Douglas County School District officials this week recommended three Highlands Ranch schools for closure in an effort to consolidate growth and account for the decline of students in some areas.

To balance out that growth and decline, DCSD seeks to “pair” and “consolidate” six elementary schools into three in time for the 2026-2027 school year, according to a news release.

In 2012, DCSD enrollment reached 11,000 students. By 2026, that number is expected to drop to 6,000 students among 16 district elementary schools.

“We have more buildings than we need,” Superintendent Erin Kane told The Denver Gazette on Tuesday. “It’s really important to preserve opportunities for students and for us to make some consolidations.”

On Tuesday, DCSD officials submitted three recommendations to its Board of Education:

• Saddle Ranch Elementary to consolidate into Eldorado Elementary
• Heritage Elementary to consolidate into Summit View Elementary
• Acres Green Elementary to consolidate into Fox Creek Elementary

The Board is scheduled to vote on the recommendation at its April 22 meeting, according to officials.

“We didn’t choose these schools based on worthiness,” Kane said.

“We knew that this would be really, really challenging, especially for three communities,” she said. “We want our families to know that we are here for them. At the end of the day, this is all about their kids and making sure that their kids have great opportunities in a sustainable learning environment.”

The school district established its recommendations following “extensive analysis to address declining enrollment in parts of Highlands Ranch and to ensure that all students have access to a comprehensive, well-rounded education with full staffing and resources,” officials said in the release.

In addition to the school closures and consolidation, officials floated a plan to move Highlands Ranch sixth graders from elementary schools feeding into Cresthill, Mountain Ridge and Ranch View middle schools, according to the release, making them 6-8 grade.

“The opportunities with 6th grades in middle school is tremendous,” Kane said. “They’re able to have access to things like culinary, speech, orchestra, performing arts … all the kinds of things that are really hard to offer in a smaller elementary school.”

Kane noted roughly half of the district’s elementary schools only go up to fifth grade, before moving to a three-year middle school. She added that three-year middle schools also prompt enhanced engagement between staff, students and families.

DCSD Board President Christy Williams previously told The Denver Gazette “the board received ‘a great deal of feedback from all stakeholders’.”

“We understand that is an emotional process for parents and take all their concerns seriously,” Williams said.

School district officials added the changes will include “minor elementary school boundary adjustments.”

“All of these adjustments will help DCSD ensure that the newly consolidated schools remain efficient and sustainable for years to come,” officials said in the release.