SchoolChoice is Your Opportunity to Select a New School for 2026-27
Every year Denver Public Schools hosts SchoolChoice, a time when families have the opportunity to select the schools they want their students to attend in the following school year, whether entering for the first time or changing schools. The process is built around equity, offering families equitable access to choose the schools they feel are the best fit for their students, no matter where they live or what their background.
If your student is moving into kindergarten, sixth or ninth grade, or if you live in an enrollment zone, you’ll probably need to complete an application. Or if you’re looking for a new fit for your child, you are encouraged to complete the application process as well!
New this year, Round 1 of SchoolChoice has moved up by more than a month! Mark your calendar and make sure to apply to your top schools between Dec. 2 and Jan. 20.
How Does SchoolChoice Work?
When Round 1 opens on Dec. 2, families are able to rank the top schools they want their students to go to by submitting a SchoolChoice application. Families can rank up to 10 schools for each student.
After Round 1 closes, DPS’ system analyzes each family’s preferences – as well as school admission priorities and open seats – in a lottery-type system that matches students to schools based on preferences. Families are notified of their students’ placements in late February. Most students who live in Denver receive their first or second choice, with 88% matching with one of these top choices in 2025-26.
For families who don’t participate in Round 1, or those who want to enroll at a different school than the one they were accepted into during Round 1, SchoolChoice Round 2 offers another opportunity to select a school for the next school year. Unlike Round 1, which is based on a lottery-type system, Round 2 applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Round 2 typically begins in April and stays open through the start of the school year.
What Schools Can Students Apply to During SchoolChoice?
During the SchoolChoice process, families can apply for their students to attend any Denver Public School – all DPS schools are open to all students and free of cost to attend!
There are a few different types of schools within the district. These include:
- Traditional District-run Schools: Traditional schools are directly run and overseen by the school district.
- District-run Innovation Schools: These schools can waive some district policies, state statutes and collective bargaining agreements in order to operate with more autonomy to be responsive to student needs and aim to improve student outcomes.
- Innovation Zone Schools: Innovation Zone schools are groups of public innovation schools that, although diverse, share goals and interests. They can request flexibility from policies to meet the needs of students and empower teachers and school leaders, and often participate in joint professional development.
- Charter Schools: All Denver charter schools are tuition-free public schools authorized by the district. Charter schools have their own governing boards and are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy in programming and for educators to make decisions to put students first.
No matter the type of school, all schools in Denver Public Schools are free and open to serve all students!
Learn More About DPS SchoolChoice
The DPS SchoolChoice website is a great place to learn more about this important process. You’ll also find an FAQ and video overview, as well as information for families entering preschool.
As your family begins researching schools, be sure to check out the Mile High School Guide. This free resource makes it easy to view and compare data across Denver Public Schools, all available in multiple languages. Compare student and teacher demographics, student populations, average years of teacher experience and test performance with just a few clicks.
Once you’ve selected your top schools, be sure to complete the Round 1 DPS SchoolChoice application through the DPS website. Those who need help can call the SchoolChoice hotline at 720-423-3493.
