Raised in the Rockies – School Choice 2025: Navigating Change in a New Era

Choosing a school for your child has always been one of the biggest decisions a family can make.

But as we look toward the Raised in the Rockies – School Choice 2025 season, Colorado parents are navigating more than just test scores and open houses.

This is a year of significant change across the Front Range.

In Douglas County, families are grappling with the emotional fallout of a recent decision to consolidate six elementary schools in Highlands Ranch, a move that will reshape school communities starting in 2026.

It's a stark reminder that enrollment numbers and building capacities are driving difficult conversations and boundary shifts.

Meanwhile, in the highly sought-after Cherry Creek School District, a different kind of change is underway.

Major construction projects are transforming neighborhoods, bringing hundreds of new apartments and homes, which will undoubtedly influence classroom sizes and local school demand.

This is the complex reality of open enrollment in Colorado for 2025.

The process allows any K-12 student to apply to a public school outside their designated neighborhood, from the diverse urban programs in Denver Public Schools (DPS) to the innovative campuses in Boulder Valley.

It's a system built on opportunity, but success requires careful planning.

Families must pay close attention to the unique application windows for each district, with many deadlines falling in January and February.

Exploring charter schools, magnet programs, and even virtual academies is part of the modern educational journey.

The goal is to find the right fit—a place where your child won't just learn, but thrive.

This year, more than ever, that means looking beyond the school doors to the community, the commute, and the future.