Which Denver schools are among the schools the DPS superintendent is recommending for closure? Check out the full list

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero, announced Thursday evening that the following schools are being recommended to close:

Colombian elementary school
Castro Elementary School
Schmitt Elementary School
Denver International Academy in Harrington
Palmer Elementary School
Castro Elementary School
Castro Elementary School
West Middle School
Denver School for Innovation and Sustainable Design

The following program changes or school reorganizations that do not require a board vote are also recommended (ECE stands for Early Childhood Education):
Kunsmiller will only be 6-12 (1-5 removed)
Dora Moore will only remove ECE-5 (6-8)
DCIS Baker 6-12 becomes DCIS Baker MS (remove 9-12)

Marrero made the announcement during a Board of Education work session. The school district said in a statement that the closure recommendations are being made “to ensure that all DPS students are provided the same level of learning opportunities and comprehensive support, regardless of where they live in the district or what school they attend.”

Next week, board members will visit affected schools to meet with families and staff.

On November 18, DPS will receive feedback from the community during the board's public comment session.

On November 21st, the school board will vote on which schools should be closed and merged.

In fall 2022, Marrero recommended ten schools that met the criteria for closure, but the school board rejected his recommendation, saying it was a rushed process, reversing the decision and directing the superintendent to address declining enrollment to deal with. Last year, the district closed three schools: Denver Discovery, Fairview Elementary and Math and Science Leadership Academy.

This year, the board will try a new model, including prioritizing a group of schools close to each other with low enrollment and considering avoiding dangerous roads when developing new school attendance patterns for children.

“We know how difficult it will be, so we are taking it very seriously,” said Dr. Carrie A Olson. “We are thinking about the community engagement that the board will engage in with all schools next week. We want to hear from communities.”

“We will do this with the utmost care and concern,” she said.