The Douglas County School District is proposing to close three elementary schools in Highlands Ranch next year because of declining enrollment.
The school closure plan, which was unveiled Monday, would go into effect at the start of the 2026-27 academic year if approved by the district’s Board of Education.
The school board is set to vote on the recommendation at a public meeting April 22.
District officials said in their announcement that their recommendation follows extensive analysis of declining student enrollment in parts of Highlands Ranch and is designed to “ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive, well-rounded education with full staffing and resources.”
Here are the schools recommended for closure:
- Saddle Ranch Elementary, with students moving to Eldorado Elementary
- Heritage Elementary, with students moving to Summit View Elementary
- Acres Green Elementary, with students moving to Fox Creek Elementary
The Douglas County School District also recommends shifting sixth-graders in Highlands Ranch to middle schools — a plan the district hopes to implement districtwide in the future, according to a news release. This would affect schools that feed into Cresthill, Mountain Ridge and Ranch View middle schools, the district said.
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