I doubt there is any trick you can do. If there is a waiting list then they will go by the waiting list. Niwot Elementary is a larger elementary than the other two schools that eventually feed into Sunset Middle school though.
The Niwot school vibe can be a difficult one to break into. I'll leave it at that. Also, be aware, that according to district policy, your open enrollment is approved for one year:
http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/policies/J/JFBA.pdf
In other words, if the school becomes crowded due to kids who are zoned for there, then your child could be out. The policy is not, once you are in you are set. This year Niwot High School was closed to open enrollment. I know that is a long ways off for your little one, but I think that has been the trend in general for the High School, and you would hate to have your child get that far and then not continue with friends.
I know it's tough and Niwot High is a fantastic high school. Our son went to Indian Peaks Elementary, is now in Sunset and will go to Niwot. We so far have loved all of his schools. I loved the bilingual element of Indian Peaks. My son is in advanced classes now in Sunset and is being encouraged by teachers to go into the IB program next year at Niwot, so it's not like he didn't get a great education.
Good luck with a tough decision! I would have to say though that the odds might be pretty stacked against getting in.
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Look for suggestion to enroll "closed" elementary school
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