Need Help? Contact Us »

Enrollment Pilot

In DPS, we are committed to offering high-quality schools that reflect the diversity of our communities.

A rich body of research is clear on the benefits of school integration for students of all income levels and all races. We believe these schools offer the best education for our kids by breaking down stereotypes, building bridges and promoting vibrant neighborhoods throughout Denver.

Two years ago, with the goal of providing more integrated schools, we began a pilot program at some of our high-performing, low-poverty schools to prioritize enrollment for students eligible for free- and reduced-price lunch (FRL), an indicator of poverty.

To be clear, in these schools, students living within the boundary still have top priority. However, outside the boundary, priority is given to students from low-income families.

After receiving positive feedback from the community through our Strengthening Neighborhoods Initiative, more schools have expressed interest in participating in this pilot program.

This page is designed to let you, our families, know how you can participate in this expanded pilot. Still have questions? Email us at SchoolChoice@dpsk12.org.

Group photo of students

Frequently Asked Questions About the Enrollment Pilot

What types of schools are participating in the pilot?

  • Schools with free- and reduced-price lunch (FRL) rates of 40% or lower.
  • Schools with available seats or an active waitlist so an FRL priority may result lin greater integration.

How can schools participate in the pilot?

A school that wishes to participate should first consult with their school and family communities.
So far, 18 elementary schools and eight middle and high schools have used FRL status as a priority for enrollment. Examples of schools include: High Tech, Slavens and Steele elementary schools; DSST’s Byers, Stapleton and Green Valley Ranch campuses; and East High School.

How can families participate in the pilot?

1. Families whose students are eligible for free- and reduced-price lunches can view the list of participating schools on this page (please see below). This list will be updated as more schools join the program.

2. Families are encouraged to visit schools that may be a good fit for their student, and to talk with school staff about supports for their students. While all participating schools are high performing, it is important that families consider the best possible fit for their children.

3. Finally, families should go through the SchoolChoice process and indicate their preference for schools participating in the program.

If a student qualifies for the pilot, are they guaranteed a seat?

The goal of the FRL priority is to provide more available seats for students eligible for FRL; however, it does not guarantee a seat.

For example, a school with an attendance boundary that does
not participate in the program may give priority in the following order:

1. Students living within the boundary

2. Children of school staff

3. Children living outside the boundary

A participating school, however, would give priority in the following order:

1. Students living within the boundary

2. Children of staff

3. FRL students living outside the boundary

4. Other students living outside the boundary

What is the current list of schools participating in this pilot?

Elementary: Asbury, Bill Roberts, Bromwell, C3, DDES, Edison, Highine SE, High Tech, Holm, Isabella Bird, Inspire, Lincoln, Odyssey, Park Hill, Samuels, Sandoval, Shoemaker, Slavens, Steele, Swigert, Westerly Creek

Middle/High: McAuliffe Manual, East

DSST: Byers MS, Byers HS, Stapleton MS, Stapleton HS, Green Valley MS, Green Valley HS

What does this pilot mean for a boundary school?

Priorities, in order, for a school with an attendance boundary not participating in pilot:

1. Students living within boundary.

2. Siblings of students attending school.

3. Children of staff.

4. Denver residents

5. Non-Denver residents

Priorities, in order, for a school with an attendance boundary choosing to participate in pilot:

1. Students living within boundary.

2. Siblings of students attending school.

3. Children of staff.

4. Students from low-income families (FRL) who are Denver residents.

5. Students who are Denver residents

6. Students from low-income families (FRL) who are not Denver residents.

7. Students who are not Denver residents

What does this pilot mean for an enrollment zone school?

Priorities, in order, for enrollment zone schools not participating in pilot.

1. Children of staff

2. Siblings of current students

3. Students who live in the zone

4. Denver residents

5. Non-Denver residents

Priorities, in order, for enrollment zone schools choosing to participate in pilot.

1. Children of staff

2. Siblings of current students

3. Students who live in the zone

4. Students from low-income families (FRL status) who live outside the zone and are Denver residents

5. Students who live outside the zone and are Denver residents

6. Students from low-income families (FRL status) who live outside Denver

7. Students who live outside Denver

What does this pilot mean for a non-boundary school?

Priorities, in order, for schools without an attendance boundary and not participating in the pilot:

1. Siblings of current students

2. Children of staff

3. Prioritized school group (if applicable)

4. Denver residents

5. Non-Denver residents

Priorities, in order, for schools without an attendance boundary and choosing to participate in the pilot:

1. Siblings of current students

2. Children of staff

3. Students from low-income families (FRL status) who live in Denver

4. Prioritized school group (if applicable)

5. Students who live in Denver

6. Students from low-income families (FRL status) who do not live in Denver

7. Students who do not live in Denver