School Districts Nationwide Closing Campuses Due to Declining Enrollment

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School districts across the country are being forced to close campuses due to declining enrollment, a trend that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DeKalb County School District in Georgia plans to shutter more than two dozen schools in the coming years, following similar moves by the Atlanta Public Schools and other districts nationwide.

Why it matters

Declining enrollment can put significant financial strain on school districts, leading to tough decisions about campus closures that impact communities. This trend raises concerns about equitable access to education, especially in underserved areas, as school consolidation may force students to travel farther or change their learning environments.

The details

The DeKalb County School District, just outside of Atlanta, is planning to close over 25 schools in the next few years due to declining enrollment, which officials say began accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic. This mirrors actions taken by the Atlanta Public Schools system and other districts across the country facing similar enrollment drops.

• The DeKalb County School District announced its closure plans in February 2026.
• The COVID-19 pandemic beginning in 2020 is cited as a key driver of the enrollment declines.

What’s next

School districts will need to carefully weigh the impacts of campus closures on their communities, including transportation challenges and potential disruptions to students' learning environments.