SchoolChoice is for any student who wants or needs to attend a new school for the following year, particularly transitioning students. All incoming ECE students must complete an application. If your student is currently in kindergarten through 11th grade and is staying at their current school for 2025-26, you do not have to fill out a SchoolChoice application*.

Here is how SchoolChoice works:

First, research DPS schools by reviewing the Enrollment Guide, using School Finder, and talking to schools of interest.
Prioritize your student’s top preferences and rank them on the SchoolChoice application. We recommend listing multiple preferences, up to a limit of 12 schools.
Submit your online SchoolChoice application during the Round 1 window. The SchoolChoice window for the 2025-26 school year opens 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2025 and ends Feb. 18, 2025 at 4 p.m.
SchoolChoice combines your student’s top preferences with each school’s admissions priorities and available space. All students are randomly assigned a lottery number that will determine the school they are awarded a seat.

Students will be awarded a seat at their highest-preference school with an available seat. You will be notified in late March. Rank the schools in the order of your preference.

*Note: In some cases, a student who wishes to stay at their current school will be asked to submit a SchoolChoice application. This might include students attending an ECE-8 or 6-12 school. Families will be notified by DPS before Round 1 if this is the case.

SchoolChoice

Frequently Asked Questions

General School Choice Questions

How does the DPS SchoolChoice enrollment process work?

Which schools are included in the SchoolChoice enrollment process?

Will all schools have the same timeline?

What is a "transitioning" student?

What happens if my transitioning student doesn't submit a SchoolChoice application?

Can students in "non-transition" grades (such as second grade) still participate in the SchoolChoice process?

What is the School Finder?

Who should I contact if I have further questions?

SchoolChoice Application Questions

When will the SchoolChoice application be available?

Where do we submit our SchoolChoice application?

What are the important dates that I need to remember?

Do I have a better chance of getting into a school based on how I rank it?

Do I have a better chance of getting into a school if I submit my application on the first day of SchoolChoice rather than the last day?

If we list only one school on the SchoolChoice application, will we have a higher chance of getting into that school?

What is the application process for ECE students?

What documents will I need to apply to a school?

Enrollment Zone and Boundary School Questions

Is my child guaranteed a spot at our boundary school?

What is an enrollment zone?

After enrolling in a school other than my boundary school through SchoolChoice, am I able to return to my boundary school?

If one of my children chooses a school that is not our guaranteed boundary school, will my other children be able to attend the same school?

Questions about SchoolChoice Results

How does the Choice process match students to schools?

How does the SchoolChoice matching system work, and how will my child be enrolled with a school?

What if my student doesn't get assigned to their first-choice school?

How do waitlists work?

My student is on a school's waitlist. When will I hear if they will be offered a seat?

What if I am not pleased with my student's school assignment or if I change my mind?

When will I need to choose between different school offers?

Are there any extra enrollment steps for certain schools?

Will my child get transportation to his/her assigned school?