Denver Public Schools Expanded Autism Classrooms

The district opened 28 new specialized classrooms as the student autism population grew by 75 percent.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Autism

Denver Public Schools Expanded Autism Classrooms

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Should your school district prioritize funding specialized classroom programs despite facing overall budget pressure?

Over the past two years, Denver Public Schools opened 28 new center-based classrooms to support a surging population of students with autism. The number of students requiring these special education services climbed from 1,315 in 2021 to 2,280 in 2025.

Why it matters

District officials link this growth to changing Medicaid rules that encourage families to choose public school services over private therapy. Meanwhile, experts credit the increase in diagnoses to improved screening and a broader definition of the condition.

Official enrollment data shows a 75% increase in students needing autism services over five years, while the district operates 28 new center-based classrooms at a cost exceeding $230,000 each.

The players

Denver Public Schools

This is the public school district serving approximately 89,000 students in the city of Denver, Colorado.

The details

Denver Public Schools, which serves approximately 89,000 students, allocated $44.3 million to center-based programs and $29.1 million to paraprofessionals this school year. These programs rely on specialized teams to determine student placement and provide individualized support through flexible staffing.

Between 2019 and 2025, the district teacher headcount decreased by 2%.
In 2021, the district served 1,315 students needing autism services.
During 2024 and 2025, the district served 2,280 students needing autism services.
Over the past two years, Denver Public Schools opened 28 new autism classrooms.
A vote on a tax increase to support special education is scheduled for November 2026.

The Big Picture

The district's expansion follows shifts in Medicaid's coverage policies for school-based services, which redirected more students with autism from private therapy into the public school system.

Families with students in the district may see changes in classroom placement as teams adjust support based on the new center-based availability. The proposed November ballot measure could directly influence the future availability of resources for children requiring special education.

The takeaway

The rise in students requiring autism services necessitates ongoing shifts in school staffing and resource allocation to maintain student support. Families should monitor district communications regarding placement criteria and the upcoming ballot vote for additional funding.