More than 30 Denver schools without air conditioning are closing early this week, and that number could increase

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-to-high-90s this week.

School supplies are ready for the first day of school at Lowry Elementary. Aug. 18, 2022.

Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Paolo Zialcita

Sep. 06, 2022, 9:16 a.m.

Updated 3:15 p.m.

Extreme heat is in the forecast for Denver, with record-breaking temperatures expected through Thursday.

As of Tuesday afternoon, a Denver Public Schools spokesperson said 31 schools would close early on Wednesday and Thursday due to high temperatures and a lack of air conditioning. But that number could grow. Denver Public Schools has 48 campuses that lack air conditioning.

Many have no plans to install units in the near future. Lack of air conditioning has led to several heat days where schools close early due to temperatures in the mid-to-high-90s.

Only three schools had “heat days” on Tuesday.

“On the hottest days, temperatures in our third floor and east-facing classrooms can reach over 90 degrees. This is not an environment that is safe nor conducive to teaching and learning,” an announcement from McAuliffe International School in North Park Hill said.

DPS issued a list of schools Tuesday afternoon. End times will vary per school.

Asbury Elementary
Brown International Academy
Cory Elementary
Cowell Elementary
Park Hill Elementary
Skinner Middle School
Stedman Elementary
University Park Elementary
Ellis Elementary
Bradley Elementary
Sabin World School
Thomas Jefferson High School
Carson Elementary
Denison Montessori – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Steele Elementary
Bryant Webster Dual Language
McMeen Elementary
Lake Middle School
Polaris Elementary
Traylor Academy
Manual High School
Math and Science Leadership Academy – Rishel
Goldrick Elementary
Doull Elementary
Denver Montessori, only Thursday
Whittier ECE-8
George Washington High School
West Middle School
West High School
South High School

The following schools will be closed all day due to the heat.

Godsman Elementary, Tuesday
Barrett Elementary, Wednesday and Thursday
Columbine Elementary, Wednesday and Thursday
Knapp Elementary, Wednesday and Thursday

Tweet from @NWSBoulder

There is some relief around the corner, though. Temperatures are expected to drop to the low-60s and mid-70s this weekend.

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