Denver, CO, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Denver Public Schools has announced the cancellation of classes for 13 schools due to extreme heat forecasts predicting temperatures nearing 99 degrees. Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 will have early dismissals while lunch will be served. The district has been addressing air conditioning issues following a significant bond passed last year. Parents express frustration over continuing heat challenges, with a goal for all schools to have air conditioning by 2028.
Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat
Denver, CO – Denver Public Schools (DPS) has announced the cancellation of classes for 13 schools on August 21, 2025, due to a forecast predicting record high temperatures approaching 99 degrees. This decision comes as the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across the region, prompting local educational authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure student safety.
The affected schools include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary plans to dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release students at 12:20 PM. Both schools will serve lunch to students before their early dismissal, and bus services will operate on regular routes adjusted for these new dismissal times.
A spokesperson for DPS acknowledged the challenges faced by families when schools are closed or dismiss students early, noting that notifications about such decisions are sent directly to families by 5 PM the day before. Additionally, all Little Links and Discovery Link programming will be canceled at the schools that are closing.
The district has been actively working on improving air conditioning in its schools, following a nearly $1 billion bond passed last year that allocated $240 million towards enhancing climate control. Despite this progress, 27 schools still remain without air conditioning installations. Notably, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary have completed their air conditioning installations ahead of the school year. However, delays have occurred at Skinner Middle School due to asbestos issues, pushing its installation completion to 2026.
Parents and guardians have expressed frustration regarding the heat conditions within classrooms and the slow progress of air conditioning projects. The district aims for all schools to be equipped with air conditioning by the year 2028, a response to growing concerns over extreme heat during the school year.
In addition to the DPS closures, the Poudre School District also announced early releases for most of its schools on the same day, as the temperatures in that area are also expected to soar.
Background on Air Conditioning Initiatives
The initiative to improve air conditioning in schools follows concerns raised by parents, faculty, and health professionals about insufficient cooling systems during extreme weather. The bond, passed in 2024, was designed to prioritize student comfort and safety, especially as climate change contributes to rising temperatures. Despite the investment, many schools still find themselves unprepared for the heat, highlighting a significant infrastructure challenge facing the district.
Summary of Affected Schools
| School Name | Dismissal Time | Lunch Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson Elementary | 12:30 PM | Yes |
| Bryant Webster ECE-8 | 12:20 PM | Yes |
| Skinner Middle School | Closed | No |
FAQs
1. Why were classes canceled on August 21, 2025?
Classes were canceled due to extreme heat forecasts predicted by the National Weather Service, with temperatures expected to reach 99 degrees.
2. Which schools are affected by the cancellation?
Thirteen schools will close, including Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8.
3. What time are the early dismissals for the schools?
Johnson Elementary will dismiss at 12:30 PM, and Bryant Webster will release at 12:20 PM.
4. Are lunches provided for students before dismissal?
Yes, both Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster will provide lunch to students before they are dismissed early.
5. What measures is DPS taking to address air conditioning in schools?
DPS passed a nearly $1 billion bond in 2024, allocating $240 million for air conditioning improvements. However, some schools still require installations due to various delays.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Air Conditioning Issues Delay Opening of Louise Troy Elementary School
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
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