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The top elementary schools in and around Denver

Top Public Elementary Schools

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High Peaks Boulder K–5

This consistently high-performing school uses a Core Knowledge curriculum (an increasingly popular approach that teaches students a specific set of new skills at each grade level) and provides summer reading exercises to all its students. It has full-day kindergarten options, plus Talented-and-Gifted (TAG) and special-needs programs. schools.bvsd.org/hp

Highline Academy Denver K–8

With about one-third of its students qualifying for FRL assistance and hailing from 55 countries, this charter school has produced strong growth numbers. It owes this achievement to small class sizes and a liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes character and groups students according to performance levels. highlineacademy.org

Hulstrom Options Northglenn K–8

This magnet school offers a before- and after-school summer enrichment (BASE) program that combines child care with exercises that enhance the students’ existing schoolwork. Hulstrom’s Connections and Advanced Academic programs, and overall curriculum, are designed for children who thrive in a more structured learning environment. hulstrom.adams12.org

Lafayette Lafayette K–5

Lafayette has unusually high FRL participation for the northern suburbs. It recently began a TAG program, and launched Literacy Assessment Days that take place before the school year begins in August. It also features smaller class sizes at the lower grade levels and stresses character-building throughout the school. bvsd.org/schools/lafayette

Monarch K-8 Louisville

Small class sizes that feed into Monarch’s larger middle school mean extra attention for primary-level students. The school’s PTA provides a robust fund-raising apparatus, and Monarch also has a variety of special-needs offerings, including a program for deaf children. bvsd.org/schools/monarchk8

Peabody Centennial K–5

Will celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2011. Faculty and staff meet regularly to update each other on performance trends and analyze student data to see where improvements can be made. The school’s extracurricular Enrichment program features classes in music, art, and Spanish. peabody.littletonpublicschools.net