Why School Districts Matter to Centennial Homebuyers

When it comes to buying a home in Centennial, Colorado, the question of school districts rises to the top of nearly every family’s priority list. Even buyers without children quickly learn that the right school zone can significantly influence property values, resale potential, and neighborhood stability. According to national research, homes located within top-performing districts not only command higher prices but also hold their value much better, regardless of market swings. In the highly competitive Denver metro area, Centennial stands out as a community that consistently draws attention for its excellent public schools, award-winning districts, and family-centric neighborhoods.

Centennial itself regularly appears in national “Best Places to Live” rankings, with factors like school quality contributing heavily to its reputation for safety, opportunity, and long-term desirability. For real estate buyers and sellers, knowing the lay of the land when it comes to local school options can give you an unbeatable edge. In this blog, we’ll break down the top public school districts serving Centennial: Cherry Creek School District, Littleton Public Schools, and Englewood Schools. We’ll look at their test scores, graduation rates, academic programs, GreatSchools and Niche ratings, and recommend neighborhoods within each zone, arming families and investors alike with clear, actionable insights.

*Data sourced from CDE 2025 reports, Niche.com, SchoolDigger, and district profiles as of October 2025.

This snapshot makes it clear why Cherry Creek and Littleton regularly top the lists for homebuyers prioritizing education. However, there’s more to the story than just numbers; each district offers unique strengths and opportunities that appeal to different families.

The Cherry Creek School District (officially Cherry Creek 5) is widely acknowledged as one of the premier districts in Colorado and the top choice for many Centennial families. Serving parts of Centennial, Greenwood Village, Aurora, Foxfield, and more, CCSD stretches across 108 square miles and supports a highly diverse student body. With 67 schools, including some of Colorado’s best-ranked high schools and elementary magnets, and graduation rates that beat state and metro averages, Cherry Creek is a consistent draw for both real estate buyers and award-winning teachers.

• Enrollment: 53,000+ students in 2025, making it one of Colorado’s largest districts
• On-Time 4-Year Graduation Rate: 91.2% (CDE, 2024–2025), well above the state average of 84.2%
• Diversity: 150+ spoken languages; 48% White, 22% Hispanic, 12% Black, 9% Asian, 9% Two or More Races
• College Readiness: $50+ million in annual scholarships, 770 AP Scholars, 37 National Merit Finalists in 2025
• Academic Options: Over 90 career and technical programs, robust world language offerings, and elementary, middle, and high school magnet options
• Niche.com: Grade A; ranked #6 Best School District in Colorado and #1 for Athletes in the state
• GreatSchools Ratings: Top high schools, such as Cherry Creek High and Grandview High, score 8-9/10; elementary schools like Willow Creek and Challenge School receive 9/10 ratings

CCSD’s 91.2% graduation rate has been steadily increasing, with alternative program graduates and distinctions for subgroups that often surpass state benchmarks. For example, Asian and White student cohorts see graduation rates exceeding 94%, and the district overall maintains lower dropout rates than most comparably sized areas.

• High Schools:
  • Cherry Creek High School: #3 in Colorado (Niche), 9/10 GreatSchools, renowned for AP/IB programs
  • Grandview High School: #7 in Colorado, 9/10 GreatSchools
  • Cherokee Trail High School: #19 in Colorado, 8/10 GreatSchools
• Middle Schools:
  • Campus Middle School: 9/10 GreatSchools, #9 in CO (Niche)
  • West Middle School: Top 20 CO, 8/10 rating
• Elementary & K-8 Magnet:
  • Willow Creek Elementary: 9/10 GreatSchools, top 50 in CO (SchoolDigger)
  • Challenge School (K-8 magnet): 9/10, highly accelerated gifted curriculum
  • Cherry Creek Charter Academy: 8/10, “A” rating Niche, focus on Core Knowledge
  • Walnut Hills Elementary: 8/10, neighborhood favorite in Walnut Hills subdivision

• STEAM for All: K-12 STEAM integration, regular district-wide events like STEAM-a-palooza; strong elementary project support teams
• Career & Technical Education: 90+ CTE programs, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus for industry certifications
• AP/IB and Honors: Multiple high schools offer both tracks and open access/dual-enrollment with local colleges
• World Languages: Broad range, starting in elementary grades
• Diversity & Inclusion: 150+ languages, strong support for English learners

• Piney Creek: Highly desirable, zoned for Indian Ridge Elementary (8/10), Laredo MS, and Smoky Hill HS. Family-friendly, higher home values, strong sense of community
• Walnut Hills: Accessible single-family homes, strong local elementary (8/10), quick access to DTC, and a classic Centennial feel
• Castlewood: Large, established neighborhood; many homes in the Cherry Creek attendance area; excellent access to transit and shopping
• Dream House Acres: Zoned for Cherry Creek and also near the DTC—a blend of mid-century homes and new construction

Covering the northwestern areas of Centennial (notably Southglenn, Dream House Acres, and Ridgeview Hills South), Littleton Public Schools (LPS) is a “big enough to serve you, small enough to know you” district that maintains a reputation for high achievement and intimate school communities. LPS regularly earns accolades for safety, college preparation, and innovative programming.

• Enrollment: ~13,000 students (2025), 20 schools
• On-Time Graduation Rate: 92% for 2024–2025—among the highest in the metro area and state
• Student-Teacher Ratio: Lower than CCSD, usually 14–17:1
• State Performance Ratings: Consistently “Accredited with Distinction” status from CDE
• College Prep & Scholarships: More than $66 million in scholarships earned by the 2025 senior class, strong National Merit and Boettcher Scholar representation
• GreatSchools & Niche Scores: Elementary/high schools regularly rated 8–9/10 (Heritage HS: 9/10, Lois Lenski Elementary: 8/10)
• Niche.com: “A” rating as a district; high marks for teachers, college prep, and student outcomes

LPS’s 4-year graduation rate has hovered at or above 92% for several years; dropout rates are among the lowest in Colorado (0.7% in 2024). LPS students are frequently recognized as National Merit Scholars and gain acceptances to elite colleges; the district has received “Accredited with Distinction” from the state eight times in the last decade.

