Denver Schools Thrive Initiative
Addressing Declining Enrollment with Equity and Empathy
Overview
On Nov. 22, The Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Superintendent’s Recommendation. Here’s what that means:
Board of Education's Vote on Recommendations
Elementary:
Castro Elementary will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Castro’s boundary will split into Knapp Elementary and Charles M. Schenck Community School.
Columbian Elementary will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. A new Far Northwest Enrollment Zone will be created and will include Beach Court, Centennial, Edison and Trevista.
International Academy of Denver at Harrington will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year and will become part of the existing Greater Five Points/Central Enrollment Zone. This zone will include Columbine, Swansea, Garden Place, Cole Arts and Science Academy, University Prep - Arapahoe, Whittier and Wyatt Academy.
Palmer Elementary will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. A new Central East Elementary Enrollment Zone will be created and will include Teller, Steck, Carson, Montclair, Lowry and Denver Green School Southeast.
Schmitt Elementary will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. A new Southwest/Central Enrollment Zone will be created and will include Godsman, McKinley-Thatcher and Asbury.
Secondary:
Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design (DSISD) will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Students will be guaranteed a seat at their boundary or zone school.
West Middle School will close at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Students who live in the zone will be guaranteed a seat in the West Middle School Enrollment Zone.
As a reminder, the following grade level restructures did not require a decision from the Board of Education and will go into effect for the 2025-26 school year:
Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) at Baker will only offer grades 6-8 and will become part of the West Middle School Enrollment Zone.
Dora Moore will only offer grades ECE-5. As a Choice school, Dora Moore will not join an enrollment zone.
Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy (KCAA) will only offer grades 6-12. As a Choice school, KCAA will not join an enrollment zone.
Benefits of Addressing Declining Enrollment
Improved Student Experience
Increased access to mental health resources.
Allowing for more time with specialized roles that serve numerous schools districtwide.
Increased funding for programs like art, P.E., technology and music.
Improved Staff Experience
More robust support from school and district leadership.
Greater opportunities for feedback, observation and coaching.
More funding directly in the classroom at all schools.
Improved Systems Experience
Maximized use of district resources.
Relieving pressure on operational services.
Additional program offerings.
More funding for improved learning environments.
Students, families and staff can visit their school specific pages to learn more about what this means for their school community. With school closures and grade-level restructures programming shifts will occur. Please review the linked resources below.