Broward County school district considers closing Forest Glen Middle School in Coral Springs due to declining enrollment
Coral Springs, Florida – Broward County Public Schools is actively considering the potential closure of Forest Glen Middle School in Coral Springs, a move prompted by steadily declining student enrollment across the district. Officials are exploring options to relocate students to other middle schools, including Coral Springs Middle School or Lyons Creek Middle School in Coconut Creek, as part of the district’s broader “Redefining Our Schools” initiative.
The school board is set to address the issue at a workshop scheduled for Tuesday at noon, where district staff will present findings and seek guidance from board members on possible next steps. The initiative, launched last year, is designed to respond to years of dwindling enrollment by evaluating school closures, mergers, boundary adjustments, and the potential repurposing or sale of school properties.
Since the initiative began, the district has already implemented significant changes. Last school year, officials closed one elementary school and converted it into an early learning and adult education center, transformed four elementary schools into K-8 institutions, and converted a middle school into a 6-12 school. This year, the district is considering the closure of up to seven schools in response to shifting demographics and enrollment patterns.
As part of the public consultation process, the district hosted a community meeting at Coral Springs High School on September 30 to discuss potential changes to four area middle schools, including Coral Springs Middle, Forest Glen Middle, Ramblewood Middle, and Margate Middle School. Approximately 225 residents attended in person, while more than 1,300 others participated via livestream on social media platforms, X, Facebook, or the district’s television channel, BECON.
During the meeting, community members highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality academic programs, including Cambridge and STEM initiatives, and expressed strong support for vocational and career-focused offerings, such as dual-language programs, coding, AI, and technical skills training. Attendees also raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms resulting from consolidation and potential safety issues.
A recurring theme in public feedback was the value of neighborhood schools, with families stressing that keeping schools within close proximity would help minimize transportation challenges. Despite these concerns, district officials are continuing to consider adjusting Forest Glen Middle School’s boundaries, relocating students, and repurposing the facility for other educational uses.
“This is about making sure we can provide the best learning environment for all students while adapting to enrollment trends,” a district official said, noting that the process involves careful study of both demographic data and community priorities.
Following the upcoming school board meeting, where members are expected to provide additional guidance to district staff, another public meeting is planned for Coral Springs, allowing residents to weigh in further. A regional community meeting is scheduled for October 27 at Coral Springs High School, offering another opportunity for the community to engage in the discussion and share their perspectives.
As the district continues to evaluate its options, school officials emphasize that student safety, quality of education, and equitable access to programs remain top priorities. Forest Glen Middle School, like many others in the area, faces challenges linked to enrollment shifts, but district leaders are working to balance efficiency with community needs.
The deliberations surrounding Forest Glen Middle School reflect broader trends across Broward County, where demographic shifts and changing student populations are prompting a reassessment of resources and facilities. While closure decisions are never easy, the district is committed to transparency, community engagement, and thoughtful planning to ensure that all students continue to receive high-quality educational opportunities.
As the discussion moves forward, residents and families are encouraged to participate in upcoming meetings, stay informed through district communications, and provide feedback to help guide the future of Coral Springs’ schools. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how Forest Glen Middle School’s role within the district may evolve in response to changing enrollment patterns.
