The school year calendars for the 2025-26 school year are now available.

• 2025-26 School Year Calendar

• 2025-26 School Year Calendar (editable version)

• Key 2025-26 Dates (accessible text version)

Please visit the calendars webpage for more information. The calendars will be available in additional languages in early February.

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood has announced that for the 2025-26 school year, families applying for ECE-4 must first submit a Universal Preschool Colorado (UPK) application, and the matching process will be completed through UPK (not through Denver Public Schools). To apply:

1. Submit the UPK application by Monday, Feb. 3. Rank up to 10 schools in order of preference.*

2. Submit the DPS SchoolChoice application to notify Denver Public Schools of your intent to enroll in an ECE-4 program next year. Select “Universal Preschool Program” as the school. 

*If your student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from the DPS Department of Special Education, the UPK application will ask you to complete it without making school selections. This is expected, and you should submit it anyway. In addition to the two steps above, you may also submit the DPS Parent Preference Survey to provide input on your school preferences.

We recommend families apply by Monday, Feb. 3. Those who apply by this date will be notified of their matches on Feb. 24.

The matching process for ECE-3 is still completed through DPS for 2025-26. Learn more about applying for preschool on the SchoolChoice website.

Denver Public Schools is committed to a community engagement process to determine possible uses for closed buildings in the school year 2026-27 and beyond.  This commitment was made through the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative (DSTI).

The survey is intended for the school communities directly impacted by the recent school closures mandated by Executive Limitation 18 and will be open until Friday, Feb. 14. For more information and access to the survey, visit the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative webpage.

This winter, Swansea Elementary partnered with Operation Warm to bring brand-new winter coats to all students. Thanks to fourth-grade teacher Amada Babb and family volunteers, Swansea Elementary students are receiving winter coats for the second year in a row. Watch as students get to pick their favorite colors and show off their new winter gear. 

Third-grade reporters, Lou and Brooke, from Polaris Elementary are making big moves with their student-led show, “The Polaris Post.” As part of a school project, they sat down with Dr. Marrero to ask about everything from sustainability efforts to how DPS invests its budget. Watch these young journalists in action in this behind-the-scenes video. 

For the second year in a row, the North High School Chinese classes hosted a Lunar New Year celebration on Wednesday and Thursday this week. Through activities like Chinese calligraphy, students not only practiced their writing but also gained an appreciation for the artistry and history behind the characters. Engaging in Ping Pong and Mah Jong fostered a sense of community and friendly competition, promoting teamwork and cultural exchange. Additionally, chopsticks competitions provided a fun and practical way to learn about traditional dining customs, reinforcing their understanding of cultural nuances. This celebration served as a vibrant platform for students to share their knowledge with the rest of the school and deepen their appreciation for Chinese language and culture. Check out photos from their Lunar New Year celebrations!

The DPS Student-athletes of the Week highlights students who excel not only in their chosen activity but also in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, citizenship and teamwork.  Congratulations to our student-athlete of the week, Dayja Fox and Nigel Jones. Keep up the great work!

Did you know that research shows increasing the number of family meals is a proven strategy to increase children’s school performance? You’re invited to take the Family Meals Challenge so you can grow closer as a family and empower your children to succeed. The Family Meals Challenge is a training workshop series available online for you to learn on your phone or computer. Register for a virtual training session on March 3-5 from 8-9 a.m. or 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Attendance Matters Part Two: Healthy Habits at Home -- Monday, Feb. 3 from 3-4 p.m. Come learn healthy habits and skills based on your child’s developmental level to improve school attendance!

• Summer Programs for All -- Feb. 26 from 9-10 a.m. Join the livestream  FACE Facebook livestream or the FACE YouTube livestream to learn about DPS summer program options like Achieving Excellence Academy (AEA) and other affordable summer programs in the Denver community, such as Boys and Girls Club, Scholars Unlimited and more! 

Stay updated on all things FACE University by signing up for the monthly Family Resource and Learning Newsletter.

There is still time to apply for a role on the 2024 Bond Oversight Committee. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Help us ensure transparency, accountability and responsible use of public funds in our district!

Becca Norris shared her experience as a committee member on the EDUCA Podcast. She explained why her last four years on the 2020 committee were worthwhile and important. Applications for the 2024 committee are available in both English and Spanish, and will remain open until Thursday, Feb. 6!

The Spanish Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations where student participants will explore how we can improve the world through dialogue and diplomacy. This is a chance to develop leadership, cultural and critical thinking skills in a formal setting using academic language. This Model United Nations will take place March 8 at North High School from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Participants include students from North HS, South HS, West HS and MS, Kipp Colorado, Montebello MS and Kennedy HS. All are invited to see students looking for solutions to end the violence against women around the world. Check out photos from last year’s simulation!

High school students can earn college credit towards a Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate for free! Learn more about the programs offered and Concurrent Enrollment at Emily Griffith, the only postsecondary institution in Denver Public Schools. Check with your high school counselor to find out if you are eligible or email concurrent.enrollment@emilygriffith.edu.