Denver, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Denver Public Schools have canceled classes at over a dozen schools due to an extreme heatwave forecasted for Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach the high 90s. Affected schools include Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster, which will dismiss students early. With many facilities lacking adequate air conditioning, DPS is also halting programming for Little Links and Discovery Link. This decision comes as community members express frustration over insufficient cooling systems and delayed upgrades.
Denver
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have canceled classes at over a dozen schools due to extreme heat forecasted for Thursday. The decision comes as temperatures are expected to soar to the high 90s, which is particularly concerning given that many DPS facilities lack adequate air conditioning.
Among the schools affected by the cancellations are Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary will release students at 12:30 p.m., while Bryant Webster will dismiss students at 12:20 p.m.. For those schools that are dismissing early, bus services will run on their regular routes at the designated times, and students will be provided lunch prior to leaving.
In addition to the early releases and complete school closures, DPS will also cancel programming for Little Links and Discovery Link at certain schools. This is part of a broader response to the heatwave, which is not uncommon for schools in August, particularly where facilities lack sufficient cooling systems.
The Poudre School District has announced similar measures, releasing most schools early due to the extreme heat, including all elementary and middle schools and select high schools. This trend underscores the increasing challenges associated with rising temperatures in educational settings.
DPS officials recognized that these school closures pose unforeseen challenges for families, particularly regarding childcare and work schedules. Families were notified of potential disruptions directly by 5 p.m. the day before the closures, which helped in some cases to mitigate the impact.
While conversations around the adequacy of school facilities have surfaced, some schools, such as Skinner Middle School, are still awaiting air conditioning upgrades following a bond measure that was approved by voters. The timeline for these upgrades has been extended until 2026 due to the discovery of asbestos, further complicating the situation for students and staff during heatwaves.
Community members have expressed frustration and concern regarding the lack of proper cooling systems. Many are questioning how taxpayer funding is allocated, suggesting that school infrastructure funding should be prioritized to ensure safe and comfortable learning environments for students.
Key Points
- Denver Public Schools canceled classes at over a dozen schools due to extreme heat.
- Johnson Elementary will dismiss students at 12:30 p.m., and Bryant Webster at 12:20 p.m.
- Many affected schools lack adequate air conditioning.
- Poudre School District also announced early releases due to heat.
- Community members are raising concerns over the delays in air conditioning upgrades.
FAQs
Why were classes canceled in Denver Public Schools?
Classes were canceled due to extreme heat expected on Thursday, with temperatures forecasted to reach the high 90s.
Which schools are affected by the cancellations?
The schools that canceled classes include Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8, among others.
What time will students be released from the affected schools?
Johnson Elementary will release students at 12:30 p.m., and Bryant Webster ECE-8 will release students at 12:20 p.m.
Are there any other programming cancellations?
Yes, some schools will also cancel Little Links and Discovery Link programming due to the extreme heat.
Key Features of the School Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Class Cancellations | Classes canceled at over a dozen DPS schools. |
| Early Releases | Johnson Elementary at 12:30 p.m.; Bryant Webster at 12:20 p.m. |
| Bus Service | Regular routes will operate at dismissal times. |
| Lunch Provision | Students will receive lunch before dismissal. |
| Community Concerns | Frustrations regarding lack of air conditioning and funding allocation. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Denver Schools Close Due to Extreme Heat
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start Due to Wildfires
Louise Troy Elementary School Delays Opening Due to AC Issues
Additional Resources
- Denverite
- Denver7
- KDVR
- CBS News
- 9News
- Wikipedia: School Closures
- Google Search: Extreme Heat in Schools
- Google Scholar: School Closures Due to Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Climate Challenges
- Google News: Denver Schools Heat Closures
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
