Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Classes are between 16-20 students.

Round 1 enrollment for 2018-19 is now closed.

Round 2 is the first-come, first-served segment of SchoolChoice for families who missed Round 1; took part in Round 1 but want to re-explore their options; or are new to DPS for next school year.

Parents may apply for preschool at any DPS school through the SchoolChoice process. Click here for more information on Round 2. Please check with the school to confirm the start date and determine when registration will take place.

The advantages of a full-day preschool program are numerous. Full day students will gain:

• More opportunities to develop their oral language skills, a major emphasis of the DPS program
• More small group instruction time each day
• Twice the indoor and outdoor high-level play opportunities
• Readiness for the rigors of a full-length school day

However, full day preschool may not be appropriate for every child. Click here for more information regarding full-day and half-day options.

By providing financial information when applying for enrollment through the DPS SchoolChoice process, you are given automatic consideration for free or reduced tuition. Tuition is determined by a sliding scale based on family size and annual gross income, click here to see the current Tuition Guidelines. However, anyone wishing to not disclose financial information may agree to pay full tuition. Non-Denver residents must pay full tuition.  Click here for more information regarding tuition.

First passed by Denver voters in 2006 and renewed and extended in 2014, Denver Preschool Program provides tuition credit to parents who enroll their children in preschool programs the year before they enter Kindergarten. Typically, that is when children are 4 years of age, though 5 year-olds occasionally benefit from DPP tuition assistance. Denver families may use the tuition credit with any state-licensed preschool provider who is enrolled with the Denver Preschool Program. Credits can be used at public and private facilities. DPS includes the DPP application as a part of the SchoolChoice enrollment process. However, anyone not wishing to disclose financial information may agree to pay full tuition. Non-Denver residents must pay full tuition.

Your current tuition rate is already being reduced by the tuition credit. In some circumstances, DPS is further subsidizing the tuition rate to allow us to maintain the current tuition levels. For more information on tuition rates, see Tuition Rates and Tuition Assistance.

DPS teachers are well-qualified and must pass state certification standards. DPS prides itself in the quality of its early education programs. Further, DPS is beginning to use a quality rating system (Colorado Shines) – in addition to licensing – for early education. It measures quality in licensed early learning programs, both home and center-based, that serve children from birth to kindergarten. In the Colorado Shines Rating process, programs are evaluated on five different quality components. These components include the learning environment, family partnerships, training & education, adult-to-child ratios/group size, and accreditation. Additional information on each of these rating components can be found at Colorado Shines 

Yes. Some schools offer programs for 3 year-olds. If your child turns 3 after October 1, 2018, they are too young for our 3 year-old programs. Visit the ECE Program Options page to get an idea of which schools offer a 3-year-old program; school capacity and seat availability may vary.

• Required Documentation Checklist

Nearly all elementary and K-8 schools that are a part of Denver Public Schools offer preschool and kindergarten programs. Check with the Early Education Department at 720-423-2678 or with your neighborhood school for offerings. The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is the result of a voter approved initiative to provide tuition credits for parents and is open and voluntary for all Denver children the year before they are eligible for kindergarten. A Denver family may use the tuition credit with any preschool provider who is licensed by the state, including Denver Public Schools. DPS includes the DPP application as a part of the SchoolChoice enrollment process.