Due to voter-approved construction of our new Performing Arts Building and Clinic on the Paul Sandoval Campus, Northfield High School is currently unable to offer on-campus student parking.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we expand our facility. School leadership will closely monitor site conditions and explore safe on-campus parking options as construction progresses.
IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR 2026-27
No student parking on campus until 4:00 PM.
Student drop-off/pick-up is in the south loop ONLY.
There is no waiting or parking on 54th Avenue entrance into the school.
Walking, biking, carpooling, and RTD are strongly encouraged.
Transportation
Families who drive their student(s) to school are encouraged to allow extra time and to consider dropping off/picking up on Dallas St. east of the athletic fields or south of the school along E. 53rd Avenue (see the map above). Please pay close attention to speed limits, street signs and pedestrians around campus.
Paul Sandoval campus opens at 7:45am.
Families who are able to drop students off beginning at 7:45 AM can avoid the heaviest arrival traffic.
Students may wait in the quad or go to Building 1 for breakfast. No other buildings will be open until 8:15 AM on regular start days and 9:20 AM on late start days.
We encourage families to plan ahead, leave home 15 minutes earlier, and consider carpooling, walking, or biking.
Students should plan to arrive with enough time to walk to their required building be in class and ready to learn by 8:25 AM.
RTD Transportation Option
RTD transit is free for all DPS students with a valid school ID.
From 61st and Pena Ride Station = Estimated commute 1 hour
From Gateway Park Ride Station = Estimated commute 45 minutes
From Central Park Ride Station = Estimated commute 30 minutes
Route 65 Service Extender Details – From Central Park Station beginning Monday, August 24, 2026
Route 65 will continue to pick up and drop off at Gate A3 for all trips traveling to and from Central Park & 54th.
Northbound Departures (from Central Park Station):
7:55 a.m.
8:05 a.m.
Southbound Departures (from Central Park Blvd & 54th):
8:06 a.m.
8:36 a.m.
3:36 p.m.
4:10 p.m.
*NOTE: Please note that on late start days, general school doors open at 9:20 a.m. However, free breakfast is available to all students every school dayfrom 7:45 to 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria (Bldg 1).
Families planning to utilize public transportation should review RTD’s official schedules and route planners directly to verify current route availability and service timelines serving Northfield High School prior to the start of the school year.
Walking/Biking to campus (Recommended When Possible)
To ensure student safety during this time and to maximize traffic flow, we ask students to utilize the following trails to get to and from campus.
The Northfield Trail/Central Park Underpass – From 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. – 3:45 p.m, all pedestrians will be detoured on Central Park Blvd and 54th to use the Northfield Trail/Central Park Underpass.
This is about an 8-minute walk to Building 5
12-minute walk to Building 2 and 3
13-minute walk to Building 1
Dallas Street-
9- minute walk to Building 3 main entrance
12- minute walk to Building 1
15- minute walk to Building 2 and 5
Chester Way/56th Underpass-
20 minute walk to Building 3
25 minute walk to Building 1
30 minute walk to Building 2 and 5
Personal Wheeled Vehicles
Bicycles, eBikes, Scooters and skateboards must be locked on the racks located on the east side near the main entrance of Buildings 2 and 5. Bikes are not to be locked around trees or fences and may be cut off and removed if done so. The school is not responsible for theft or damage to bicycles or skateboards. Students may travel to school on skateboards but are not permitted to ride skateboards on school property.
Carpooling & Schoolpool
Northfield High School partners with the regional Way to Go: Schoolpool program to help families connect and organize carpools, walking groups, and bike trains. Registration is free and restricted exclusively to verified Northfield families.
Our custom 2026–2027 registration link is currently being updated by DRCOG. Please check back shortly for the direct sign-up portal, or contact the main office with immediate questions.
Drop-Off & Pick-Up Procedures
Location: South parking lot loop only (accessible from Central Park Blvd. and 54th Ave.). The North parking lot off of 56th does not have a drop-off loop due to construction and will only be available for staff parking.
Times: Morning drop-off opens at 7:45 AM.
Afternoon Pick-Up: Beginning at 3:00 PM, vehicles may not line up or wait along 54th Avenue. Whenever possible, families should arrange an off-campus meeting location with their student. Beginning at 3:15 PM, staff will direct vehicles through the designated pick-up lane. There is absolutely no waiting or parking along 54th Avenue.
Consider a 4:00 PM Pick-Up: Families who are able to pick up their student at 4:00 PM are encouraged to have students take advantage of Northfield’s Final 30 block. Final 30 provides students with additional time for academic support, completing work, or connecting with teachers. Picking up at 4:00 PM will also help families avoid the heaviest departure traffic immediately after school.
Consider off-campus locations for dropoff and pickup: There is a pedestrian underpass just off of 54th Avenue and Central Park Blvd, there is also a footpath that connects 53rd Avenue to the Paul Sandoval Campus.
Late Arrival – Please communicate this through Infinite Campus.
Early Release – We will stop excusing students for early release at 3:00 PM. You must call the front office at 720-423-8000. Again, ask your student to meet you in the neighborhood.
Parking Restrictions
No Student Parking on Campus from 7:45 AM–4:00 PM: Due to the significant reduction in available parking, student parking will not be available on campus at the start of the school year. We know this is not ideal and we are committed to regularly evaluating the state of our parking in order to bring students back onto campus as soon as we can. In the meantime, parking will be monitored daily.
All Lots are Staff Lots : Staff only. Vehicles without a permit will be redirected. (Note: ADA placard holders may park in designated spots).
Student Parking Suggested Locations and alternate means of transportation: We encourage our students who drive to park in a couple of different places near campus. Parking will be available along Dallas Street , to the west of Central Park Boulevard and south of Northfield off of 53rd. We also encourage students to bike, scooter, walk, or take public transportation to campus in order to reduce parking constraints.
Off-Campus Parking: Available in surrounding neighborhood areas. Follow all posted signs—Denver Police actively ticket and tow.
Before-School Activities: Park on Dallas St. (east of athletic fields).
After-School Activities: Tennis Court lot is open to students after 4:15 PM only. Unpermitted vehicles parked here before 4:15 PM are subject to towing.
If parking in the neighborhood, please follow all posted signs for parking or you are subject to ticket and towing by the Denver Police Department.
Lunch & Off-Campus Access
Our lunch schedule will remain the same during construction. Students who choose to leave campus for lunch should be aware that increased traffic, limited parking, and longer walking distances may reduce the amount of time they have off campus. Students are responsible for returning to campus on time and being ready to learn when their next class begins.
Students will continue to have several lunch options available on campus:
Free school lunch is available daily in Building 1.
Food trucks will be located behind Building 3 each day.
Microwaves will be available in Building 3 for students who bring lunch from home. Students are expected to clean up after themselves and help keep the space ready for everyone.
We encourage students to plan ahead and choose the lunch option that allows them enough time to eat, return to class, and be ready to learn.
We know this is not an ideal situation, and we are deeply appreciative of our families and community for working with us as we go through this construction project. Northfield and DSSt Staff will closely monitor traffic during the first week of school and make adjustments. Send questions or comments for Northfield to nhscommunications@dpsk12.net.
The district will share quarterly updates as construction progresses; for questions or feedback on construction email info@dpsk12.org.
