COLORADO, USA — PARTNER CONTENT BY COLORADO SUCCEEDS
With children returning to classrooms from winter break, choosing a school for next year may be the furthest thing from families’ minds. Yet with school choice windows for the 2023-24 school year opening across the metro area, now is the time for parents and families to be doing just that.
In Colorado, public school choice means that families are provided a variety of options for their children’s education and are empowered to make the best decision for their children’s needs. Through school choice, families have the opportunity to select schools that most closely align with their educational values and priorities.
Throughout the Denver metro area, school districts follow a variety of processes for families to apply to the school of their choosing.
Outlined below is information on key deadlines, links to resources and more about choosing an excellent school for the five largest school districts in the Denver metro area.
During school choice windows, families should learn about their options, tour schools, and complete and submit their application(s) to their desired district.
When should I apply to my school of choice for the 2023-24 school year?
Aurora Public Schools: The initial open-enrollment deadline in APS is May 1, 2023. In APS, families who would like to enroll their child in a school other than their neighborhood school need to contact that school directly and complete an open enrollment application through the individual school.
Cherry Creek School District: The district implemented a new application system this year, simplifying the school choice process. Starting Jan. 3, 2023, parents can submit their applications for the 2023-24 school year.
Denver Public Schools: The DPS School Choice window is open from 10 a.m. Jan. 13, 2023, to 4 p.m. Feb. 14, 2023. In Denver, families living in DPS boundaries have a unique opportunity to complete a one-application, one-deadline process for selecting a school that best serves their child, whether that school is district-run, innovation or one of the districts’ many public charter schools. Families can rank up to 12 schools on their School Choice application.
Douglas County Schools: While round one of open enrollment is closed. Round two for the 2023-24 opens Jan. 23, 2023. If you are enrolled in a neighborhood school or attend a charter school and would like to choice into a neighborhood school, you must file an intent to return form by Jan. 10, 2023.
Jeffco Public Schools: With EnrollJeffco, families can choice into a school that is not their assigned neighborhood school. Round 2 of EnrollJeffco applications for the 2023-24 school year opens Jan. 19, 2023, and closes Aug. 31, 2023.
Who can apply to the school choice process?
Aurora Public Schools: APS’ open enrollment is open to all students and families who choose to enroll in a school other than their neighborhood schools must visit that school and complete an open enrollment.
Cherry Creek School District: The Cherry Creek school choice application is open to any students who choose to attend a school in the district. District residents have the opportunity to enroll in the school of their choice. Non-district residents are also eligible to apply, though priority will the given to district residents and qualified employees
Denver Public Schools: The 2023 DPS School Choice process is open to any student who would like to attend a new school in DPS for the 2023-24 school year. Most participants in DPS School Choice are students in a “transition” grade, typically kindergarten, sixth grade (middle school transition), and ninth grade (high school transition). That said, any family looking to pick a school that best fits their child can apply during this window, even if their child is not in a transition grade.
Douglas County Schools: The district allows any student to choice into the school of their preference. For families enrolled in a neighborhood school or who attend charter school and would like to choice into their neighborhood school, families must file an intent to return form by Jan. 10, 2023.
Jeffco Public Schools: Jeffco Public Schools choice enrollment is open to any students who want to attend a school in the district. Families looking to change schools or enroll into the district should apply by Aug. 31, 2023.
What are the different types of schools my child can attend?
Colorado is an open enrollment state, meaning that students can choose to attend their assigned neighborhood school (sometimes called a “boundary school”) or “choice in” to another public school within their district or even outside their district. Students can choice into any public school, which includes magnet schools, innovation schools, options schools and public charter schools. More information on school models is available on the Colorado Succeeds website.
For DPS specifically, the school district is one of the only in the country where families can choose from different types of schools in just one application process. In fact, a recent study from the University of Colorado Denver found that the district’s education reforms over the last decade, specifically including school choice, were among the most effective in American history at boosting student learning.
What is a public charter school?
In Colorado, charter schools are tuition-free public schools open to all students. Colorado charter schools typically have greater flexibility and autonomy than traditional public schools. This supports innovation in charter schools and helps them provide different learning environments. Public charter schools are still held accountable to the same state accountability standards as every other public school. Read more about how charter schools in Colorado are leading the way for many students.
What type of school or program is best?
The variety of schools and programs in Colorado means there are a variety of schools to meet different students’ needs! Families are encouraged to explore their options and pick the school that best fits their child.
Where can I learn more?
Aurora Public Schools: More information is available on the APS website.
Cherry Creek Public Schools: More information is available on the CCSD website.
Denver Public Schools: More information is available on the DPS SchoolChoice website.
Douglas County Schools: More information is available on the DougCo Schools website.
Jeffco Public Schools: More information is available on the Jeffco website.
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