The district is undergoing some changes over the next year due to consolidations and closures from the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative (DSTI). Change in our community provides the opportunity for the district to work together as a team to find solutions. Transportation is a key part of this process to ensure a smooth transition for affected students and families. Below, you will find important information on bell times and transportation updates for boundaries and enrollment zones.

Bell times
The seven schools listed below are directly connected with the DSTI and will have bell time changes for the 2025-26 school year. Note: Bell time shifts range from five to 20 minutes. For students who will be in a new enrollment zone, access the 2025-26 Bell Times for more information.

Carson Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Godsman Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

Knapp Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 7:55 a.m.-3 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

Lowry Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 8:05 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 8:10 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

Montclair School of Academics and Enrichment

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 8:05 a.m.-3:05 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 8:10 a.m.-3:10 p.m.

Steck Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Teller Elementary

• 2024-25 Start and End Time: 7:40 a.m.-2:40 p.m.

• 2025-26 Start and End Time: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Boundary Schools

School boundaries were updated as a part of DSTI. As a result, students attending the following schools will be placed in the new school boundary – according to their residence – in the 2025-26 school year. Visit the links below to view new boundaries for each school:

• Castro Elementary School

• Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy

• *International Academy of Denver at Harrington

*International Academy of Harrigton will provide transportation through the Central Success Express.

Enrollment Zone School Bus Stops

New enrollment zones were created as a part of DSTI. As a result, students attending the following schools will be placed in the enrollment zone – according to their residence –  in the 2025-26 school year. If your student’s school is in one of the three new elementary enrollment zones listed below, they will be eligible for transportation at any school in the zone as long as they live more than a mile from the school, or there is a hazardous road they must cross.

Visit the links below to view the new enrollment zone bus stops for each school:

• *Palmer Elementary School - Central East Enrollment Zone

• Columbian Elementary School - Northwest Elementary Enrollment Zone

• Schmitt Elementary School - South Central Enrollment Zone

*Palmer will only offer ECE classrooms for the 2025-26 school year. Transportation is not offered for ECE grades throughout the district.

For more resources, visit the DPS Thrive Initiative website, which provides information about these changes, what new enrollment zones and boundaries look like, and projected bus stop locations for each of the new enrollment zones. Additionally, a FAQ is available on Transportation’s website.

If you have further questions, email transportation@dpsk12.org.

Families and community members impacted by the Denver Schools Thrive Initiative are invited to attend upcoming Facility Usage Discussions. A third-party facilitator will be leading these meetings to discuss community feedback on how DPS should utilize school facilities after the 2024-25 school year, and Dr. Marrero will be present to discuss how we make the recommendations come to life. This meeting is open to all, but we want to ensure the voices of impacted families are heard! 

Interpretation services, childcare and light refreshments will be provided at these meetings. We hope to see you there! 

• Castro Elementary: March 10 from 5:30-8 p.m

• Palmer Elementary: March 12 from 5:30-8 p.m.

• Columbian Elementary: March 17 from 5:30-8 p.m.

• International Academy of Denver at Harrington: Fall 2025

• Schmitt Elementary: Fall 2025

The DPS “Your Voice/Tu Voz” Student Survey is open through Friday, March 21! Responses to the survey inform decisions on how we can better serve all our students. 

Students in third- through 12th-grade should have received an email from Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero with a unique link to complete the survey. Students will have the opportunity to take the survey in class on a date designated by their school, however, we encourage families to check in with their children to ensure they completed the survey. If you have questions, email surveys@dpsk12.net.

We’re thrilled that thousands of families submitted a SchoolChoice Round 1 application! Round 1 applicants will be notified of their matches in late March. 

The Round 2 application will open on April 8 at 10 a.m. Round 2 is for families who: 

• Didn’t submit an application in Round 1 and would like their student to enroll in a different school.

• Changed their minds since submitting a Round 1 application and would like to re-explore their options. Those who are happy with their Round 1 school placement do not need to take part in Round 2.

• Are new to DPS.

Applications for Round 2 are processed on a first-come, first-served basis within school admission priorities. 

Questions? Contact Enrollment Services at 720-423-3493 or schoolchoice@dpsk12.org. 

In the latest episode of the DPS EDUCA Podcast, Attorney Guadalupe Monclova, a West High School graduate, joins us in the DPS studio to talk about immigration rights. Attorney Monclova discusses the fears and challenges faced by undocumented individuals, the rights they have in encounters with immigration officers and practical steps to prepare for potential legal situations. 

Watch or listen to this podcast episode in English or in Spanish. You can also listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform by searching for the Denver Publics Schools Podcast Network.

Join us for a free community movie night featuring, “Counted Out”, a powerful film that highlights the importance of math in education and beyond. Engage in an inspiring discussion with guest speakers, curriculum experts and local leaders. Plus, enjoy free popcorn and drinks, interactive booths and opportunities to connect with local resources.

DPS staff can now earn Professional Learning credit for this event!

Event Dates and Locations:

• Montbello High School on Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m.

• George Washington High School on Thursday, March 20 at 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, March 19, we invite guardians and caregivers to participate in an essential interactive training session. Register to explore how children can be vulnerable and the tactics, such as grooming, that may be used to exploit those vulnerabilities.

Our presenters will share practical steps to help you identify and respond to suspected exploitation. Additionally, there will be hands-on training focused on assisting children in developing safety plans to protect themselves. Spanish interpretation will be available.

Need a new book? Check one out on Sora! Every month, Library Services highlights celebrations and topics of interest. March has plenty to offer including Holi: the Festival of Colors, Women’s History Month, Cesar Chavez Day, March Book Madness, Denver March PowWow and Shakespearian adaptations. Check out LION.DPSK12.ORG for more library resources you can use anytime!