• High Schools:
  • Heritage High School: 9/10 GreatSchools; Niche A+, ranked among top 30 in Colorado; strong AP, athletics, arts programs
  • Arapahoe High School: 9/10 GreatSchools; National College Success Award winner; open-enrollment draws families from surrounding areas
  • Littleton High School: IB Diploma Program, AP, global studies focus
• Middle Schools:
  • Newton Middle: 8/10 GS, highly ranked statewide; robust arts and STEM
  • Euclid, John Wesley Powell: Above-average state results
• Elementary Schools:
  • Lois Lenski: 8/10 GS, National Blue Ribbon School, strong community connection
  • Runyon, Sandburg, Hopkins: All rate between 7–8/10; strong arts and music

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Littleton High offers the full IB Diploma
• AP Capstone and AP Courses: Heritage High implements AP Capstone; 21 AP courses offered
• STEM & Career Pathways: EPIC Campus (Experiential, Project-based, Innovative, Career); over 400 industry certifications annually, focus on hands-on learning and internships
• Language and Gifted Programs: World language and gifted education from early elementary onward

• Southglenn: Master-planned, walkable, zoned for Hopkins or Sandburg Elementary, Newton or Powell Middle, and Arapahoe High; access to shopping/dining at Streets of Southglenn
• Dream House Acres: Home to significant mid-century architecture; Lois Lenski Elementary is a major draw, with proximity to Littleton High
• Ridgeview Hills South: Convenient access to freeways and light rail, zoned for Ford Elementary and several top-performing schools

• Enrollment: 2,400 students (2025), across 8 schools
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: Ranges widely by school (50.4% – 74.3% in recent years)
• Student-Teacher Ratio: 22:1 (higher than neighboring districts)
• Facilities: All schools modernized within the last decade; small walkable campuses
• Demographics: Highly diverse student body, strong Title I and language learner support
• Academic Focus: Emphasis on STEAM from PreK-12, advanced placement opportunities at Englewood High, robust supports for gifted, at-risk, and English learners
• GreatSchools Ratings: 5–7/10 at elementary level; Englewood High at 6/10; alternative/accelerated academies also available

Englewood is praised for strong mental health and counselor support, after-school care, and specialized attention for students who thrive with more individual focus or are seeking an accelerated high-school track. Its schools, though not ranked as high as Cherry Creek or Littleton, attract families looking for small learning communities, new buildings, and STEAM integration.

While most of Englewood School’s boundary lies to the northwest, certain Centennial homes, especially near the DTC, are zoned for Englewood Schools. These areas can offer more affordable home prices and may appeal to families who prioritize personalized learning or want access to school-based wellness programs.

• AP/IB Offerings: Multiple high schools with AP, IB, and Career/Tech Ed pathways
• STEAM: Every school must integrate STEAM projects; district-wide STEAM events and competitions
• Gifted/Talented: Challenge School and robust programming at neighborhood schools
• College & Career Readiness: CCIC (Cherry Creek Innovation Campus), industry certificates, concurrent enrollment with area colleges
• Diversity & Inclusion: 150+ languages supported; focus on equity in advanced courses

• International Baccalaureate: Littleton High’s IB Diploma program attracts in- and out-of-district students
• AP Capstone: Heritage HS, with 20+ AP courses; open access for all motivated students
• EPIC Campus: Unique to LPS, focused on career pathways and hands-on learning, including workplace internships
• Concurrent Enrollment: Options across all high schools; strong partnerships with local colleges
• Gifted Education: All schools offer enrichment, including at the elementary level

• STEAM from PreK–12: Modern labs, project-based learning through the entire school journey
• Gifted & English Language Learners: Specialized supports, smaller class sizes
• Alternative/Accelerated Routes: Excel Academy for credit recovery and accelerated graduation options; strong counseling and wellness services

Matching your home search to the best schools? Here’s a quick guide linking notable Centennial neighborhoods to their top school districts:

*Prices are as of summer/fall 2025; actual school zoning should always be verified with the district during your search.

Buyer Motivations and Trends

• Families Will Compromise: Realtor.com surveys reveal 78% of buyers are willing to give up home features (like garages or updated kitchens) to secure a place in a sought-after district.
• Resale Value: Even buyers without children often prioritize top school zones because of their long-term value and broader buyer demand.
• Open Enrollment State: Colorado’s open enrollment laws mean students can apply to attend schools outside their home attendance area, but in-demand schools often have waitlists or lotteries. Living “within zone” remains a major real estate driver.

National and Local School Choice Trends (2025)

Choosing the right school district is one of the most important decisions for new and prospective Centennial residents. Whether you’re focused on academic rigor, specialized programs, or simply want peace of mind about your home’s resale value, Cherry Creek and Littleton Public Schools set the bar for Colorado excellence, while Englewood Schools gives an intimate alternative for families wanting smaller communities and innovative, personalized learning. Use this guide as a first step on your journey by zeroing in on your target neighborhoods, visiting the official sources for each district, and partnering with a real estate specialist who knows how to capitalize on the region’s top schools.

If you’re ready to make a move or want custom advice on matching the best Centennial schools to your next home purchase or sale, reach out to The Storck Team today.