Denver, Colorado, often referred to as the “Mile-High City,” is a thriving hub of education, culture, and opportunities. For families looking for excellent private boarding schools, Denver and its surrounding areas offer a mix of prestigious institutions that blend rigorous academics with strong character development and extracurricular opportunities. Boarding schools here are known for fostering independence, resilience, and academic excellence in students.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 boarding schools in Denver, highlighting their unique features, strengths, and tuition fees so you can make an informed decision.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Denver And Fees

1. Colorado Academy

Colorado Academy, located in southwest Denver, is one of the most respected private day and boarding school options in the region. With a reputation for academic rigor, arts, and athletics, this school prepares students for admission into top universities across the country.

Colorado Academy emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum, allowing students to explore a broad spectrum of subjects while specializing in areas of interest. Boarding students benefit from structured schedules, dedicated faculty mentoring, and a safe, nurturing campus environment.

The school also prioritizes character education, focusing on integrity, compassion, and social responsibility. Students can engage in performing arts, visual arts, and a wide array of sports, from soccer and tennis to lacrosse. With its balanced approach, Colorado Academy ensures that students excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Grades: Pre-K–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $35,000–$45,000

2. St. Mary’s Academy

Founded in 1864, St. Mary’s Academy in Englewood, just outside Denver, is a Catholic independent school renowned for its emphasis on leadership and service. Known for its nurturing community, this school provides a structured boarding program that supports both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

St. Mary’s Academy focuses heavily on developing leadership qualities in young women. Its curriculum integrates STEM education, humanities, and theology, preparing students to thrive in competitive higher education environments. The academy also fosters civic responsibility, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

In addition to academics, St. Mary’s offers exceptional extracurricular activities. Students can join debate, robotics clubs, or sports teams like volleyball, basketball, and track. The campus facilities support creativity with dedicated art and music studios, ensuring students grow into well-rounded individuals.

Grades: K–12 (with boarding for middle and high school students)
Annual Boarding Fees: $30,000–$40,000

3. Kent Denver School

Kent Denver School, located in Cherry Hills Village near Denver, is a leading independent college preparatory institution. With a strong emphasis on individualized learning, this school offers a dynamic boarding environment for high-achieving students.

The school combines challenging academics with a robust advisory program, ensuring that each student receives personal guidance. Advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and elective opportunities help prepare students for competitive universities. Kent Denver is also well-known for its science research programs and innovation labs, giving boarding students hands-on experience.

Athletics are central to campus life, with teams competing in soccer, football, swimming, and cross country. The arts are equally celebrated through music, theater, and visual arts programs. Students also benefit from a global education focus, with study abroad opportunities and cultural exchange programs.

Grades: 6–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $40,000–$48,000

4. Denver Academy

Denver Academy is particularly well-regarded for its commitment to individualized education. Known for serving students with diverse learning styles, Denver Academy fosters an inclusive community where every student thrives academically and socially.

The boarding program ensures a structured yet flexible environment where students can succeed. Small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty make learning engaging. Students are encouraged to embrace creativity, problem-solving, and self-confidence, all of which are invaluable for future success.

Extracurricular opportunities include arts, sports, and leadership clubs. The school has modern science labs, technology centers, and art studios that promote innovation. Additionally, the focus on emotional intelligence ensures that students graduate not only as strong learners but also as empathetic leaders.

Grades: 2–12 (boarding available for older students)
Annual Boarding Fees: $32,000–$42,000

5. Regis Jesuit High School

Regis Jesuit High School, located in Aurora near Denver, is a Catholic, Jesuit preparatory institution with a tradition of forming leaders of character and competence. With separate campuses for boys and girls, it offers a unique educational experience that respects tradition while embracing modern academic practices.

The school’s boarding program combines faith, academics, and service. Rigorous college preparatory courses challenge students, while theology classes deepen their understanding of Jesuit values. Many graduates proceed to prestigious universities such as Georgetown, Boston College, and Stanford.

Regis Jesuit also offers top-notch athletics and arts programs. Students can participate in football, basketball, swimming, theater productions, and choir performances. Boarding students benefit from a supportive environment that encourages spiritual growth, intellectual curiosity, and community service.

