Every K-12 student in Denver is guaranteed a seat at a DPS school, but do you know how your home address impacts your options?
To help families navigate the application process with confidence, Denver Public Schools is sharing the second installment of our new SchoolChoice video series! In this episode, we break down two terms you’ll hear often during enrollment: Boundary Schools and Enrollment Zones.
Understanding Your Guaranteed Seat
Every K-12 student in Denver has a guaranteed spot in DPS, but how that guaranteed seat works depends on where you live:
Boundary Schools: A single neighborhood school assigned directly to your home address. Families living within that boundary are guaranteed a seat at that specific school.
Enrollment Zones: A geographic area shared by several neighborhood schools instead of just one. Families living within an enrollment zone are guaranteed a spot at one of the schools included in that zone.
Choice-Only Schools: Some schools do not have a boundary or an enrollment zone. All students must submit a SchoolChoice application to attend these schools.
How to Find Your Assigned Boundary or Zone
Finding out which school or zone is assigned to your address takes less than five minutes:
Visit the School Finder.
Type in your home address and choose your grade.
View your result! If you are in a single boundary, your assigned school will pop up at the top. If you are in an enrollment zone, it will list your zone and every school included within it.
Tip for Elementary Families: If you live in an elementary enrollment zone, be sure to check out the Proximity Maps. These maps highlight neighborhood sub-zones that give you higher priority when applying to the school closest to your home.
Local Guarantee and Freedom to Apply Anywhere
Even though your address provides a guaranteed spot at your boundary school or within your zone, the SchoolChoice process gives you the freedom to apply to ANY DPS school in the district!
If you love your neighborhood school, put it as your top choice on your application. If you want to explore a dual-language program, arts school, or magnet program across town, you can apply there too.
Get Ready for Round 1!
Round 1 of SchoolChoice opens on Dec. 1, 2026, at 10 a.m. and closes Jan. 19, 2027, at 4 p.m. Now is the perfect time to start exploring your options.
Next Steps:
Take five minutes to search your address on School Finder.
Learn more about Boundary Schools and Enrollment Zones.
Stay connected by signing up for the SchoolChoice Newsletter.