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.

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

Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
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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

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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