single source is complete. Our model is based on a combination of the following:
Primary Data Sources
- Publicly Available School Profiles & Matriculation Lists: The most detailed data comes from high-achieving high schools and districts that voluntarily compile and publish multi-year lists of their graduates' college destinations.
- Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Data: Provides foundational data on school demographics, graduation rates, SAT scores, and other postsecondary readiness indicators.
- University System Data: Public data from university systems like the University of Colorado and Colorado State University on applications, admissions, and enrollments from Colorado high schools.
Secondary & Supporting Sources
- Third-Party Data Aggregators: Platforms like Niche.com and U.S. News & World Report compile data from various sources. This is used for cross-referencing and modeling, particularly for out-of-state and private placements.
Disclaimer: All data presented on this website is illustrative and for modeling purposes only, reflecting the 2020-2025 period. The list of schools is representative, not exhaustive. Families should always consult a school's official profile and speak with school counselors for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Rating Methodology
Our Elite College Placement Index (ECPI) is calculated to provide a comprehensive measure of a school's success in preparing students for higher education. The data is illustrative, based on publicly available school profiles and statistical modeling for the 2020-2025 period.
ECPI Score Components & Weighting
The total ECPI score is a weighted average of five components, each scaled to a 0-100 score to ensure comparability.
- T25 National University Matriculation (35%): Based on the percentage of graduates attending a Top 25 National University.
- T15 Liberal Arts College Matriculation (15%): Based on the percentage of graduates attending a Top 15 Liberal Arts College.
- Top In-State University Matriculation (20%): Based on the percentage of graduates attending the University of Colorado Boulder or the Colorado School of Mines.
- Other 4-Year University Matriculation (10%): Based on the percentage of graduates attending other four-year universities.
- College Readiness Score (20%): Based on an internal score reflecting SAT/ACT scores and AP/IB course participation and success.
Psychometric & Mean Scaling
A simple weighted average can be misleading. To solve this, we use a two-step scaling process:
- Normalization (0-100 Scale): For each of the five components, we analyze the range of scores across all schools in our database. Each school's raw score is then scaled to a value between 0 and 100.
- Mean Adjustment (Target Mean of 70): After calculating an initial ECPI score based on the weighted average of the scaled components, we apply a linear adjustment to every school's score to shift the overall regional average to a target of 70. This final step standardizes the index.
Disclaimer: This index is for informational purposes only. It is one of many tools parents and students can use to evaluate schools. We encourage families to consider a wide range of tools to learn about school culture, program offerings, and individual student needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions regarding Denver Public High Schools Elite College Placement Index. For broader questions, please visit our General FAQ page.
Which is the highest-ranked public high school in the Denver area?
According to the Elite College Placement Index, Peak to Peak Charter School holds the top spot, followed by Stargate Charter School, Fairview High School, STEM School Highlands Ranch, and D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School.
What types of high schools are included on this page?
This specific index and dataset evaluate only public, charter, and magnet high schools within the Denver metropolitan area. We maintain a separate ranking for private institutions.
Which school districts are included in this Denver placement data?
Our dataset covers major Metro Denver districts including Cherry Creek, Boulder Valley, Littleton, Douglas County, Denver Public Schools, Jefferson County, and more.
What are the most common elite university destinations for top Denver public school graduates?
The University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University are the dominant in-state destinations, with the Colorado School of Mines also featuring prominently among elite STEM placements.
Analysis & Reporting
Explore in-depth data analysis, and commentary on school performance and college placement trends.
Analysis & Insights
Denver's Altitude of Achievement: Ranking Public High Schools by University Placement
An interactive ranking of Denver, Boulder, and suburban public high schools, analyzing their college placement pipelines to top universities based on the Elite College Placement Index (ECPI).
High School
July 22, 2026
Peak to Peak Charter School's Public Sector Dominance in Denver Elite College Placement Index
An objective analysis of Peak to Peak Charter School's college placement data, examining its #1 ECPI ranking, STEM pipelines, and significant in-state matriculation footprint across five years (2021-2025).