Best South Denver Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,630 students in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver, CO.
The top-ranked public schools in South Denver are Steele Elementary School, University Park Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of South Denver, Denver, CO public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the Colorado public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 66% (versus the 45% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public school average of 51% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver, CO (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Steele Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
320 South Marion Parkway
Denver, CO 80209
(720) 424-3720
Gr: K-5 | 452 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 22%
Rank: #22.
University Park Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
2300 South St Paul Street
Denver, CO 80210
(720) 424-3410
Gr: K-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
710 South Pennsylvania Street
Denver, CO 80209
(720) 424-5990
Gr: PK-6 | 310 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Mckinley-thatcher Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1230 South Grant Street
Denver, CO 80210
(720) 424-5600
Gr: PK-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #55.
South High School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 59%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
1700 East Louisiana Avenue
Denver, CO 80210
(720) 423-6000
Gr: 9-12 | 1,950 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: #66.
Grant Beacon Middle School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1751 South Washington Street
Denver, CO 80210
(720) 423-9360
Gr: 6-8 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver, CO?
The top-ranked public schools in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver, CO include Steele Elementary School, University Park Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver?
6 public schools are located in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver?
the neighborhood of South Denver, Denver public schools minority enrollment is 47% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Colorado public schools average of 51% (majority Hispanic).

Recent Articles

How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
How Public Schools Train Staff Each Year
Learn how public schools train staff each year through professional development, safety training, technology instruction, and ongoing educational support.
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
What Substitute Teachers Experience in Public Schools
Discover what substitute teachers experience in public schools, including daily responsibilities, challenges, rewards, and their role in student success.
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
How Teachers Collaborate Across Departments in Public Schools
Learn how teachers collaborate across departments to improve student outcomes, strengthen instruction, and prepare students for real-world success.

Quick Links