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Navigating School Boundary Changes When Moving to Centennial, Colorado

  • Writer: Ben Willson
    Ben Willson
  • Jul 8
  • 4 min read
Because nothing throws off a home search faster than “wait, this school isn’t zoned here anymore?”

If you’re moving to Centennial, Colorado with kids, or planning to have them, school boundaries are probably high on your radar. And if they’re not, they should be.


Centennial sits at the crossroads of two major school districts, Cherry Creek School District and Littleton Public Schools, and while both have top-rated schools, the lines can get blurry fast.


What you thought was zoned for one elementary school might actually feed into another. And with growth and shifting enrollment patterns, boundaries are evolving more often than people realize.


Here’s how to make sense of it all, avoid common mistakes, and find a home that aligns with your school goals without losing your mind in the process.



1. Know Which District You’re In and Which One You Think You’re In


Centennial is unique in that it’s not one uniform school district. Instead, it’s split between:



Why this matters: You can have two homes on the same street — one in Cherry Creek, the other in Littleton Public. The zip code and even “Centennial” as a city name don’t guarantee school assignment.


Always check directly using district-provided tools:


Don’t rely on Zillow, Redfin, or even what the listing says. School boundaries are not legally binding in MLS listings.



2. Understand Feeder Patterns: Elementary to Middle to High School


A common mistake buyers make is falling in love with a home because it’s zoned for a great elementary school… without realizing the feeder middle or high school isn’t what they expected.


Example:

  • You might buy a home zoned to Ford Elementary (Cherry Creek).

  • However, that may feed into Laredo Middle and then Smoky Hill High, rather than the high schools closer to Cherry Creek State Park.


Ask these three questions:

  • What elementary, middle, and high school is this home zoned for right now?

  • Are any of those schools at or over capacity?

  • Have there been recent rezoning or enrollment adjustments?



3. Watch for Boundary Reviews (They Happen More Often Than You Think)


School boundaries in Centennial have shifted multiple times in the past 10 years, especially in fast-growing neighborhoods like Copperleaf, Southcreek, and The Farm.


Cherry Creek, in particular, holds regular boundary reviews to manage growth and enrollment across its 60+ schools. This is especially relevant if:

  • You’re buying a new construction home

  • You’re on the edge of a neighborhood that feeds into multiple schools

  • You plan to stay long-term (and care about high school placement)


Pro tip:

Check school board meeting minutes or district planning documents to see if your neighborhood is under consideration for future changes. You can usually find these on the district websites or by calling the district planning office directly.



4. What About Open Enrollment?


Colorado is an open-enrollment state, meaning you can apply to attend public schools outside your assigned boundary, space permitting.


BUT:

  • You’re not guaranteed a spot

  • You must apply within district-specific timelines (often January–February for the fall school year)

  • Transportation is typically not provided if you attend a school outside your boundary


This is great news if you’re looking to live in a more affordable part of Centennial but still want to shoot your shot at a top-tier school. It’s not a slam dunk, but it’s a strategic move, especially if you have flexibility or multiple kids with different schooling needs.



5. How to Buy Smart When Schools Matter


Here’s what we help our buyers do:

  • Verify current boundaries with official sources (never trust just the listing)

  • Pull enrollment capacity reports to see which schools are near tipping points

  • Map feeder patterns so you’re not surprised five years later when high school comes around

  • Factor schools into long-term resale, even if you don’t have kids; great schools boost property value


We’ve seen buyers choose the “better deal” only to find out their kid’s school was just redistricted, or end up on a waitlist for open enrollment. Don’t be that family. We help you get the full picture before you make an offer.


Bottom Line: School Boundaries in Centennial Can Be Confusing, But Not If You Know Where to Look


Whether you’re chasing a top elementary school or trying to ensure continuity from K–12, school boundaries can make or break a home search in Centennial.


Don’t guess. Don’t Google your way into a mistake. Let’s walk through it together, from boundaries to feeder paths to long-term value.



Want a custom boundary report for homes in your price range?


We’ll show you the homes that fit your needs and the schools that actually go with them.



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