New to Northern Colorado? Welcome to Poudre School District!

Moving can be a huge hassle; finding your child’s school shouldn’t be. With 54 schools across Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath, Livermore, the Poudre Canyon region, and parts of Loveland and Windsor—plus five PSD-authorized charter schools—there’s a place here where your child will belong, learn, and excel.

If you’re new to Colorado or just moving across town, we’re here to help you find the right fit and get enrolled.

Need a hand? Email info@psdschools.org and a team member will follow up.

Early Childhood (Ages 3–5) & Universal Pre-K

Colorado’s Universal Pre-K (UPK) provides up to 15 hours/week free for 4-year-olds, with additional hours for qualifying families. PSD also offers limited 3-year-old spots through Head Start/UPK or tuition.

• Calendar: Follows the PSD school year (Aug–May)

• Curriculum: Creative Curriculum + Teaching Strategies GOLD (play-based, language-rich)

• Supports: Screenings, Child Find evaluations, Integrated Services (IEP), family resources

• Meals: One free meal in half-day; two in full-day; home meals welcome

• Mixed-age classrooms: 3–5 year olds

How to apply

1. Complete the PSD Early Childhood Application

2. Submit the Colorado Universal Preschool Application

3. After placement outreach, complete the PSD enrollment packet
   Early Childhood & Universal Pre-K FAQ

Kindergarten at PSD

• Eligibility: Age 5 on or before Oct. 1 of the school year

• Day length: Full-day across PSD

• If just past the cutoff: No exceptions to the age date (separate from GT identification)

• Transitions: Orientation sessions, family events, and “visit days” help children adjust

• Tours: Schools host tours/open houses; contact your school

PSD Kindergarten FAQ Open Houses & Kindergarten Info Nights by School

Integrated Services (Special Education)

PSD’s Integrated Services provide special education and related services under IDEA 2004 in the least restrictive environment.

• Access: Available at every PSD school

• Getting started: Free screenings via Child Find to determine IEP/504 eligibility; vision/hearing screenings available

• Planning: Collaborative IEP/504 teams (families are partners)

• Supports: Individualized instruction, related services (e.g., speech/OT), classroom para support, transitions (PK→K, HS→post-secondary)

PSD Integrated Services FAQ

Multilingual Learners & Family Support

• Dual language immersion at select schools (Spanish/English)

• English Language Development (ELD): Identification via Home Language & Student Housing Survey; screening (WIDA) as needed; equitable access to PSD programs

• Family liaisons at each school support translation and connections to resources

PSD Language, Culture & Equity

Athletics & Activities

• Grades 6–12: Sports and clubs at most schools (some sports start in 6th grade; others via Fort Collins Recreation)

• Registration & forms: Middle and high school forms/physicals required; fee waivers available for qualifying families

• Safety: Trained coaches, concussion protocols, AEDs, air/heat monitoring, athletic trainers (HS), emergency action plans

• Transfers: HS athletes may need CHSAA transfer forms; activities generally continue immediately

PSD Athletics & Activities FAQ

Transportation, Meals, and Wellness

• Transportation: Eligible for neighborhood schools (apply each year). Choice placements do not include district transportation. Early Childhood families request via PSD ECE.

• Meals: In Colorado, breakfast and lunch are free for all students. Families should still complete the Free & Reduced application—qualifying can unlock additional community/fee benefits.

• Health & mental wellness: Two school-based health centers (medical + mental health) serve all PSD students; every school has a nurse/health tech; licensed counselors in each school provide day-to-day and crisis support.

PSD Transportation & Services FAQ