Houston Independent School District officials are planning to close 12 schools at the end of the 2025–26 school year as part of the district’s broader Accelerate Houston initiative.
District leaders say the proposal is aimed at addressing declining enrollment, aging facilities, and long-term budget sustainability. If approved, the closures would take effect before the 2026–2027 school year.
Here’s what we know so far.
So, what’s the problem?
According to HISD, enrollment has continued to decline across the district. Some campuses are significantly under capacity, making it harder to fully staff schools, maintain buildings, and offer academic and extracurricular programs.
District officials also point to major facility needs, saying it is not financially responsible to repair or replace aging buildings when fewer students are enrolled districtwide.
Why is this happening now?
HISD says under-enrolled schools stretch resources thin and limit student opportunities. By consolidating campuses, the district says it can better align enrollment, staffing, facilities, and instructional resources while focusing funding on classroom instruction rather than building maintenance.
Officials say the goal is to ensure all students have access to stable staffing, strong instruction, and high-quality learning environments for the 2026–2027 school year.
How were schools chosen for closure?
The district says multiple factors were considered, including:
- Student enrollment and campus utilization
- Facility condition and long-term repair needs
- Operating costs
- Proximity to nearby campuses
HISD has stated that replacing buildings in a shrinking district is not financially sustainable, making closures a more viable option.
Which schools are closing and where will students go?
According to HISD, students will be reassigned as follows:
- N.Q. Henderson ES → Bruce ES
- Port Houston ES → Pleasantville ES
- Fleming MS → Mickey Leland YMCPA (co-location)
- McReynolds MS → Mickey Leland YMCPA (co-location)
- Ross ES → Roosevelt ES or C. Martinez ES
- Burrus ES → Kennedy ES
- Franklin ES → Gallegos ES
- Alcott ES → Mading ES
- Hobby ES Pre-K & K → MLK Early Childhood Center
- Hobby ES 1–5 → Lawson MS (co-location)
- Cage ES → Lantrip ES (co-location)
- Briscoe ES → Carrillo ES
- Gulfton Middle College → Liberty HS
HISD says students will be placed at nearby campuses with access to courses, extracurriculars, and student services.
What families can expect during the transition
HISD says families at impacted campuses will receive additional support, including:
- Campus-based family meetings to explain next steps and answer questions
- Campus tours and meet-and-greets at receiving schools
- Dedicated support teams assigned to each closing campus
- Ongoing updates posted publicly on the HISD website and shared through ParentSquare
Families impacted by closures will also receive an extended timeline to participate in the HISD School Choice process.
What about special education, transportation, and class sizes?
According to the district:
- Special education services will continue at receiving schools in accordance with students’ IEPs
- Transportation eligibility will follow HISD’s existing criteria, with details shared during transition planning
- Enrollment at receiving campuses will be managed to maintain appropriate class sizes
How will the district honor closing campuses?
HISD says each closing school will form a Campus Legacy Committee, tasked with proposing ways to honor and preserve the school’s history in a way that is meaningful to the community.
What’s the timeline?
- Campuses will continue operating normally through the 2025–2026 school year
- The HISD Board of Managers is expected to vote on the closures on Feb.26
- If approved, closures would take effect at the end of the school year
How families can ask questions or give feedback
- Attend a parent or guardian meeting at your campus (registration links will be sent via ParentSquare)
- Complete the district survey distributed through ParentSquare
- Call the HISD Family Connections Center at 713-556-7121
- Visit the Family Connections Center at the Hattie Mae White Educational Center
HISD says additional details will be shared at upcoming campus meetings and through ParentSquare.
What additional questions do you have for HISD?