Douglas County School District (DCSD) Board of Education has unanimously approved the closure of three Highlands Ranch elementary schools in an effort to consolidate growth and decline within the district. By the 2026-2027 school year, three schools will be closed, with students and faculty being transferred to existing elementary schools. This decision was made in response to declining enrollment, with the number of students expected to drop from 11,000 to 6,000 over the next few years.
The closures and consolidations have caused concern among some parents in the Highlands Ranch community, who argue that the move will result in long-term complications and lack transparency. Despite these concerns, DCSD officials have assured that they will maintain open communication with the school community and that all staff will be retained or offered positions within the district.
Parents have also expressed worries about transitioning resources between schools, transportation, and maintaining existing staff. However, the DCSD Board members have emphasized that the decisions were made with the best interests of the students in mind and that residents are engaged in the process.
The closures will also see sixth graders in Highlands Ranch move from elementary schools to middle schools in order to balance enrollment across different grade levels within the district. DCSD Superintendent Erin Kane stressed the importance of preserving opportunities for students and making necessary consolidations to address the changing demographics in the area.
