School Choice Is Here!

Posted January 6, 2023

The DPS SchoolChoice window opens Jan. 13, so now is the time to begin researching the best schools for your student. The DPS Great Schools Enrollment Guide is a great place to start!

These guides are the go-to resource for information on all DPS schools, including details on programs, transportation, enrollment for the next school year and more. Guides have been mailed to ECE, fifth- and eighth-graders; browse digital versions of the guides.

SchoolChoice is as easy as Find, Apply, Register!

Here’s how it works:

  • FIND the best DPS school for your student by reading the Enrollment Guide, using the mobile-friendly School Finder, and contacting schools directly.
  • APPLY between 10 a.m. Jan. 13 and 4 p.m. Feb. 14 by ranking your preferred schools (up to 12) using the online SchoolChoice application. To get ready, create an account or sign in using your Parent Portal username and password at dps.schoolmint.net/signin. Then, you can access the application beginning 10 a.m. Jan. 13. *Applications submitted prior to this time will be discarded.
  • REGISTER with your school after you get your school placement results in the spring (typically late March).

More about SchoolChoice

Equity is at the heart of SchoolChoice. We believe all families should have equitable access to the schools they feel are the best fit for their students. Any student who wants or needs to attend a new school next year can take part in SchoolChoice.

Families rank their students’ top school preferences in the SchoolChoice application. We then match students to schools based on those preferences, as well as school admission priorities and available space. The system, designed to maximize the number of students getting their most-preferred school, is very effective; last year, 89% of participants received their first-choice school.

Note: Incoming preschool students must participate in SchoolChoice on a yearly basis; due to space limitations, enrollment in a preschool program is not guaranteed. Starting this year, with the passing of Proposition EE, enrollment for ECE will require all families to fill out an application with both the DPS SchoolChoice office, as well as an application with the state’s Universal Preschool Program (UPK). Applications for UPK cannot be submitted until Monday, January 17th. Enrollment for ECE will not be complete until BOTH the DPS and UPK applications have been completed and submitted.

If your student is currently in kindergarten through 11th grade and will be staying at his or her current school for 2023-24, you do not have to fill out a SchoolChoice application.

We’re here to help!

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 your child’s school.