Denver, August 21, 2025
News Summary
In response to extreme heat forecasts predicting temperatures near 99 degrees, Denver Public Schools has canceled classes at 13 schools. Affected institutions, including Skinner Middle School and Johnson Elementary, will release students early, providing lunch before dismissal. The district is addressing ongoing issues with air conditioning infrastructure, as 27 schools still lack this essential service. Notifications about changes will be sent directly to families to aid in managing the sudden adjustments. The decision highlights the pressing need for improved climate control in schools amidst increasing extreme weather conditions.
Denver Schools Cancel Classes and Implement Early Releases Due to Record High Temperatures on August 21, 2025
Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools on August 21, 2025, in response to extreme heat predictions. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures nearing 99 degrees in the Denver area for that day. The affected schools include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8.
Johnson Elementary will dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster is set to release students at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch for their students before they head home. Bus services will operate on their regular routes but will adjust to align with the new dismissal times.
In addressing the possible impacts of these changes, a DPS spokesperson acknowledged the challenges faced by families dealing with unexpected school closures or early dismissals. Notifications about heat-related school closures will be sent out directly to families by 5 PM the evening prior to the scheduled closure or early release.
Additional Cancellations and Early Releases
In addition to the early dismissals at Johnson and Bryant Webster, all Little Links and Discovery Link programming will also be canceled at the schools that are closed for the day. Other districts, such as Poudre School District, are also taking precautions against the heat by releasing most of their schools early on the same day.
Current Measures for Air Conditioning
The decision to close schools highlights ongoing challenges related to school infrastructure, particularly regarding temperature control. DPS is actively working to improve air conditioning in schools, having passed a bond last year valued at nearly $1 billion, with $240 million allocated specifically for air conditioning initiatives. Despite ongoing progress, there remain 27 schools without installed air conditioning.
Two schools, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary, successfully completed their AC installations before the start of the school year. It is the goal of DPS to ensure that all schools are equipped with air conditioning by 2028.
Issues Affecting Installation Schedules
However, progress has faced setbacks, particularly at Skinner Middle School, where the discovery of asbestos has delayed the installation of air conditioning. The expected completion date for this project has been postponed to 2026.
There has been a notable level of frustration among parents regarding the heat conditions within classrooms and the delays affecting the air conditioning projects. As the extreme heat continues to pose risks, the need for effective climate control in schools remains a pressing concern.
Background Context
Extreme weather conditions have become more prevalent, particularly during summer months. School districts across the country are re-evaluating their operational protocols for handling high-temperature days to better ensure student safety and comfort. Ongoing discussions regarding funding for school improvements are critical in equipping facilities with necessary resources to withstand changing climate patterns.
Summary of Key Details
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature Forecast | Near 99 degrees |
| Affected Schools | 13 including Skinner Middle, Johnson Elementary, Bryant Webster ECE-8 |
| Early Dismissal Times | Johnson Elementary at 12:30 PM, Bryant Webster at 12:20 PM |
| Lunch Provided | Yes, before student dismissals |
| Bond for AC Improvement | $1 billion with $240 million for AC |
| Schools Without AC | 27 |
| Projected Completion for AC Installation | By 2028, with delays for Skinner Middle School to 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are classes canceled on August 21, 2025?
Classes are canceled due to extreme heat forecasts predicting temperatures of around 99 degrees.
Which schools are affected by the closure?
Classes are canceled at 13 schools, including Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8.
What are the early dismissal times for the affected schools?
Johnson Elementary will dismiss at 12:30 PM, and Bryant Webster will dismiss at 12:20 PM.
Will lunch be provided before dismissal?
Yes, both Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster will provide lunch to students before they are dismissed.
When are repairs for air conditioning expected to be completed?
DPS aims to have all schools equipped with air conditioning by 2028; however, Skinner Middle School’s installation has been delayed until 2026 due to asbestos issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays School Start Due to Wildfires
Louise Troy Elementary School Delayed Opening Due to AC Issues
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Multiple Denver schools cancel classes early release due to extreme heat
- Wikipedia: Denver Public Schools
- Denver Post: Denver schools closed due to heat
- Google Search: Denver heat wave 2025
- KDVR: Extreme heat cancels classes in Denver Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extreme Weather
- 9News: Extreme heat forces classroom closures in Denver
- Google News: Denver schools closure August 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
