Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board Approves Six School Closures

The Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education formally approved a plan to close six schools following declining enrollment trends. The board approved the closure plan on Oct. 7, 2026.

Enrollment decline drives decision

A decade-long enrollment drop is the primary reason for the closures. Adams 12 has lost more than 6,000 students over the last seven years, a figure confirmed as over 6,400 students lost in the last decade. This reflects a broader statewide trend. Colorado’s public school enrollment in 2025-26 was the lowest point in a decade, a 4.6% drop from the 913,223 students enrolled in 2019-20. Superintendent Chris Gdowski cited declining birth rates and expensive housing in Colorado as reasons for the enrollment challenges.

Plan details and student impacts

The plan calls for the closure of five elementary schools and one middle school. All five elementary schools recommended for closure serve fewer than 300 K-5 students, while Shadow Ridge Middle School serves fewer than 600 students and is the district’s only middle school using less than half of its building. The district argues smaller schools have fewer opportunities for specialized classes and programs.

Student reassignments are detailed in the plan. The district will establish a new K-8 magnet school focused on the arts, and will adjust two middle school attendance boundaries to balance enrollment. No closures or boundary changes are recommended at the high school level.

If approved, students will have guaranteed placement at their new neighborhood schools. Eligible students will still receive transportation. Students with IEPs, 504s, and ALPs will continue to receive services at their new schools. The full recommendation also includes relocating and expanding Hulstrom K-8 to the current Shadow Ridge site, with the new K-8 arts magnet school opening on Wyco Drive in the current Hulstrom K-8 building.

Financial and staff considerations

After the first year of implementation, the district expects to save $5 million annually. A total of 341 staff work at the six schools recommended for closure. The district is working with employee associations to provide commensurate job opportunities for impacted staff through the 2027-28 school year.

Timeline and next steps

The closures are set to take effect at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year. The board will make its final decision on the plan at a meeting starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. If the board approves the plan Wednesday night, the changes will take effect as scheduled. Anna Merod noted the board's initial action, stating, "The Adams 12 Five Star Schools Board of Education approved a plan to close six of the Denver-area district’s schools during an Oct."

If approved, students will have guaranteed placement at new neighborhood schools.