The Douglas County School District has recommended the closure of three elementary schools in Highlands Ranch as part of a consolidation plan aimed at addressing declining enrollment. The proposal suggests that Saddle Ranch, Heritage, and Acres Green elementary schools be closed starting in the 2026–27 school year. Superintendent Erin Kane announced the recommendation on March 24, 2025, following nearly two years of analysis and community engagement.
The district has emphasized that this decision is part of an effort to ensure that all students have access to fully staffed schools and a broad range of educational programs. According to Kane, the decision follows careful review of enrollment trends and community input, with the goal of maintaining high-quality education despite financial challenges.
School consolidation details
Under the proposal, Saddle Ranch Elementary will consolidate into Eldorado Elementary, Heritage Elementary will merge with Summit View Elementary, and Acres Green Elementary will join Fox Creek Elementary. “These decisions are incredibly difficult,” Kane wrote in a message to families. “But our priority remains ensuring that every child has access to an exceptional education and a very bright future,” as reported by the Highlands Ranch Herald.
The district highlighted that consolidating under-enrolled schools would allow for the preservation of staffing levels and the expansion of key programs such as STEM, music, and mental health services. The affected school buildings will continue to be available for community use, with potential plans for additional district programming starting in the 2025–26 school year.
Changes for students and families
The district also laid out specific details for students who will be reassigned under the new plan. Saddle Ranch students will transition to Eldorado, which is located 2.5 miles away. A new bus route will be added to accommodate families living south and east of Saddle Ranch. Similarly, Heritage and Summit View are only 0.8 miles apart, and the district expects minimal transportation changes, including the addition of one new bus route.
Acres Green students will be reassigned to Fox Creek, 2.4 miles away, with three new bus routes provided to serve students who currently walk to school but fall outside bus eligibility. These transitions are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all students have access to the same educational offerings and services.
Additional changes for Highlands Ranch
Beyond the closures, the district plans to move sixth grade to middle schools in certain feeder areas starting in the 2026–27 school year. This will eventually apply districtwide, and the district intends to release a timeline as plans develop. Boundary adjustments for elementary schools in Highlands Ranch are also under consideration to balance enrollment, as reported by the Highlands Ranch Herald.
