Denver Education

Metro Denver boasts one of the highest per-capita education levels in the country. Of metro Denver's adult population, 38 percent are college graduates and 89.6 percent have graduated from high school—a testament that area residents value education and continue to experience the enjoyment of learning. Denver's value for education began in 1859, when the first private school was e stablished—a year after the building blocks for Denver were formed. Several other private schools emerged in the area during the next few years.

Four years after the founding of Denver, the new territorial government formed two public school districts that opened in 1862, providing the foundation for the 19 highly rated metro Denver public school districts that serve approximately 428,000 area school children today.

Higher education also was a priority in 19th century Denver. The University of Denver, established in 1864, is the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region. Other universities formed in the 19th century include: Colorado State University—1870; Colorado School of Mines—1874; University of Colorado at Boulder—1876; and Regis University—1877. And many others had their beginnings in the early 20th century.

Today, metro Denver is home to 12 four-year public and private colleges and universities with enrollments totaling more than 140,700. The area's community colleges, with a total of more than 20 campuses and the 60 plus vocational/technical schools in the region, provide a network of workforce training and educational services that meet the needs of individuals and area businesses.

Newcomers and long-time residents are invited to explore this education section and discover the numerous educational opportunities that area institutions offer for people of all ages and skill levels.