Yes, Denver county and Denver city boundaries are the same. That's why I referred to "city/county".

There are a number of new Denver public schools in Lowry and Stapleton, which are very good. One is charter and one is science/math-oriented, plus a public high school of the arts. And some of the best elementary and preschools schools are on the east side of the city.

Meant to say:
And some of the best PRIVATE elementary and preschools schools are on the east side of the city.

Yes I have done some research but one problem about living in Denver is that pitbulls aren't n allowed and since I have one I can't. Some of the areas that are pitbull friendlies are Englewood, Longmont, Littleton, and Thornton. My fiancee did appointments with some realtors to show us houses around those areas. We are renting the 1st year to see if we like it or not, my job will transfer me to a location near by Denver downtown, don't know exactly where. But thanx to everyone for the tips and suggestions, are very helpful!

Longmont, to my knowledge is not near Denver--on the way to RMNP.
Littleton is down south and nice, especially Old Littleton. DD lives in Lakewood--it's an easy drive into downtown Denver.
Didn't know about the pit bull prohibition but good for Denver. Sorry 'bout that, but......
In a conversation with our daughter she pointed out that actually the surrounding cities are larger than Denver proper.

Longmont is north of Boulder.