Denver Public Schools opened its annual choice enrollment period Jan. 11 that runs until Feb. 12 for the 2024-25 school year. This is an especially important period for the so-called “transition years” of kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades when students typically change school buildings and enter a new phase of their education.
Colorado is an open enrollment state, which means students may choose to attend a neighborhood school or apply to other public schools in or even outside their home enrollment area or district. Denver families “choice” into a school by ranking their preferred schools on the Denver Public Schools SchoolChoice application.
For guidance, we asked the principals of the schools that serve Central Park three simple questions for parents and students to consider:
What is special about your school?
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
The responses from principals are below.
(Spoiler: Most succinct answer comes from Inspire: What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? “Our school mascot is a fox!”)
Central Park Education News has also developed the Central Park School Guide to help families with this process. The guide lists the public schools that serve Central Park and a detailed description of each school’s education program/focus.
Central Park students are guaranteed a seat in a school within the Central Park enrollment zone. Students who do not submit a SchoolChoice application will be assigned to a school within their enrollment zone. For more on how and when to enroll, visit How Does School Choice Work?
Click here for DPS Enrollment Guides.
Click here for DPS Gifted and Talented Family Information on individual schools.
Click here for state accountability data tools and reports for districts and individual schools.
Ashley Elementary
Janet Estrada, Interim Principal
What is special about your school?Our school prides itself on being a diverse neighborhood innovation school with a unique focus on fostering biliteracy through the TNLI program (transitional native language instruction). This distinctive approach not only enhances academic achievement but also celebrates the rich cultural backgrounds of our students, creating a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? We provide an inclusive environment where all students thrive. Inclusivity is embedded in our curriculum, teaching methods and school culture. We prioritize the well-being and success of every student.
Ashley places a strong emphasis on differentiated instruction to cater to the learning styles and abilities of each child. This approach ensures that every student receives personalized attention and support. We understand the importance of enrichment for a well-rounded education. We offer a range of activities, including music, art, and physical education (PE), to foster creativity, physical fitness and holistic development. We aim to nurture not only academic excellence but also the social, emotional and physical well-being of every student.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? At our school, attending is more than just learning; it’s about having fun, fostering personal growth and creating lasting friends. We prioritize an engaging atmosphere where you will not only excel academically but also learn the importance of kindness and mutual respect. Joining our school means becoming part of our HERD where learning is enjoyable, and kindness is a core value we uphold every day.
Denver Green (middle) School – Northfield
Kartal Jaquette, Lead Partner
What is special about your school? DGS Northfield has a captivating school culture. Through our excursion program, Friday Celebrations and relevant learning, our students and staff enjoy coming to school and in turn, work hard and treat others with respect.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? We appreciate that we have a reputation as a fun school, but we also take academics very seriously, DGS Northfield is one of two middle schools in Denver that scored “exceeds expectations” on both growth and achievement in the School Performance Framework (Morey MS is the other).
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? The best way to succeed when transitioning to middle school is to jump in! Try a new club, take different electives, try out for sports!
DSST Montview Middle and High Schools
Shannon Feeney, middle school principal
Martin Pearson, high school principal
What is special about your school? Here at DSST: Montview Middle School we hold our students to a high standard through rigorous academic curriculum. We provide guidance and support with strong leadership and a staff that is well prepared and cares about all students. We allow students to perform to the highest expectations while preparing them for their academic futures beyond middle and high school.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? Our staff believes in education for ALL students. Because of the smaller school size, our staff is able to give each and every student the support that they need to preserve and prepare for the future. We are a diverse population both as students and staff.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? It truly is a school community. You will be supported in a smaller classroom size while at the same time be able to build a strong social experience through rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities and events
What is special about your school? Here at DSST: Montview High School we hold our students to a high standard through rigorous academic curriculum. We provide guidance and support with strong leadership and a staff that is well prepared and cares about all students. We allow students to perform to the highest expectations while preparing them for their academic futures beyond middle and high school.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? Our staff believes in education for ALL students. Because of the smaller school size, our staff is able to give each and every student the support that they need to preserve and prepare for the future. We are a diverse population both as students and staff.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?It truly is a school community. You will be supported in a smaller classroom size while at the same time be able to build a strong social experience through rigorous curriculum, extracurricular activities and events.
DSST Conservatory Green Middle and High Schools
Jenny Trainer, middle school principal
Nate Reaven, high school principal
What is special about your schools?
DSST: Conservatory Green stands out for its commitment to fostering not just academic excellence, but also holistic development. We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills and build lasting friendships. Our dedicated teachers, rigorous curriculum, and extracurricular activities make our school a unique and enriching place for students to thrive.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your schools?
Parents can trust that sending their kids to DSST: CG means providing them with more than just an education; it’s about nurturing their potential and preparing them for a successful future. Our experienced educators are dedicated to the success and well-being of every student. We prioritize open communication, involving parents in their child’s educational journey and creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Our goal is to partner with parents to ensure each student receives the personalized attention they need to flourish.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your schools?
