The following tips should serve as recommendations for how to use the School Finder website to select the best school for your child.

Tips for choosing a school:

• Start early: It’s important to start the process of finding and enrolling your child for school early, and there are some key things parents and children should know. It’s never too early to start looking at what your local schools can provide.
• Do your homework: Preparing your child for school includes getting to know your local schools, as well as other available options. You may choose your neighborhood “assigned” or “zoned” school, or consider other schools based on their specialties and programs. The public school system has a variety of options across the region.

• Know your options: Open enrollment allows students throughout El Paso County to attend any public school, tuition free, provided there is space available at the selected campus and the transfer student meets other requirements. Schools and school districts often hold informational sessions for incoming students and families. Be sure to ask about the process for requesting a specific school for your child to attend if you’ve found an option that you think would be a great fit for your child. The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be to make the best choice for your child.
• Enroll in Spring: While enrollment is available year-round, most schools have registration in late spring (March/April) for the following fall school year. Many of the charter schools have a cut-off date for next year enrollments. They also have a waiting list. We recommend you enroll your child as early as possible to avoid a late start to the school year. School summer hours of operation vary by school district, so be sure to complete your child’s enrollment before the school year starts.