Denver ZIP Codes with the Highest School Ratings — Census & GreatSchools Data

For families with school-age children, school quality is often the single most important factor in choosing a ZIP code. We combined GreatSchools.org average ratings (1–10 scale) with Census ACS educational attainment and median household income data to identify Denver's top ZIP codes for education-focused families.

The top-tier school ZIP codes — all scoring 8/10 on our GreatSchools composite — are 80206 (Cherry Creek/Congress Park), 80209 (Washington Park), 80210 (University Hills/Platt Park), 80238 (Central Park), and 80228 (West Lakewood). These ZIP codes share striking Census demographics: bachelor's degree attainment ranges from 62% to 78% of adults (vs. 42% Denver average), and median household incomes range from $95,000 to $181,000. Research consistently shows that neighborhood educational attainment correlates strongly with school quality, as these communities invest heavily in schools through both public funding and parent-led organizations.

ZIP code 80238 (Central Park) deserves special attention for families. Built on the former Stapleton airport site, this master-planned community was designed with schools at its core. Northfield High School, Conservatory Green Middle School, and multiple elementary options are all rated 7–9 on GreatSchools. The Census data is remarkable: median household income is $180,940 (highest among Denver ZIP codes), 78.3% of adults hold bachelor's degrees, and the median age of 34.1 reflects a community dominated by young families. Home values average $593,000 — a relative bargain given the school quality.

ZIP code 80206 (Cherry Creek) pairs top schools with urban convenience. Bromwell Elementary consistently rates 8–9/10 on GreatSchools, and the Cherry Creek School District (for addresses on the southeast edge) is among Colorado's best. Census data shows 72% bachelor's degree attainment and a median income of $107,610. The neighborhood's Walk Score of 82 means families can walk to school, parks, and Cherry Creek North's shops — a rare combination of academic excellence and urban livability.

Mid-tier school ZIP codes (6–7 rating) offer better affordability. ZIP code 80212 (Sloan's Lake, rating 7) provides access to solid DPS schools at a median home value of $520,000, with the bonus of Sloan's Lake recreation. ZIP code 80222 (Hampden South, rating 6) straddles the Denver/Cherry Creek district boundary — families on the CCSD side access some of Colorado's highest-performing schools at home values around $430,000, making it Denver's best value for school quality.

ZIP codes with lower school ratings (3–4) — including 80216 (Globeville/Elyria-Swansea, rating 3), 80219 (Westwood, rating 4), and 80239 (Montbello, rating 4) — are also the most affordable, with median home values under $350,000. These areas have active school improvement initiatives and DPS's choice enrollment system means families aren't limited to neighborhood schools. Many families in these ZIP codes successfully enroll children in higher-rated schools in adjacent ZIP codes through the SchoolChoice lottery, effectively decoupling school quality from home address.

Our recommendation for education-focused families on a budget: look at ZIP codes 80207 (Park Hill, school rating 6, median home $475,000) and 80220 (East Colfax/Montclair, rating 7, median home $460,000). Both offer above-average schools, strong community investment in education, and home prices 20–30% below the top-rated ZIP codes. Park Hill's diversity — one of Denver's most integrated neighborhoods — adds cultural richness that many families value alongside academic metrics.