SchoolChoice Round 1: Jan. 11 to Feb. 12, 2024

Posted January 5, 2024

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What Is SchoolChoice?

SchoolChoice is the Denver Public Schools program designed to ensure all students have access to quality schools. Families complete a SchoolChoice application to sign up for a space at their preferred school. Round 1 of the 2024-2025 SchoolChoice program runs from January 11, 2024 to February 12, 2024. Applications are due by 4:00pm on Monday, February 12, 2024.  

What Do I Need to Do?

Complete a SchoolChoice application by February 12 if your student will be entering ECE, kindergarten, 6th grade, or 9th grade in the 2024-2025 school year. McKinley-Thatcher office staff are available to help with SchoolChoice questions and applications starting on Thursday, January 11.

How to Complete an Application:

The SchoolChoice application process is completely online! You may complete your application on your phone, tablet, or computer at schoolchoice.dpsk12.org. You can even take pictures of the documents you need to submit! 

UPDATED UPK Application Process for ECE-4 Families!

New this year, all ECE families will submit a Round 1 SchoolChoice application in order to be placed in a DPS ECE program. Following Round 1 placements, DPS will reach out to ECE-4 families to provide instructions for completing an application for tuition support through the state-run Universal Preschool (UPK) program.

What Documents Do I Need for My Application?

  • ECE families must provide proof of income for 30 days, proof of address, and proof of age (usually a birth certificate).
  • NEW-to-DPS students must provide proof of address and proof of age (usually a birth certificate).
  • CURRENT DPS students do not need to provide any documents unless your family’s address has changed (please submit proof of address if this is the case).

How Much Will My Child’s ECE Tuition Be?

The Universal Preschool (UPK) program gives families 15 hours per week of FREE, state-funded preschool for children in ECE-4. After UPK funding is applied, the remaining tuition costs for ECE-4 families are calculated on a sliding scale based on family size and income. Check the DPS Early Education website for ECE tuition information. Please note that there is no tuition for kindergarten.

What Happens After I Submit My Application?

The SchoolChoice Round 1 application window closes on Monday, February 12. Families who submitted a Round 1 application will receive a school placement notification from Denver Public Schools in late March 2024. Families will receive a welcome message from their school after placement notifications have been sent. 

I Need More Information — Where Do I Look?

For assistance with Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice applications: