August 21, 2025

Denver Schools Close Due to Record High Temperatures

News Summary

Denver Public Schools announced the closure and early dismissal of 13 schools due to predicted extreme heat conditions, with temperatures potentially reaching 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Officials aim to prioritize student safety, providing early dismissal times and lunch for students before leaving. The district is also focused on improving air conditioning systems across schools, amidst community concerns about classroom conditions. Notifications about the closures will be sent to families the evening prior to help with planning.

Denver Experiences Record High Temperatures Leading to School Closures and Early Releases

School Closures and Early Dismissals Announced for August 21, 2025

Denver Public Schools (DPS) will cancel classes at 13 schools on August 21, 2025, due to forecasted extreme heat conditions. The National Weather Service predicts that temperatures in the Denver area will reach near 99 degrees Fahrenheit on that day, prompting district officials to prioritize student safety and well-being.

Details of School Closures and Dismissals

Among the schools affected are Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary is scheduled to dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will close at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch to students before dismissal to ensure that students’ nutritional needs are met. Despite the early dismissals, bus services will operate on regular routes adjusted for the early release times, ensuring students can return home safely.

Communication with Families

School officials acknowledged that closing schools or releasing students early could pose logistical challenges for families. To mitigate this, notifications regarding closures and early dismissals will be sent directly to families by 5 PM the evening before. This advance notice aims to help parents and guardians plan accordingly for their children’s schedules.

After-School Programs and Additional Activities

All Little Links and Discovery Link after-school programs scheduled at the affected schools will also be canceled on August 21. This decision ensures that staff and students are not exposed to the extreme heat during after-school hours, maintaining safety standards.

Ongoing Efforts to Improve School Climate and Air Conditioning

The district is actively working to enhance the thermal comfort of its schools by improving air conditioning systems. A nearly $1 billion bond was passed last year, with $240 million allocated specifically for air conditioning upgrades across DPS schools.

Progress and Challenges in Air Conditioning Installation

Two schools, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary, successfully completed their air conditioning installations before the start of the school year. However, there are still 27 schools in need of new or upgraded air conditioning systems. The district aims to have all schools equipped with air conditioning by 2028.

One significant delay involves Skinner Middle School, where asbestos was discovered during renovation efforts. As a result, the installation of air conditioning at Skinner has been delayed and is now expected to be completed in 2026.

Parent and Community Reactions

Community members and parents have expressed frustration over the ongoing heat conditions in classrooms, especially during the recent heatwave. Many are concerned about the safety and comfort of students and teachers, as well as delays in fully implementing air conditioning across the district.

Additional Actions by Nearby Districts

Similarly, the Poudre School District has announced it will also release most of its schools early on August 21 due to the same extreme heat forecast. This coordination highlights the regional concern for student safety amid the escalating temperatures.

Summary

On August 21, 2025, Denver Public Schools will close or release early at 13 schools due to forecasted high temperatures reaching nearly 99 degrees. The district is balancing immediate safety concerns with longer-term improvements to the school environment, including accelerated plans to install air conditioning in all schools by 2028. Despite progress, delays caused by asbestos at some sites underscore ongoing challenges. The district has committed to keeping families informed and prioritizing student safety during extreme weather events.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Air Conditioning Issue Delays Start of Louise Troy Elementary School

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

Construction of the Heber Valley Utah Temple in progress

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit