Information for Prospective Families

Inspiring authentic, joyful learners who are ready to explore the world!

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.
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.

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.

Please note that we do not have adequate staffing to host private tours or tours outside of those scheduled below.

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.

    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 14 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 know that we will have other opportunities for your child to see our school once they are enrolled.

    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 request 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!

    SchoolChoice in an Enrollment Zone

    McKinley-Thatcher is part of a geographic area called the Southwest Central Elementary Enrollment Zone. Families who live within our enrollment zone are guaranteed a seat at one of the three elementary schools within the zone (McKinley-Thatcher, Godsman, and Asbury). 

    All families who are interested in attending McKinley must submit a SchoolChoice application. When completing your application, you can mark McKinley-Thatcher as your first priority school. The SchoolChoice office makes every effort to match families with their top choice.

    For more information about enrollment zones in Denver Public Schools, please visit this website.

    UPK Application Process for ECE-4 Families

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

    1. Submit a Universal Pre-K (UPK) application beginning on Tuesday, December 9 through the UPK website at upk.colorado.gov.
    • Please note: the UPK application window runs from Tuesday, December 9 to Monday, February 2, but the application operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that families are strongly encouraged to submit their UPK application as soon as possible. 
    1. Submit a SchoolChoice application by Tuesday, January 20 through the DPS website at schoolchoice.dpsk12.org. 

    Incoming ECE-4 students who have a sibling currently attending McKinley or who are the child of a current school staff member have admission 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, as well as to be placed in an ECE program, families must complete a UPK application. 

    Families must complete a SchoolChoice application in order to indicate their intention to enroll in a DPS ECE program for the 2026-2027 school year.

    I Need More Information!

    Please refer to our SchoolChoice Round 1 information post here.

    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!