has recommended the district’s Board of Education close six schools in Northglenn, Thornton, Westminster and Broomfield — along with making other changes — to save $5 million annually in the face of falling K-12 enrollment.
The Thornton-based district revealed the plan to the school board Thursday. The board is expected to vote on the proposal during a public meeting on Oct. 7.
“I recognize the significance of this announcement, especially for the students, staff, families and alumni connected to the schools included,” Superintendent Chris Gdowski said in a letter to families and employees. “A school is far more than a building. It holds relationships, traditions, memories and a deep sense of community.”
The schools recommended for closure are:
- North Mor Elementary in Northglenn will close, and its students will move to either Hillcrest or Westview elementary schools.
- Rocky Mountain Elementary in Westminster will close, and its students will transition to Cotton Creek, Federal Heights or North Star elementaries.
- Centennial Elementary in Broomfield will close, and its students will go to Arapahoe Ridge Elementary.
- Cherry Drive Elementary in Thornton will close, and its students will move to Riverdale Elementary.
- The Studio School in Northglenn will close, and its students can opt into their neighborhood school or another via the state’s choice system.
- Shadow Ridge Middle School in Thornton will close, and its students will move to Century or Rocky Top middle schools.
If approved, the schools would close after the end of the 2026-27 academic year.
More than 1,500 students and 340 employees would be impacted by the closures, according to the district’s news announcement. Adams 12 said it will work to retain staff despite the recommendation.
Adams 12 also wants to change the boundaries for two middle schools.
Hulstrom K-8, a gifted magnet school in Northglenn, would also move locations so that it can expand to include preschoolers. If the move happens, then enrollment at Hulstrom is expected to increase from 690 students to 950 pupils, according to the district.
Adams 12 also wants to open a new K-8 magnet school with an arts emphasis in Hulstrom’s current building.
Districts across the state are closing schools as K-12 enrollment falls as fewer Coloradans have children. Other districts that have shuttered schools in recent years include Jeffco Public Schools, Denver Public Schools and the Douglas County School District.
The Boulder Valley School District is currently as well.
