Nearly 40% of Colorado’s PK–12 students — more than 347,000 children — are enrolled in a public school other than their assigned neighborhood school, according to a new report released today by Ready Colorado. The findings highlight how school choice has become a defining feature of the state’s education landscape.
The report, Open Doors, Open Districts II: The Steady Rise of School Choice in Colorado, updates Ready Colorado’s landmark 2018 study and provides the most current look at how families are navigating a growing range of public education options — including charter, online, intra-district, and inter-district enrollment.
Key Findings
Choice keeps growing: Since 2017, the number of families exercising school choice has risen steadily year after year.
Most stay close to home: Families are more likely to choose a different school within their own district than to cross district boundaries.
Charter school enrollment rising: More than 130,000 students now attend a charter school, with steady increases year-over-year.
Online learning remains appealing: Online enrollment surged during the pandemic and remains a significant option for families.
Barriers remain: Transportation, uneven enrollment processes, and lack of clear information still limit access for many families.
“Colorado leads the nation in empowering families to make the best educational choices for their children,” said Brenda Dickhoner, President and CEO of Ready Colorado. “But as participation grows, we must ensure the system is accessible to every family — not just those with the time, resources, or connections to navigate it.”
The report notes that districts with the highest choice participation often also post stronger academic ratings, suggesting that expanding access to options can help families find higher-quality educational opportunities.
“This report is a call to action: let’s make sure choice is not only a right on paper but a reality for every family,” Dickhoner added.
Ready Colorado urges state and local leaders to build on Colorado’s strong foundation by:
- Aligning enrollment timelines across districts,
- Expanding transportation options, and
- Improving transparency so families can navigate the process more easily
The full report, ‘Open Doors, Open Districts II: The Steady Rise of School Choice in Colorado’, is available at www.ReadyColo.org/ODOD2.