The Aspen School District has reinstated its enrollment lottery for the 2026-2027 school year, reversing last year's decision to close enrollment to out-of-district families. The move signals growing concerns about declining student populations and reflects broader affordability challenges facing the Aspen community.
What's Changed
After eliminating the lottery last year, ASD is now accepting applications for out-of-district students in grades K-3 and 5-8 (no openings for 4th grade). Applications are due by March 6, 2026, with lottery winners notified by March 11.
Why This Matters
Recent enrollment data tells the story. According to the Colorado Department of Education's October 2025 count, ASD enrollment declined by 31 students (2%) from the previous year. Aspen Elementary dropped from 449 to 430 students, while Aspen Middle School declined from 414 to 401 students.
While Superintendent Tharyn Mulberry expressed optimism that upcoming affordable housing developments like the Lumberyard will offset enrollment losses, the district clearly recognizes the need for additional students now.
The Affordability Connection
The lottery's return highlights a harsh reality about Aspen's housing market. With median single-family home prices in Aspen at $13.25 million, even affluent families struggle to afford living within district boundaries. The lottery provides an alternative path for families who value ASD's acclaimed educational programming but can't justify or afford Aspen's astronomical housing costs.
Down-valley communities like Basalt and Carbondale offer more attainable housing options. Families winning the lottery can access Aspen schools while living in more affordable locations, though they'll need to arrange their own transportation (ASD doesn't provide busing for out-of-district students).
What This Means Long-Term
If the lottery becomes permanent, it reduces pressure on families to live within district boundaries purely for school access. This could influence real estate dynamics in several ways:
- Families may prioritize down-valley communities with better value propositions
- The "school district premium" embedded in Aspen home prices could soften slightly
However, the lottery isn't guaranteed year-to-year. District demographer Shannon Bingham noted in 2024 that births to parents within ASD boundaries declined from 100 in 2016 to just 72 in 2023, suggesting enrollment challenges may persist.
How to Apply
Families interested in the lottery can complete the application form. Priority is given to applicants with siblings already enrolled in ASD schools. Winners are selected via random number generator.
Application deadline: March 6, 2026
Winner notification: March 11, 2026
The reinstated lottery represents both an opportunity for families seeking quality education and a pragmatic response to enrollment realities in one of America's most expensive real estate markets.
Questions about Aspen real estate, school district access, or relocating to the Roaring Fork Valley? I'd be happy to discuss how these factors might influence your housing decisions.
