Districts across the US are mulling college closures as pupil enrollment falls

School Closures: A Devastating Reality for Urban Communities

Thomasina Clarke has witnessed the devastating impact of school closures on her once thriving St. Louis neighborhood, which was recently hit by a tornado and has experienced a significant decline in population over the years. The potential closure of Sumner High School, a historically Black institution and alma mater of legendary musicians Tina Turner and Chuck Berry, has left Clarke and many others in the community fearful of the consequences. “It’s like a hole in the community,” Clarke said, highlighting the importance of these institutions in the social fabric of urban areas.

Thomasina Clarke poses for a photo outside Sumner High School Sept. 18, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

The Nationwide Problem of School Closures

St. Louis Public Schools is among several districts across the country grappling with the challenge of closing underutilized schools due to declining enrollment, shrinking budgets, and the growing school choice movement. A district-commissioned report found that the school system has more than twice the number of schools it needs, making it a financial strain to operate half-empty schools. However, research has shown that school closures can have a negative impact on students, leading to decreased academic performance and increased dropout rates.

Other cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, and Norfolk, Virginia, are also considering school closures, while Seattle and San Francisco have put plans on hold due to public outcry. According to a report by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, nearly 1 in 12 public schools experienced a decline in enrollment of 20% or more between 2019 and 2023, with many of these schools located in high-poverty neighborhoods.

The Impact of School Closures on Communities

The closure of schools can have a devastating impact on urban communities, leading to a loss of community identity and social cohesion. In Chicago, the closure of around 50 schools in 2013 led to increased fighting and bullying, as well as a decline in academic performance. A report by the UChicago Consortium on School Research found that the closure of schools can lead to a sense of uncertainty and trauma for students, teachers, and the community as a whole.

Signs are seen in windows celebrating 150 years of Sumner High School, the first Black high school west of the Mississippi, Sept. 18, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

A Glimmer of Hope for Sumner High School

Despite the challenges facing Sumner High School, there is a sense of hope and resilience in the community. The school has a rich history, and its alumni include notable figures such as Arthur Ashe and Chuck Berry. With the support of the community and local organizations, it is possible to revitalize the school and provide students with a high-quality education. As Mack Williams, an instructor at Sumner, said, “Yes, there’s damage, but it’s still standing and that’s reflective of the resilience of this community.”

Signs on the front doors of Sumner High School alert visitors classes have been moved after the school was damaged in a recent tornado Sept. 18, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)