Applying to DPS

If you would like to apply for the 2012-2013 school year, the application process starts in December 2011. The process is broken into the following two parts:

Round 1: SchoolChoice Process (December 3, 2012 – January 31, 2013)

Applications will be available in early December at all DPS elementary schools and online. Applications can be submitted at any DPS elementary school. To be considered for Round 1, applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 31, 2013.

During Round 1, only one application is submitted per student. On that application, you will be asked to designate your top five school/program choices for your student, in preference order. For each of these five choices, your student will be placed within a priority group and then assigned a lottery number within that group. Spots are awarded based upon your preference order and these lottery numbers.

You will receive a letter notifying you of the Round 1 results in early March.

Round 2 (March 1, 2012 – April 15, 2013)

Applications will be available starting Thursday, March 1 at an DPS elementary school and online. Applications must be submitted at the requested school. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis.

During Round 2, you must submit an application to each school to which you are applying on behalf of your student. Students are admitted on a first-come, first served basis after the Round 1 applications have been placed.

When you turn in your application, the school to which you are applying will be able to tell you if you will be accepted or put on the waitlist. If you are put on the waitlist, you will receive a call from the Application Management Office if a spot opens up.

Breakdown of Differences Between Round 1 and Round 2

Round 1

Round 2
  • December 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012
  • one application per student, top five school/program choices
  • lottery process
  • notification in March 2012
  • March 1, 2012 – April 15, 2013
  • one application per student at each school
  • first-come, first-served
  • notification on an ongoing basis

How to Make the Application Process Work for You

  • Apply during Round 1, if possible. All Round 1 applications are placed before Round 2.
  • If you are applying during Round 2, apply as soon as possible. Spots are awarded on a first come, first-served basis.
  • If you are interested in your boundary school, give it top priority (spot #1) during Round 1. As a boundary student for that school, your student will be given a higher priority and will have a greater chance of being accepted.
  • To avoid confusion, if possible, turn your application into your top choice school.

 You must apply every year for preschool and kindergarten, even if your child is currently attending a DPS school.

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