D11 Open Enrollment Deadline Is October 1 — What Colorado Springs Families Need to Know

Colorado Springs School District 11 families have one week to submit open enrollment applications for the current school year. The October 1 deadline applies to families with students already enrolled in D11 who want to transfer to a different school within the district. Families who are new to District 11 can apply year-round, so the October 1 cutoff does not apply to them.

If your child is currently enrolled in a D11 school and you've been considering a transfer — whether for a better program fit, a closer campus, or a specialty offering — October 1 is your window to act before the deadline passes for this cycle.

Why Open Enrollment Matters for COS Families

D11 serves a large portion of central Colorado Springs and includes dozens of schools across different grade levels, program types, and specialty offerings. Open enrollment is the mechanism that allows families to choose a school other than their neighborhood assignment — it's how students access magnet programs, language immersion tracks, STEM-focused campuses, and other options that may not be available at their default school.

The school choice process in Colorado Springs has expanded meaningfully over the past decade, and D11 operates alongside D20 (Academy School District 20, serving much of the northern part of the city) and D49 (Falcon School District 49, serving the eastern corridor). Each district runs its own enrollment process on its own timeline. If you're evaluating schools across district lines, note that each district has separate application windows and criteria.

For families within D11, this October 1 deadline is relevant whether you're happy with your current school or actively trying to make a change. It's worth checking d11.org to confirm your child's current enrollment status and whether there are programs or schools you haven't yet considered.

How to Submit Your D11 Enrollment Application

D11 processes open enrollment applications through its official website. The process involves submitting a school choice application online and, depending on the receiving school's capacity, your request may be granted immediately or placed on a waitlist.

A few things to keep in mind before applying:

• Transportation to a choice school is generally the family's responsibility — confirm whether D11 bus service covers your requested school before finalizing your decision.
• Some specialty programs have additional application requirements, such as auditions, academic assessments, or separate forms.
• Seats are granted based on available space, so applying early in any enrollment window improves your odds.
• Submitting by October 1 does not guarantee placement, but it keeps your application in the current cycle.

If you have questions about a specific school's programs or availability, the school's main office is often the fastest route to accurate, current information. D11's central enrollment office can also help families who are unsure which category they fall into — current student transfer versus new-to-district enrollment.

What's Next

If your student is currently enrolled in D11 and you want to request a school change, visit d11.org and submit your open enrollment application before October 1, 2026. After that date, current D11 families will need to wait for the next enrollment cycle. For families new to Colorado Springs or new to District 11, the year-round enrollment window remains open — you can apply at any time. For the most current program listings, school boundaries, and enrollment forms, d11.org is the authoritative source.