sport

Denver Community Groups Fight to Keep High School Sports Affordable

Pay-to-play fees and CHSAA governance keep high school athletics accessible across Denver Public Schools and other city programs.

By Denver Sport Desk · Published July 17, 2026

How we reported this

This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. The Daily Denver is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Denver Public Schools set a standard pay-to-play fee of $92 for the 2025-2026 season, with a reduced rate of $26 for students on Free and Reduced Lunch. This structure forms a core part of the community support that keeps high school athletics running at the local level.

Access Through Structured Fees

The fee system directly affects participation in Denver Public Schools athletics. Families pay the standard amount unless they qualify for the lower rate tied to lunch program status. Such pricing reflects ongoing efforts to maintain broad involvement without creating barriers for some households.

League Structure and Local Governance

High school athletics in Denver fall under the Colorado High School Activities Association. DPS schools compete in the City League while other schools participate in the Mile High League or Frontier League. This organization places teams in defined local groupings that shape regular competition and scheduling.

Season Timing and Participation Rules

For the 2025-2026 season, fall sports practices and tryouts for DPS programs began on Monday, August 12, 2024, covering football, boys soccer, and girls volleyball. Incoming ninth graders may begin participation with high school teams on May 1 under CHSAA bylaws. Spring sports such as baseball and track run from February to May.

Denver high schools field teams in eSports, flag football, and track & field alongside traditional offerings. These options expand the range of activities available through the same governing framework and fee structure.

Next Steps for Families

Parents and students can review current fee details and eligibility through Denver Public Schools athletics resources or contact individual schools for league-specific information. CHSAA bylaws provide the timeline for ninth-grade eligibility each year.

References Sourced but Not Limited to:

Your newsroom. Shaped by you.

The Daily Denver is in beta. AI may assist with research, summarising and drafting. Automated checks assess sourcing, accuracy and editorial risk before publication, and sensitive material is held for human review. Spotted something off, or want us covering a topic? Tell us. Your feedback is entirely optional and helps shape what we publish next.