News Summary
In response to a severe heat wave forecasted to bring dangerously high temperatures, Denver Public Schools has canceled classes at 13 schools. Early dismissals have been scheduled for several schools, and bus services will run on adjusted schedules to accommodate the changes. The district is also focusing on air conditioning installation efforts, having invested significantly to improve school infrastructure, although some schools still lack AC units. As the region experiences extreme heat, measures are being implemented to ensure student safety and health.
Denver Schools Cancel Classes and Implement Early Releases Due to Record High Temperatures on August 21, 2025
Denver, CO — On August 21, 2025, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools across the district, citing dangerously high temperatures forecasted for the day. The decision was made in response to a heat wave expected to bring near-90-degree-and-above temperatures to the Denver area, with the National Weather Service predicting records approaching 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
School Closures and Early Dismissals
Among the affected schools are Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary will dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release students at 12:20 PM. Both schools will offer lunch to students before dismissal, ensuring students’ nutritional needs are met despite the shortened day.
Bus services will operate on adjusted schedules to accommodate the early dismissals, maintaining standard routes but at earlier times to align with the new school hours. DPS emphasized that these measures are intended to protect students and staff from excessive heat exposure.
Communication and Additional Programs
The district acknowledged that unexpected school closures could pose challenges for families, especially those relying on school-based programs or work schedules. To mitigate this, DPS sent notifications directly to families by 5 PM the evening before the closures or early dismissals. Additionally, Little Links and Discovery Link after-school programming will be canceled at the closed schools for the day.
Air Conditioning Initiatives and Delays
Heat safety concerns have increased focus on air conditioning (AC) installation efforts across Denver schools. Last year, the district passed a nearly $1 billion bond to improve school infrastructure, with about $240 million allocated specifically for air conditioning upgrades. Despite this, 27 schools still lack AC units.
Progress has been made, with Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary completing air conditioning installations before the start of the school year. However, other schools face delays due to the discovery of hazardous materials. For example, Skinner Middle School has experienced setbacks because of asbestos found on-site, pushing the completion date for AC installation to 2026.
Future Goals and Ongoing Challenges
DPS has set a target to equip all schools with air conditioning by 2028. The district is actively working to accelerate the installation process, but certain delays continue to impact this timeline. Parents and staff have expressed frustration over the persistent heat inside classrooms and the slow progress of infrastructure improvements.
Other Districts Respond to Heat Conditions
Similar measures are being adopted by neighboring districts; for instance, Poudre School District has announced early releases for most of its schools on the same day to avoid exposing students and staff to the extreme heat. These actions reflect a broader regional response to the ongoing heatwave and the need for enhanced safety protocols in educational settings.
As temperatures remain high, DPS and other districts work to prioritize health and safety, balancing the need for educational continuity with effective heat mitigation strategies. The district continues to monitor weather forecasts and progress on infrastructure projects to improve conditions for the upcoming school year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, 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 North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
