By Laura Fitzgerald, Special to The Gazette

All Colorado families can apply for any public school of their choice, regardless of where they live, through open enrollment.

School choice applications are now open in El Paso County for the 2026-27 school year, ensuring every child has access to a free education. Here is what families need to know as they consider their options.

What is school choice, and how does it work?

Since 1994, Colorado’s Public Schools of Choice Law has ensured that every family may enroll their child outside of their zoned school through an application. Families can fill out these applications through their preferred school district’s website.

Once enrolled, families do not need to reapply to enroll their child each school year.

How can families make their decision?

Families should consider a variety of factors when choosing the best fit for their child, including academics, extracurriculars and sports, school size and culture, and distance to the school from home. Transportation is not a guarantee when enrolling outside your neighborhood school.

Will my student get placed into our school of choice?

Acceptance depends largely on school capacity, which varies between schools and districts. Schools may also reject applicants based on special stipulations, such as expulsion history, course prerequisites, or lack of capacity to accommodate special needs.

Families are encouraged to speak with school principals and administrators to understand each school’s capacity and programs before applying.

When is the deadline for enrolling my student?

Application windows vary by district. Families should check their preferred district’s websites for specific deadlines and application information. Schools authorized through the state charter school institute can be found on the official state website.

For a complete list of Colorado’s public school districts, visit the Colorado District and BOCES websites.