Grades: 9–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $33,000–$43,000

6. Denver Waldorf School

The Denver Waldorf School offers a unique educational philosophy grounded in Waldorf principles, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development. For families seeking a less conventional, yet deeply enriching boarding school experience, this institution stands out.

Waldorf education integrates academics, arts, and practical skills. Students engage in music, theater, painting, and crafts alongside traditional subjects like math and science. This balance encourages both intellectual and emotional growth. Boarding students benefit from a community-driven environment where learning is connected to real-life experiences.

Athletics and outdoor activities also play a role, with students frequently participating in hiking, skiing trips, and other adventures suited to Colorado’s natural landscape. The Waldorf method’s emphasis on independence makes this school an excellent choice for boarding students seeking a transformative experience.

Grades: Pre-K–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $28,000–$38,000

7. Denver Jewish Day School

Denver Jewish Day School provides a strong dual curriculum blending Jewish studies with rigorous academics. For families seeking a faith-based education rooted in Jewish tradition, this school offers an enriching environment supported by a strong sense of community.

The boarding program emphasizes both religious identity and academic success. Students study Hebrew, Jewish history, and Torah alongside core academic subjects. The school ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education, with many graduates attending Ivy League universities.

Extracurricular activities include debate, STEM clubs, arts, and athletics. Boarding students enjoy a nurturing environment that respects tradition while encouraging innovation. The strong focus on community service helps instill values of responsibility and compassion.

Grades: K–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $30,000–$39,000

8. Denver Christian School

Denver Christian School is a Christ-centered, college preparatory institution that blends faith, academics, and community. Located in Lakewood near Denver, it serves as an excellent option for families seeking a faith-based boarding school with strong academic standards.

The curriculum emphasizes both core academics and spiritual growth. Students receive personalized mentorship and encouragement to develop their talents. The school also integrates Bible study, worship, and service-learning into its program, fostering a strong sense of purpose.

Boarding students enjoy a structured environment where balance is encouraged between study, recreation, and spiritual development. Extracurricular activities include sports like soccer, track, and basketball, along with choir and drama programs. The school’s mission-driven focus makes it a nurturing space for students to grow intellectually and spiritually.

Grades: K–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $29,000–$38,000

9. Fountain Valley School of Colorado

Although located in Colorado Springs, just an hour from Denver, Fountain Valley School of Colorado is one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the state. Known for its rigorous academics, arts, and athletics, this school draws students from across the U.S. and the world.

Fountain Valley offers advanced coursework, including AP and honors classes, as well as experiential learning through outdoor education programs. The boarding program emphasizes independence and leadership, preparing students to excel in college and beyond.

Students benefit from Colorado’s natural beauty with skiing, hiking, and equestrian activities. The arts are equally strong, with visual arts, theater, and music widely celebrated on campus. Its international student body creates a diverse, multicultural environment.

Grades: 9–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $40,000–$50,000

10. Colorado Rocky Mountain School

Located in Carbondale, about three hours from Denver, Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) is a premier boarding school that integrates rigorous academics with outdoor education. It’s an ideal choice for students who thrive in nature and value hands-on learning.

The curriculum includes AP courses, experiential learning, and sustainability-focused education. Boarding students are immersed in a culture of independence and responsibility, with opportunities for leadership development.

Outdoor education is central to CRMS, with students skiing, climbing, and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. The school also emphasizes environmental stewardship, encouraging students to become responsible global citizens. Arts, music, and athletics further enrich student life.

Grades: 9–12
Annual Boarding Fees: $42,000–$52,000

Why Choose a Boarding School in Denver?

Denver’s boarding schools combine academic rigor with unique cultural, spiritual, and outdoor experiences. The city’s location in the Rocky Mountains provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor education, while its diverse community fosters global awareness.

Conclusion

Choosing the right boarding school is a significant decision. Denver offers a wealth of excellent institutions, whether you are seeking rigorous academics, faith-based education, or holistic learning approaches. The fees vary depending on the school, but each provides exceptional value through dedicated faculty, enriching extracurriculars, and a supportive residential community.

By exploring these top 10 boarding schools in Denver and their fees, families can find the perfect match for their child’s academic and personal growth.

Top 10 Boarding Schools In Denver And Fees (2026)