F-1 Public · Colorado
Denver Public Schools
The "Mile High City", the Rockies on the horizon and a district that has doubled its pupils in AP courses — for those who want a real metropolis with the mountains an hour away.
- F-1 visa
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Denver fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Denver, Colorado
- Arrival airport
- Denver International (DEN)
- Size (pupils)
- 1,280 per high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from -7 °C to 33 °C
- High school diploma possible
- no
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 220 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 17 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $34,500
- Semester 2027-2028
- $21,000
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Denver
In the morning, an AP or Honors class in one of the thirteen high schools of a fast-growing district that aims to become a national benchmark. In the afternoon, lacrosse, gymnastics or swimming. On Wednesday, the outdoor adventure club, robotics or Mock Trial. On Thursday evening, a concert: Denver has an opera house, a symphony orchestra and a concert hall, and the district encourages learning outside the classroom. At the weekend, on a clear day, you can see the Rockies from the city — and you go there, a short drive away. A mild climate, from -7 to 33 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- The fastest-growing district in Colorado, with twice as many pupils in AP in ten years.
- The Rocky Mountains visible from the city, and within reach at the weekend.
- Opera, a symphony orchestra and an outdoor adventure club.
Courses, sports and clubs in Denver
- 64 courses
- 15 sports
- 18 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Arts (11 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Pre-calculus (Honors)
- Calculus (AP)
- Analytic geometry
- Linear algebra
- Introduction to statistics
- College algebra
- College trigonometry
- Financial algebra (Honors)
- Probability and statistics
- Statistics (AP)
Science
- Biology (Honors, AP)
- Chemistry (Honors, AP)
- Physics (Honors, AP)
- Introductory anatomy and physiology
- Earth science (Honors)
- Marine biology (Honors)
- Astronomy (Honors)
- Genetics (Honors)
Humanities
- United States history
- World history (Honors, AP)
- Medieval history (Honors)
- Geography (Honors)
- Cultural anthropology
- Macroeconomics (AP)
- Microeconomics (AP)
- Economics
- Psychology (AP)
English
- English I-IV (Honors)
- College preparatory literature and composition
- World humanities
- Contemporary literature
- Creative writing (Honors)
- Women's literature (Honors)
- Technical writing
Languages
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Arabic
- Russian
- Japanese
- Mandarin
- American Sign Language
Arts
- Theatre arts
- Dance
- Choir
- Art history
- Photography
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- Painting
- Digital design
- Jewellery making
Options
- Accounting
- Film studies
- Personal finance
- Journalism
- Computer science
- Introduction to criminal justice
- Agriculture
- Introduction to business practices
- Practical nursing
- Hospitality
- Marketing
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Soccer
- Cross-country
- Cheerleading
- Tennis
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Softball
- Volleyball
Winter
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Swimming
Spring
- Baseball
- Lacrosse
- Track and field
- Swimming
- Golf
- Soccer
- Tennis
Clubs
- Art and design
- Creative writing
- Environment
- Chess
- History
- Mathematics
- Mock Trial
- Book Club
- Newspaper
- Outdoor adventure
- Pep Club
- Robotics
- Theatre
- Public speaking and debate
- National Honor Society
- Yearbook
- Marching band
- Orchestra
Denver compared with other districts
Calculations based on the published prices of the districts on this page that show a package; same prices, same results.
| Package | Price | Rank | Difference from the median |
|---|---|---|---|
| School year 2027-2028 | $34,500 | no. 25 of 59 | 6% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $21,000 | no. 16 of 47 | 8% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Colorado): ranked 1 of 2 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Colorado): ranked 1 of 2 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Jeffco: $1,150 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this district costs $10,600 more (44%).
Rank: from cheapest (no. 1) to most expensive, among the districts showing a price in the same currency. The median is the price in the middle of the list.
Frequently asked questions about Denver
How much does the school year cost in Denver?
$34,500 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Denver?
$21,000 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Denver expensive compared with other districts?
Around the average: ranked 25 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 6% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Colorado), it ranks 1 of 2.
Can I go to Denver for just one semester?
Yes, Denver also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Denver?
No. Denver does not award the American diploma to international pupils. If the diploma matters to you, ask Sophie which districts offer it.
How old do I need to be to go to Denver?
Between 14 and 17 years old.
What level of English do I need for Denver?
An ELTiS score of 220. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Denver?
Via Denver International airport (DEN).
Sophie knows Denver as if she lived there.
The district's high schools, sports by season, the town, the climate, things to do at the weekend — and the same for the 58 other districts. Ask her, she compares for you.
Daily life there
In the Rocky Mountain region and nicknamed the "Mile High City", Denver is a metropolis with a mild climate. On a clear day you can see the Rocky Mountains from the city. Known for its arts culture, Denver has an opera house, a symphony orchestra, an art gallery and a concert hall. The nearby mountains put all kinds of outdoor activities a short drive away.
More districts to explore
- Jeffco Public SchoolsGolden, Colorado
- Indian River Charter High SchoolVero Beach, Florida
- Tacoma Public SchoolsTacoma, Washington
Denver: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.