Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat

News Summary

Denver Public Schools announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools amid forecasts of extreme heat with temperatures nearing 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The decision affects schools such as Skinner Middle School and Johnson Elementary, which will release students early. The district is prioritizing student safety while ongoing air conditioning improvements are underway, although some schools still face significant challenges. Parents express concerns regarding inadequate climate control, prompting the district to act against the summer heat and highlighting the need for infrastructure upgrades.

Denver – On August 21, 2025, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools due to extreme heat expected in the area. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures soaring close to 99 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting district officials to take precautionary measures to ensure student safety.

The schools affected by the closure include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. In addition to the complete closures, Johnson Elementary will release students early at 12:30 PM and Bryant Webster at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch for students prior to dismissal, ensuring that children are fed before heading home.

To facilitate the early releases, bus services will maintain their normal routes, adhering to the adjusted dismissal schedules. A DPS spokesperson noted the complications that can arise from sudden school closures and emphasized their commitment to notifying families directly by 5 PM the evening before the heat-related closure or early dismissal.

All Little Links and Discovery Link programming will also be canceled at the schools that are closing for the day. These decisions reflect the district’s ongoing efforts to prioritize student health and safety in the face of extreme weather conditions.

DPS is actively working to improve air conditioning across its schools, motivated by a nearly $1 billion bond that was approved last year, with $240 million specifically earmarked for this initiative. However, there remains a significant challenge, as 27 schools are still without air conditioning. Notably, schools such as Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary have successfully completed air conditioning installations before the start of this academic year.

Despite ongoing enhancements, the installation of air conditioning at Skinner Middle School has faced setbacks due to the presence of asbestos. The completion of necessary air conditioning updates at that location is now projected to be finished by 2026. The overall goal set by DPS is to have all schools fully equipped with air conditioning by 2028.

Parents have expressed their frustration regarding the current heat conditions in classrooms and the delays in promised air conditioning upgrades. In light of the extreme temperatures, the school district’s decisions have underscored the pressing need for climate control measures in educational facilities. Other districts have also felt the impact of the heat; the Poudre School District will be releasing most of its schools early on the same day, showcasing a broader response to the extreme weather conditions affecting the region.

As the summer heat continues, Denver Public Schools urges families to remain informed about any updates related to school operations. The measures taken today not only aim to protect student health but also highlight the work that is being put into infrastructural improvements necessary for facing challenges posed by climate change.

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Additional Resources

• CBS News: Multiple Denver schools cancel classes early release due to extreme heat
• Wikipedia: Denver Public Schools
• Denver Post: Denver schools closed due to heat
• Google Search: Denver heat wave 2025
• KDVR: Extreme heat cancels classes in Denver Public Schools
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Extreme Weather
• 9News: Extreme heat forces classroom closures in Denver
• Google News: Denver schools closure August 2025