I once met a family considering moving near Kent Denver. Their reason was to reduce their child's commute to under 10 minutes, but after looking at the local housing prices, they realized they needed to revise their budget.

The private school commonly mentioned among Denver parents is Kent Denver School. The tuition for the 2026 academic year is $43,250. Colorado Academy and Graland School are also frequently mentioned. The average tuition for private schools in the Denver area is $15,738, which is higher than the state average of $14,571 in Colorado.

While the tuition burden can feel significant, it's worth looking into the financial aid available. Kent Denver provides over $5 million in financial aid each year, and at Graland, one in five families receives tuition assistance. The availability and amount of aid depend on household income and assets, so it's best to contact the admissions office of each school directly for accurate information.

The schools are located between Cherry Creek and Cherry Hills, and housing prices in this area are quite high. According to Zillow, the average home value in Cherry Creek is $1,093,481 as of June 2026. In contrast, Orchard data shows that the median sale price over the last 30 days was $1,595,000, which is a 6.3 percent increase from the previous year, and Redfin reports that last month's median sale price was around $1,600,000.

This difference in numbers can feel significant; however, Zillow's average home value is an estimate that includes all homes in the area, while the median sale prices from Orchard and Redfin are based on actual recent transactions. Cherry Creek has a wide range of properties, from condos in the $700,000 range to large homes exceeding $10 million, so the perceived price range can vary greatly depending on the type of property viewed.

Some schools also offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is often referred to as IB. While AP allows students to earn college credit for individual subjects, IB is a comprehensive curriculum that covers multiple subjects over two years. When choosing a school, it's worth considering which program aligns better with your child's learning style.

The GreatSchools rating ranges from 1 to 10, summarizing academic achievement and growth, and is primarily a reference point when comparing public schools rather than private ones. When selecting a private school, it's more accurate to look at Niche reviews or the college admission data of individual schools.

Mortgage rates can vary significantly based on personal credit scores and down payment ratios, so families moving to Denver should compare estimates from multiple lenders in advance.

This aspect allows you to settle near your desired school, but it also comes with the burden of higher entry prices. Expanding the school commute range to include nearby neighborhoods may increase your options.

For families moving from out of state, it's also important to consider Colorado's property tax structure. Colorado is known for having lower property tax rates compared to other states, but the assessment methods can vary by county, so be sure to check the most recent tax bill for any properties of interest. Mortgage rates can also vary significantly based on personal credit scores and loan conditions, so comparing estimates from multiple lenders can be helpful.

You can refer to GreatSchools or Niche scores for school district ratings, but keep in mind that school district boundaries are frequently adjusted. When narrowing down properties, it's a good idea to verify which school is actually assigned to the specific address.

Ultimately, neither schools nor homes in this area are likely to be inexpensive choices. However, determining how much commuting distance you can tolerate and what compromises are possible within your budget can make the decision-making process much easier. This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any actual contracts.