Application Process
CHOICE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
The Manitou Springs School District offers families the ability to choose our district even if you reside outside of our boundaries. We are excited for you to experience the Manitou Advantage!
Are you still within the choice window?
We are currently accepting choice applications for the 2025-2026 school year through May 9th, 2025.
Does your child meet the age requirements?
Students must be 5 years old by October 1st for Kindergarten and must be 6 years old by October 1st for 1st grade.
What criteria does MSSD14 use for choice acceptance?
We base acceptance on seat capacity at both school and grade level.
When will I be notified of acceptance?
As space opens up, we notify families of acceptance.
How do I apply?
Fill out the choice application below and be sure to check your email frequently as this is the main form of communication for acceptance or denial.
MORE CHOICE ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
Choice window now open!
Who Should Apply?
- New students who do not live within the MSSD14 district boundaries attending K-12.
- Change in Resident Status - Enrolled students that have moved out of the district during the current year will be required to submit a choice application for the upcoming year. Students will be able complete the current school year.
- For current students who wish to attend a district school other than their zoned school please see the In-District Transfer section.
- Preschool students have a separate enrollment process. Please see the Preschool page for more information.
- The Mountain Academy of Arts (MAAS) 6th grade program at Ute Pass Elementary has a separate enrollment process. Please see the MAAS page for more details.
Age Requirements
- Kindergarten: Must be 5 years old by October 1st
- First Grade: Must be 6 years old by October 1st - Exception for students who do not meet age requirement, but have already attended Kindergarten.
School Choice Window
Choice Applications are accepted during the designated choice windows.
- Applications submitted outside these windows will not be accepted.
- Applications will only be accepted for the upcoming school year.
- Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that students will be accepted by the first day of school during the Summer Application Window.
Application Process
- Applications must be submitted in their entirety using the online Choice Application.
- Applications will not be accepted at individual schools.
- An application is required for each student that is applying.
Students are accepted based on the following.
- Seat capacity at both school and grade level.
- Program space availability at both school and grade level.
New Non- Residents
- space at the school and/or grade level is available, conditional acceptance with the next steps will be sent via email
- Students will be conditionally accepted until a review of educational records are completed.
- During records review, a spot will be held for student.
Waitlists
- If a grade and/or school has reached capacity, the student will be placed on a waitlist.
- Families will be notified if a student is to be placed on the waitlist.
- Waitlists will be evaluated, and status will be communicated to families during each notification window with the option to remain on the list or be removed.
- Waitlist order is not provided as additional applications with different acceptance priority can change the order.
High School Athletic/Activity Information
Switching schools in CO may restrict athletic eligibility. Please refer to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Transfer Rules at http://chsaanow.com.
To participate in school activities during the summer, students must be accepted and registered in a MSSD14 school. Participating without doing so, may impact CHSAA eligibility.
In-District School Transfers
To ensure space in school, grade, and programs, all current students desiring to transfer schools from their currently enrolled school must complete an In-District Transfer Form. This includes students wishing to return to their zoned residential school. This form should be submitted to the district registrar by February 1st of the current school year to receive priority for the upcoming school year.
Link for In-District Transfer Form