At DSST: CG we want potential students to know that they are not just entering a place of learning but a vibrant community that encourages self-discovery and growth. We offer a diverse range of opportunities, from exciting academic challenges to engaging extracurricular activities. Students can expect a supportive environment where their individual strengths are celebrated, their voices are heard, and their dreams are nurtured. Our school is a place where they can develop skills that extend beyond the classroom, preparing them not just for exams but for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.
Inspire Elementary
Linda August, Principal
What is special about your school? We are a school that emphasizes the whole child approach, focusing on the comprehensive development of students, considering not only their academic achievements but also their social, emotional, and physical well-being. This approach recognizes that education goes beyond traditional subjects and aims to nurture students holistically. All adults in our building, regardless of the position, care deeply for children and support their growth and development. From an academic perspective, we focus our professional development on small group differentiation and providing academic feedback. Our social emotional support includes conflict management tools that help students with language, Morning Meeting, Zones of Regulation, and counselor lessons. Parents can engage with the school in many ways such as Celebration of Learning, Family Conferences, chaperone field trips, be a Mystery Reader, come to the Art & Music Showcase, Cultural Night or join the Parent Teacher Organization or Collaborative School Committee. We also have a lot of fun together during Friday Celebrations, Spirit Days, and beyond. It’s a great place to be!
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? We are a wonderful community of learners and educators and our parents are such a wonderful support for teachers. Being a part of our school means a high expectation for learning and growing. We expect that students (and parents) are willing to grow with us and that means learning new things, being willing to explore, and absolutely learning from mistakes. We know it’s not easy growing up and we are passionate about every kid that walks through our door!
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? Our school mascot is a fox!
Isabella Bird Community School (PreK-5)
Rebecca Mercer, Principal
What is special about your school? There are many things that are special about Isabella Bird known affectionately as Izzi B. First and foremost is our incredible staff who are deeply committed and dedicated to the mission and vision of our school.
- Specializing in content areas allows teachers to teach to their passions and differentiate based on student needs
- Clustering GT students give them the opportunity to collaborate and problem solve with their peers while academic and affective needs are met
- Concept based learning at each grade level
- Strong tiered system of support for student’s academic and social/emotional well-being
- Implement responsive and restorative behavior systems that support student learning and development and repair the harm caused by punitive systems.
- Our school adopts policies that prioritize student engagement and well-being, as well as learning.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school? At Izzi B, we focus on academic excellence and on creating learning experiences that allow students to be healthy and whole. Our students love coming to school! One reason is because of the intentional ways in which we build trusting relationships and a positive learning community with students and caregivers.
A positive learning environment does more than teach skills. It can make students feel valued, foster their sense of agency and help them build trusting relationships with adults and with each other. Families love Izzi B because we believe that academic, social and emotional development are inextricably linked. We know that providing high quality, rigorous learning experiences provides access to opportunities that determine future outcomes. At the same time we prioritize the wellbeing of students and the voices of our community in all decisions we make as a school.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school? We listen, understand and respond to the voices and experiences of students to ensure each person has agency in his/her/their learning. We want to cultivate a sense of agency, identity and leadership skills through learning to advocate for yourself and for others. Students at IBCS have fun coming to school. We have many opportunities for students to grow as learners and as human beings in the world.
McAuliffe International (middle) School
Laura Thompson, Registrar and Communications Coordinator (principal unavailable)
What is special about your school?
McAuliffe’s size allows us to offer a wide range of elective and enrichment opportunities while our house model, in which grade level Assistant Principals move through the grade levels with students, means that students and families are served by a consistent, small group of educators. In addition, McAuliffe’s academic model supports high quality, rigorous curriculum and instruction that prepares students for high school and beyond.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
McAuliffe serves all of Denver. Around one third of our students come from outside the Greater Park Hill/Central Park enrollment zone. In addition, the current administrative team has 35 years of combined experience at McAuliffe. The institutional knowledge held by this team has allowed for our systems and structures to remain consistent and successful.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
McAuliffe is a place where you can discover who and what you like! Middle school is a time to try new things, and our offerings allow you to try out the arts, sports and enrichment opportunities that will help you learn about yourself. Our large and varied student population means everyone can find friends who are interested in the same things as you.
Northfield High School
Jessica Rodriguez Bracey, Principal
What is special about your school?
At Northfield, diversity is embraced each and every day. Among our student population 36 languages are spoken; 51% are students of color; 32% have an individualized learning plan – this includes GT, IEP and/or 504, and 35% of our prior graduating seniors earned their seal of biliteracy — a designation awarded to high school seniors proficient in more than one language.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
Although Northfield is considered a large school, student-centric relationships are an essential component of the school’s makeup. Students are supported by grade-level and alpha order culture teams, including an assistant principal, counselor and dean. Additionally, Northfield has four mental health practitioners, five student support liaisons, two campus safety officers and a campus resource office.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
Involvement is key to a student’s success at Northfield. Students are encouraged to explore the school’s assorted academic choices, to join a club, participate in activities and take part with an athletic team to broaden horizons, expand knowledge and deepen personal connections. Additionally, students should make an effort to get to know fellow classmates, staff members and teachers; these connections empower self-advocacy and confidence.
