Teller Elementary School
Enrollment Zone Companion Letter
11/14/24, 7:59 AM
November 14, 2024
Dear Teller Families,
Many of you have likely heard about the recommendation from our Superintendent, Dr. Marrero, to close five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school if approved by the Denver School Board. This recommendation will be reviewed for a vote on Thursday, November 21st, with closures set to take place at the end of the school year if approved.
One of the schools recommended for closure is Palmer Elementary, located about a mile east of Teller at 995 Grape St. Should Palmer close, its students would join a newly proposed central-east Denver enrollment zone. Schools in this enrollment zone would include Teller, Steck, Carson, Montclair, Lowry, and Denver Green School Southeast. Teller is closely collaborating with the district to understand the impact this change could bring, and we will share additional updates from the district as they become available. Please remember, this information is contingent on the school board approving Dr. Marrero’s recommendation.
To address some of the questions we’ve received, we’ve put together a FAQ below:
Q1: What is an enrollment zone?
A1: An enrollment zone is a designated area where students can choose from several schools within that zone rather than being assigned to one neighborhood school.
Q2: Will Teller become part of an enrollment zone if the school closures proceed?
A2: Yes, if the board approves Dr. Marrero’s recommendation, Teller would join the central-east Denver enrollment zone.
Q3: Will Teller still have a neighborhood boundary?
A3: No, Teller would no longer have a specific neighborhood boundary and would instead become part of the enrollment zone.
Q4: If my family lives near Teller, is my child guaranteed a seat at the school?
A4: No, a designated boundary will no longer exist, so spots won’t be guaranteed. However, families living nearby will have proximity priority.
Q5: What if I have younger children who aren’t yet enrolled? Will they have priority for a seat at Teller?
A5: Seats are not guaranteed. However, siblings of current Teller students and families living nearby will have sibling and proximity priority.
Q6: How will magnet-eligible or gifted students be prioritized?
A6: Gifted and talented or magnet-eligible students will continue to receive priority, but the exact placement within the priority list is not yet confirmed.
Q7: Where can I find additional information?
A7: For more details, please refer to the DPS Board Doc on Operationalizing EL-18: Recommendation Package.
Q8: Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
A8: Visit the Denver Public Schools Thrives Initiatives website for ways to share your thoughts.
We understand that these potential changes may feel uncertain, and our thoughts are with all the school communities directly affected by this recommendation. Our priority at Teller remains to create a warm, inclusive environment for every student, regardless of address, and we are here to support each family as we move forward together.
Warm regards,
Sabrina Bates, Principal
Jason Smartt, Assistant Principal
Katie Aring, PTA President
