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Information for Prospective Families

inspiring authentic learners

SchoolChoice Round 2 for the 2025-2026 school year is open through Friday, August 29.

SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-2027 school year
opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 2 and
closes at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20.
Learn more about the SchoolChoice process here!

McKinley-Thatcher Elementary welcomes you and your learners! We are committed to providing equitable and accessible information about our school to all interested families, so we have created a 100% online experience that allows anyone to “visit” our school at any time.

On this page, families can:

  • See our school tour dates.
  • View our virtual school tour and brochure.
  • Learn about SchoolChoice and how to apply.
  • Contact us to ask more questions.

Please click on the section heading you’re interested in to expand the dropdown menu.

2025-2026 School Tours

McKinley-Thatcher is excited to host school tours for prospective families interested in enrolling with us for the 2026-2027 school year.

Please note that an RSVP for each guest is required in order to attend a tour. Space is limited for our tours, so please plan to only attend one.

Upcoming School Tours

Tours are about 60 minutes in length and include a tour of our building, visits to our ECE and kindergarten classrooms, and an open Q&A session with our school leaders.

  • Our tours for this school year will be announced in mid to late September 2025. Thank you for your patience!

RSVP for a School Tour!

Please click on the RSVP link above for the tour that you would like to attend. Once you have submitted your RSVP, you will receive a reminder email from our main office two business days before your tour.

Please note that:
  • An RSVP is required to attend a tour.
  • Our tours are limited to 12 guests.
  • Each adult tour guest must submit their own RSVP (please submit two separate RSVPs for partners attending together).
  • We prefer that children not attend school tours. We do understand that childcare is challenging and that small children may need to attend with their families!

Please contact our main office with questions or for additional information: (720) 424-5600 or McKinley_Thatcher@dpsk12.org.

Would Your Family Like Interpretation During Your Tour?

Interpretation services for tours are available upon request. Services must be requested two weeks in advance. Please request interpretation services by calling our main office at (720) 424-5600, emailing us at McKinley_Thatcher@dpsk12.org, or stopping by our main office. We can also help you RSVP for your preferred tour date!

Virtual School Tour

We are proud to share our interactive Virtual School Tour experience! This virtual tour is a great way to see our grounds, building, and classrooms from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Virtual School Brochure

Use the arrows on your keyboard or at the bottom of our Prezi presentation to move through our digital brochure! We suggest using the full-screen option for the best experience.

What is SchoolChoice & How Do I Apply?

SchoolChoice is the Denver Public Schools application process designed for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next school year. Families complete a SchoolChoice application to sign up for a space at their preferred school. 

SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-2027 school year opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 and closes at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Please visit the SchoolChoice website for more information and to start your application!

UPK Application Process for ECE-4 Families

All incoming ECE-4 families must submit two separate applications: 

  • Submit a Universal Pre-K (UPK) application through the UPK website at upk.colorado.gov.
    (Deadline still to be determined.)
  • Submit a SchoolChoice application through the DPS website at schoolchoice.dpsk12.org by Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 

Please note: 

  • The UPK application deadline generally happens before the DPS SchoolChoice deadline. 
  • Incoming ECE-4 students who have a sibling currently attending McKinley, or who are the child of a current school staff member, have priority at our school. Other ECE-4 applicants will be placed according to UPK’s matching algorithm. 

Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) Program helps families pay for their child’s ECE tuition. In order to receive tuition assistance and to be placed in an ECE program, families must complete a UPK application. 

Families must also complete a SchoolChoice application in order to enroll in a DPS school for the 2026-2027 school year. 

I Need More Information!

More information about SchoolChoice Round 1 for the 2026-2027 school year will be shared in mid to late September. Thank you for your patience!

Have Questions or Need Help?

Please call our main office at (720) 424-5600 or email us at McKinley_Thatcher@dpsk12.org. We are always happy to help!