Heat, malfunctioning AC force U.S. schools to shut down, send children home

At least 52 schools across Philadelphia and other learning institutions in Detroit and Kansas closed early on Monday and Tuesday.

ADEFEMOLA AKINTADE • September 2, 2026

school in Philadelphia {credit :Philly Voice]

At least 52 schools across Philadelphia and other learning institutions in Detroit and Kansas closed early on Monday and Tuesday because they lacked proper air conditioning systems to mitigate the extreme summer heat.

Centre High School in Kansas dismissed students around noon on Tuesday and cancelled after-school activities, a statement said on Facebook.

“Due to an AC outage, CHS will dismiss at 12:15 today. All after-school activities at CHS are also cancelled,” the school stated. “All other schools will remain in session. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

Over 50 public schools in Philadelphia did the same amid soaring temperatures that reached the 80s but are forecast to reach the 90s.

The School District of Philadelphia announced the early dismissal on Monday in a statement, leaving parents nearly stranded as they struggle to find last-minute care for their children and wards.

Some of the Philadelphia schools affected include AMY Northwest, Olney Elementary, Comly, Watson, and others.

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