Closure of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy Highlights Struggles of Small Schools in Denver

The impending closure of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy in Denver has cast a spotlight on the struggles of small schools within the district. Originally designed to serve up to 500 students with a curriculum inspired by historically Black colleges, the institution is set to shut its doors at the end of the school year, with only 24 students currently enrolled.

Denver Public Schools Superintendent Alex Marrero has recommended an operational closure, citing the unsustainable enrollment numbers. This type of closure differs from traditional school shutdowns, as it requires no approval from the school board. Funding relies heavily on student enrollment, and as such, dwindling attendance exacerbates the financial strain.

Chelsey Moore, whose son is a senior at Robert F. Smith, shared her thoughts on the situation. Her son had previously attended another school that was affected by low enrollment. Moore described the academy as “a magical … standalone safe space,” emphasizing the impact of its closure on the community. "They’re not just closing schools," she lamented, "They’re changing the trajectory and futures for students."

Enrollment trends in Denver reveal a larger narrative of declining numbers among small schools in the district. In line with a statewide trend, Denver has seen a drop of 1,780 students in recent months, a figure that surpassed district expectations. With Superintendent Marrero alluding to the likelihood of more closures in the future, the fate of small educational institutions lies in precarious balance.

Challenges Unique to Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy

The genesis of Robert F. Smith’s formation stemmed from the advocacy of Black parents and coaches in northeast Denver, who sought better educational options following a negative district report detailing inadequate services for Black students. In a move to address these concerns, the school board mandated support for a proposal that would leverage the HBCU model.

Following approval for the school’s opening in 2019, Robert F. Smith encountered hurdles almost immediately. Initially slated to enroll 125 students in its first year, it fell short, only managing to register 78. Compounding matters, the district initially mislisted the school’s address on its school choice website, resulting in confusion among prospective students and their families.

The following year saw a slight bump in enrollment to 135, but the figure plummeted to just 44 in 2023 after the school relocated further away, leading to a substantial loss in local student interest. The first campus, a repurposed office building, lacked essential facilities like a kitchen and sports fields, which the founders had anticipated.

After moving to a former elementary school, Robert F. Smith aimed to expand its capacity, but the results were disappointing. Its enrollment never fully recovered, with student numbers hovering around 90 for much of its tenure there. Recent decisions, including cutting the ninth-grade class after fewer than 20 freshmen applied, indicate that the situation was becoming increasingly untenable.

Interpersonal and Leadership Struggles

Beyond enrollment issues, Robert F. Smith experienced significant internal strife, including changes in leadership and tensions between the school's founders and the district. Notably, founder Brandon Pryor, a vocal critic of district policy, faced a ban from accessing Robert F. Smith and other schools within the district. This punitive action led to legal challenges, where a judge eventually lifted the ban, underscoring the turbulent relationship between the school's advocates and the district administration.

Currently, district officials have committed to assisting affected families and staff, promising support in finding new educational placements. However, the manner in which families were informed of the closure has caused frustration. Many parents felt blindsided by poor communication, raising concerns about their lack of involvement in discussions surrounding the school’s future. “Most parents didn’t know until last night that the school was closing,” Moore stated. “Our question was, ‘Why weren’t we informed?’”

As Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy prepares to close, its story serves as a microcosm for the broader challenges facing small schools in Denver and beyond, where financial viability and community engagement continue to collide.