About SchoolChoice:

Colorado is an open enrollment state, meaning that students can choose to attend their assigned neighborhood school, or they can apply to other public schools within their district, or even outside it.  Denver Public Schools refers to the school selection process as SchoolChoice. The application window runs from mid-January to mid-February, and during this time, families rank their top school preferences and submit their Choice application. DPS then matches students to schools based on those preferences, as well as school admission priorities and available space. The system, based on the 2012 Nobel Prize-winning work of Dr. Al Roth, is designed to maximize the number of students getting their most-preferred school.

For a list of common questions and answers, view this link.

2025-26 Enrollment Information: 

Round 1 – closes Feb. 18, 2025

  • The DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 enrollment window for the 2025-26 school year opens at 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
  • Create an account or, if you’re a parent of a current DPS student, use your Parent Portal username and password to log in to the SchoolChoice application. Families can submit one Choice application per student. For step-by-step instructions, review the application guide.
  • Important Note for ECE-4 Applicants: For the 2025-26 school year, families of incoming ECE-4 (preschool) students must first submit a Colorado Universal Preschool application. Learn more here.

Round 2

  • Round 2 begins every year after families are notified of their Round 1 school placements in April, and ends in late August.
  • Round 2 of SchoolChoice is on a first-come, first-served basis, within school priority groups, and is for families who missed Round 1; took part in Round 1 but want to re-explore their options; or are new to DPS for next school year. Round 2 opens following the release of Round 1 results. To submit a Round 2 application sign into your SchoolChoice account and apply to your preferred schools. If you don’t have an account, you can create one using your email address or a current Parent Portal log-in. You can also call the Choice Hotline at 720-423-3493 for assistance with submitting a Round 2 application.

Enroll at Cheltenham: 

Enroll your superhero at Cheltenham Elementary School! You can apply to enroll here.

Please note, if your K-4 student is currently attending Cheltenham Elementary and plans on staying for the 2025-26 school year, you do not have to fill out a SchoolChoice application.