Adams 12 board votes 4-1 to close six schools as enrollment falls by 6,000 students

The Adams 12 Five Star Schools board voted 4 to 1 Wednesday evening to close six schools at the end of the 2026 to 2027 academic year after district officials reported a drop of more than 6,000 students over seven years.

District officials said the closures are part of a consolidation plan intended to keep programs fuller as enrollment continues to shrink.

“In a period of declining enrollment, the goal is fewer, more appropriately resourced elementary and middle school programs that support a thriving school experience,” district officials said in a public presentation about the plan.

The schools approved for closure are Centennial Elementary School, North Mor Elementary School, Cherry Drive Elementary School, Rocky Mountain Elementary School, The Studio School and Shadow Ridge Middle School. District officials said each of those elementary schools has fewer than 300 students and can no longer offer daily special classes.

District officials said small schools stretch staff and programs too thin. They said schools that size may not be able to employ full-time art or gym teachers, or offer electives and after-school clubs.

The district said the state demographer has traced the decline to lower birth rates that began during the Great Recession around 2007. Adams 12 officials said the district has lost more than 6,000 students in the past seven years.

Before the vote, parents and community members asked the board to reject the plan.

“Are we protecting neighborhood schools from the effects of choice?” asked Centennial Elementary School parent Melissa Boyden. “If students can choose out of a neighborhood school what safeguards prevent the school from losing enrollment and eventually facing the same decision?”

The board approved plans to relocate and expand Hulstrom K-8 school and to open a new arts magnet K-8 school in Northglenn. District officials said those moves respond to community interest in having more K-8 options.

Adams 12 joins other Front Range districts that are consolidating schools as student populations fall. Jefferson County and Denver have recently closed several schools. Boulder Valley and Poudre school districts are also planning closures this year.

The closures take effect at the end of the 2026 to 2027 school year.