Denver's Best Public Middle Schools

Image by Menlo School

The transition from the freedoms of elementary school life to the more rigid structures of a middle school atmosphere can be difficult for children. A new environment, higher standards, different children and unknown teachers all require adjustment. Finding a school that fits your child's needs can help ease the transition and provide the most suitable learning environment.

1. Denver School of the Arts

Feeder schools: None

One of the most selective and unique schools in the district, the Denver School of the Arts is a magnet school focused around the visual, literary and performing arts. Each student who attends the school must supplement regular studies with extra work in one artistic field, with options including creative writing, dance, music, stagecraft and design, theatre, video cinema arts and visual arts. While the high standard of artistic creativity and talent that is necessary to get accepted into the school severely limits the applicant pool, those accepted get a chance to explore their own creativity in an accepting and challenging school environment. In 2008, the school was one of the best ranked for its offerings as measured by the district's School Performance Framework, and for the 2006-2007 school year received an “excellent” ranking from the Colorado Department of Education.

2. Campus Middle School

Feeder schools: Belleview Elementary School, Cottonwood Creek Elementary School

Academics are the foremost concern of Campus Middle School, where high scores on the CSAP and other statewide measures of success are expected, not hoped for. Teachers and staff work hard to bring all of the school's students up to proficient and advanced levels across the board, and students who have been in the district for more than a year show markedly higher test scores than those new to the area, a sign of the school's effective teaching methods. To help promote year-round academic interest and insightful thought, every student at Campus gets a mandatory summer reading list. Graduates from Campus move on to studies at Cherry Creek High School, one of the most academically rigorous public schools in the region.

3. Englewood Leadership Academy

Feeder schools: None

The tiny student body and high educational standards of Englewood Leadership Academy make the school both very selective and very desirable for high-achieving and strongly motivated students. A strong commitment by students accepted to the program is vital, as the school has requirements above and beyond those of ordinary schools. These obligations include a pledge to undertake 50 hours of community service a year and 3 hours a week of both physical education and participation in the arts. While significant dedication is required from both students and their families, the rewards of Englewood Leadership Academy are great; offering its students a truly spectacular program that emphasizes, academics, social awareness and community involvement.

4. Manning Options School

Feeder schools: None

Standards are high for students who attend Manning Options School, one of the many options schools in the Jeffco Public Schools district. Superior academic work and mature, responsible behavior are expected of all students at Manning, creating a safe and encouraging environment for those who attend. With only two year-groups of students present on the campus, students get very personalized educational experiences that work towards significant individual academic and social growth.

5. Morey Middle School

Feeder schools: Bromwell Elementary School, Moore Elementary School, Teller Elementary School

At Morey Middle School, a broad variety of specially-tailored educational options and programs exist to serve students of all abilities and inclinations. An overall adherence to high academic standards prepares students for both Advanced Placement classes in high school and college courses. Another focus of the DPS district school is to prepare its academically average students for college through individually structured programs and courses.