Federal data analyzed by Stanford’s Big Local News project show 1,156 U.S. schools closed in the 2025–26 school year, the highest number since the pandemic, according to reporting by the Associated Press and The Hechinger Report. The reporting also finds public-school enrollment fell by more than 1.4 million students—about 3%—between 2019 and 2024. Districts cite shrinking enrollment and financial pressure as they consolidate campuses; the effects on students and local communities vary. The figures document a growing pattern, but do not mean every district will close schools. Sources: [Associated Press](apnews.com source ↗) · [Stanford Big Local News](biglocalnews.org source ↗)
Education
US school closures hit 1,156 last year as enrollment declines deepen budget pressure
An analysis of federal data by Stanford’s Big Local News project counted 1,156 school closures in the 2025–26 school year, the highest since the pandemic. AP reporting describes districts confronting declining enrollment and budget strain; the national total is a count of closures, not a forecast of future shutdowns.
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