Hilltop

What we found

Hilltop sits east of Cherry Creek and south of Congress Park, occupying some of Denver's most valuable residential real estate. The neighborhood's wide lots, established trees, and quiet streets make it a magnet for families with young children. Childcare here reflects the community's affluence and educational values: established preschools with strong academic preparation, Montessori programs, and enrichment-focused centers.

The provider landscape is smaller than Cherry Creek or Highlands but high quality. Programs in Hilltop tend to be well-resourced, with experienced teachers and low turnover. The neighborhood's residential character means more home daycares relative to centers, and many programs have deep community roots.

What Childcare Costs in Hilltop

Hilltop childcare runs $1,500 to $2,400 per month for full-time care. Center-based infant care costs $1,900 to $2,400. Toddler and preschool rates range from $1,500 to $2,100. Home daycares are typically $1,400 to $1,800. Hilltop pricing is comparable to Cherry Creek and Wash Park -- premium tier for Denver.

The Waitlist Reality

Hilltop's smaller provider market means established programs maintain 4 to 9 month waitlists for infant care. Community connections and sibling priority fill many spots before they're publicly available. Expanding your search to Cherry Creek and Congress Park significantly increases your options.

What to Watch For

• Small market. Hilltop has fewer providers than Cherry Creek or Wash Park. If local options don't fit, expand to Cherry Creek (west), Congress Park (north), or Lowry (east) -- all within a short drive.
• Residential feel. Hilltop's residential character means home daycares play a larger role here than in more commercial neighborhoods. Don't overlook them -- the small ratios and neighborhood proximity can be ideal for young children.
• School district. Parts of Hilltop are in the Cherry Creek School District rather than DPS. This affects public pre-K options and DPP eligibility. Confirm which district covers your address.
• Colorado licensing. All Hilltop providers operate under Colorado CDHS regulations. Licensing records are part of every score on this page.

Every provider above has been individually researched. Scores reflect licensing records, staff data, pricing transparency, and editorial review -- not advertising or self-reported claims.