The UPK application application is now open for the 2026-27 school year! This application is required for all families applying for ECE-4, as well as ECE-3 applicants with an IEP.
All 4-year-olds in Colorado are eligible for up to 15 hours per week of tuition-free preschool in the year before kindergarten through the Colorado Universal Preschool program, also known as Universal Pre-K (UPK). Some families may qualify for additional funding based on a number of qualifying factors. Because the matching process for ECE-4 is based on the ranked list submitted through UPK (not DPS SchoolChoice), families must submit both the UPK and DPS SchoolChoice applications.
Apply for ECE-4
Submit the UPK application by Feb. 2, 2026 for the best chance of getting matched to your preferred school.
To notify Denver Public Schools of your intent to enroll in an ECE-4 program next year, submit the DPS SchoolChoice application before 4 p.m. on Jan. 20. Note that you will only have the option to select “Universal Preschool Colorado” as the school.
If your student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the UPK application will ask you to submit it without making school selections. This is expected and you should submit the application anyway. Please also complete the ECE-4 Parent Preference Survey to provide your input regarding the location determination process.
UPK Pre-Registration
The first round of UPK is open from Dec. 9, 2025 to Feb. 2, 2026. During this round, a process called "pre-registration" happens simultaneously and is for families who:
Are requesting Continuity of Care (their child is currently attending ECE-3 at the school they wish to attend next year).
Have a sibling attending that school.
Have a child of a school employee at the school they're applying to.
The pre-registration process is first-come, first-served, which means that if you qualify for pre-registration, you should submit the UPK application as soon as possible.
Apply for ECE-3
If your student has an IEP, complete the UPK application to apply for funding. If your student does not have an IEP, only the DPS SchoolChoice application is required.
Learn More
Use the School Finder to explore preschool programs near you and find more information about the application process on the SchoolChoice website and at upk.colorado.gov. If you have any questions about the UPK Program, call 303-866-5223 or email cdec_upkcolorado@state.co.us. For questions about DPS SchoolChoice, contact the Enrollment Hotline at 720-423-3493 or schoolchoice@dpsk12.org.