The impacts of the global pandemic, along with the continuing trend of declining enrollment across DPS schools of all governance types, makes for an uncertain environment for new schools in the district. As described in detail in the 2021 Strategic Regional Analysis, DPS expects these declining enrollment trends to continue in many regions of the city, with preliminary 2021 enrollment showing further declines rather than the slight rebound originally projected. In response to these trends, district leadership is currently considering possible new policies to address the growing number of under-enrolled schools in DPS.
Based on the forecasts of the Strategic Regional Analysis, DPS has determined that existing schools have more than enough capacity to meet enrollment needs at least through the 2023-2024 school year in all areas of our city. Under the policies of the Denver Board of Education, DPS only makes facilities available on the basis of enrollment or restart/turnaround needs. For this reason, DPS is not making facility support available for 2022 new school applicants.
Even in this uncertain environment, DPS honors its responsibility under Colorado law to consider new school applications annually. Below are key dates for the 2022 New Quality Schools process. This webpage will be updated periodically with additional information.
The 2022 application introduces the rigorous Quality Authorizing Process that DPS will implement for developers of new district-run and charter schools. It also provides important contextual information that we encourage school developers and community partners to consider.
To learn more about the process or to apply, read the application materials below. Letters of Intent were due February 4, 2022 by 12PM to CNQS@dpsk12.org. Submitted applications can be viewed on the Application Hub page.
See below for supports available to applicants.
The Portfolio Management Team is available to coordinate direct supports, conducted virtually this year, with applicants who request it. Supports provided in the past have focused on areas such as the overall application process, Multilingual Education, special education, enrollment, and budgeting. Contact CNQS@dpsk12.org for more information about requesting direct supports.
The application includes various links to resources for school developers to consult in the development of their applications. The following resources may also be helpful:
Additional online resources may also be available. Email CNQS@dpsk12.org if you would like to request these resources.
Individuals or teams interested in applying through the New Quality Schools process should contact CNQS@dpsk12.org for more information and to ensure they’re included in all communications and updates about the new schools process.
Published May 5, 2022
New Quality Schools Process – Answers to Frequently Asked QuestionsOn April 12, 13, and 14, DPS hosted virtual community meetings to gather feedback for the DPS Board on three applicants for new charter schools seeking to open in fall 2023. These meetings included a short presentation from DPS on how applications for new schools are evaluated and how this relates to the district’s ongoing
Read More »Published April 13, 2022
Watch and Provide Feedback on New School Applicant Community MeetingsLee en español/đọc bằng tiếng việt/af soomaali ku akhri/soma muri Kinyarwanda/Rimajol/اقرأ باللغة العربية On April 12, 13, and 14, DPS hosted virtual community meetings to gather feedback for the DPS Board on three applicants for new charter schools seeking to open in fall 2023. These meetings included a short presentation from DPS on how applications
Read More »Published March 21, 2022
DPS Virtual Community Meetings to Learn About New School Applicants – April 12, 13, and 14Lee en español/đọc bằng tiếng việt/af soomaali ku akhri/soma muri Kinyarwanda/Marshallese/اقرأ باللغة العربية DPS has received three applications for proposed new charter schools seeking to open in fall 2023. While the district has not identified a need for new schools in 2023 due in part to declining enrollment, DPS will review all applications as required
Read More »