DPS SchoolChoice

Application Deadline Update

***The system that DPS uses to accept and process SchoolChoice applications, SchoolMint, experienced some technical issues and some families were unable to complete their SchoolChoice applications. To ensure that all families are able to submit an application for their student, the Round 1 deadline has been extended to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.***

ECE-3 and ECE-4 families still must complete their Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado application by Feb. 14, but will have until Feb. 21 to complete their SchoolChoice application. Learn more about the UPK application here.

DPS believes all families should have equitable access to the schools they feel are the best fit for their students, regardless of their background or where they live in Denver. That’s what SchoolChoice is all about.

Any DPS student who wants to attend a school other than their automatically assigned neighborhood school can take part in SchoolChoice. SchoolChoice is as easy as Find, Apply, Register!

• Find: First, to prepare for SchoolChoice, learn more about schools in which you might be interested, starting with your neighborhood school. Check out the School Finder, read the Great Schools Enrollment Guides, attend a school expo and tour individual schools.
• Apply: Create your account. (We recommend using your Parent Portal account username and password to log in). Then, fill out and submit the SchoolChoice application – including ranking your most-preferred schools (up to 12) – any time during the month-long Choice window.
• Register: Once placement notifications are sent in late March, contact your school for registration information.

CHANGES to SchoolChoice beginning 2023

The State of Colorado’s new Universal Preschool (UPK) has brought about some changes with the DPS SchoolChoice process for ECE-3 and ECE-4. **Incoming ECE-3s and ECE-4s, as well as current ECE-3s continuing to ECE-4 next school year will need to complete a UPK application in addition to the SchoolChoice application.

• ECE-3
  • Complete the DPS Schoolchoice application – You will select schools on your application.
  • Complete the UPK application. Additional funding may be available.
  • DPS is running its standard lottery and system for ECE-3.
  • There will be a waitlist for DPS SchoolChoice.
• ECE-4
  • Complete the UPK app and make your school selections.
    • Submit income verification
  • Complete DPS SchoolChoice Round 1 application – There are no school selections– families will only select UPK.
    • Submit all documentation

For more information, please read the letter to families from The DPS Department of Early Education. DPS has also created a website for families. Families with questions about the UPK program should check out the Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado website.

You can always get the latest information on the SchoolChoice website. If you need additional help or have questions, start by contacting the SchoolChoice hotline at 720-423-3493, emailing schoolchoice@dpsk12.org or contacting the Valdez main office.