Odyssey School of Denver (K-8)
Kathryn Martinez, Executive Director
What is special about your school?
Odyssey truly believes in an expanded definition of student achievement. Students demonstrate mastery through projects and products that create beautiful and authentic high-quality work. Through semester-long learning expeditions, students dive into a unit of learning that is local, relevant, and meaningful to them. Students engage in daily crew meetings to support important character and social emotional learning development. All students at Odyssey also engage in a robust outdoor Adventure program.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
Odyssey is a school where your child is known, seen and cared for by all. As a K-8 school, relationships are central in and out of the classroom. Students are surrounded by an incredible staff that will challenge, engage and empower them to reach their full potential. We also live by our commitment to being “crew, not passengers,” knowing that it takes everyone, including families, to run our small but mighty programs.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
Odyssey is a great choice for you if you like to go deep into learning about a topic, feel driven to make the world a better place, like to build close relationships with other kids (younger or older) and you love to be outdoors or want to learn how to hike, mountain bike climb and more!
Swigert International (elementary) School
Shelby Dennis, Principal
What is special about your school?
Swigert is a dynamic, inclusive and supportive school community. We currently serve 655 students from ECE to 5th. Swigert is an International Baccalaureate School so teachers have flexibility to create units that foster student curiosity, an international mindset and a focus on conceptual learning.
Our units tie to real world experiences and we match our fieldwork and student presentations of learning to create an interdisciplinary experience for our students. For example, during our third-grade immigration unit we hear from our families who have immigrated from around the globe, immerse our literacy block with stories from immigrants and students write pieces from the perspective of an immigrant.
Our differentiated supports- from Multi Language, Gifted and Talented, Special Education, as well as math and literacy intervention meet students where they are at and support their educational journey.
There are also so many different ways for students to engage and have fun at Swigert – from the community garden to service learning to our robust specials programming. -Visual Arts, STEM, Spanish, Music and Physical Education.
We also have a high staff retention rate due to the flexibility and autonomy; teachers are drawn to our school and tend to stick around.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
We strive that every student will be known, seen and heard in their school community. We also love to balance strong academics with joy and engagement. Our student body is diverse, with 41 percent students of color and 22 languages and countries represented. Swigert staff is committed to knowing and supporting the different needs of each student as well as their unique gifts.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
Swigert is excited to get to know you and support you in your educational journey. Our teachers and units are designed around your curiosity and inquiry. Whether you love language, engineering, science, arts , reading or math, you will find ways to express your creativity and be part of the Swigert community.
Westerly Creek Elementary School
Jill A. Corcoran, Principal
What is special about your school?
At WCE, we believe that elementary school is a time of discovery, growth and endless possibilities. We strive to create an environment where students are encouraged to take risks, embrace their uniqueness and develop a lifelong love for learning. We are committed to helping each student reach their full potential and equipping them with the tools that they need to navigate the complexities of the world.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
At WCE, attending elementary school is more than just a phase of education. It is a transformative experience that lays the foundation for a lifetime of success and personal growth. We provide students with a strong foundation that is going to set them up for success in life and beyond.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
We believe that every child has unique talents, abilities and potential waiting to be discovered. Our dedicated educators are committed to nurturing and unlocking these talents, providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment that inspires curiosity, creativity and love of learning.
William “Bill” Roberts K-8 School
Jason Sanders, Principal
What is special about your school?
William “Bill” Roberts offers the most rigorous, inclusive, joyful Kindergarten through 8th grade school community in the city! The relationships that our students, staff and families build across the K-8 spectrum fosters an environment where students can focus on learning, playing, growing and making friends … all the best aspects of being a kid!
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
Upon enrolling at Bill Roberts, parents will immediately find themselves a part of an incredibly close knit and supportive community of families that share a common goal that ALL students will have the most positive school experience possible. Parents can also expect a strong focus on the emotional and physical safety of our kids and that each child is seen, heard and valued!
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
Potential students can expect to be welcomed by peers that are supportive, inclusive, empathetic and motivated to get the best out of themselves AND their classmates. Kids can also expect a balance of high expectations for learning paired with an array of opportunities to have fun and be engaged in experiences that match their varied areas of interest.
Willow Elementary School
Catrina Pazo, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
What is special about your school?
Our full inclusion model where students are immersed and instructionally included in their homerooms as much as possible. In addition, our science and social studies are taught through a Project Based Learning model.
What do you want parents to know about sending their kids to your school?
Learning at Willow is grounded in an inclusion model, project-based approach, that is developmentally challenging and engaging. All students are immersed in the learning process through exploration, discussion and reflection. Students think, work and create something together that demonstrates a new understanding. We foster in our students a joy and passion for learning and the development of important qualities including integrity, character, fairness and accountability. The curriculum is rigorous and provides a strong foundation for success. Students build upon what they learn in preparation for the next grade.
What do you want potential students to know about attending your school?
Attending Willow will provide you with a safe, welcoming and FUN learning environment. You will feel accepted, a sense of belonging and supported throughout your experience at Willow. We look forward to having fun with you.
(Disclosure: The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities, which produces Central Park Education News, supports Central Park schools with grants.)
