The last day marked more than the end of the school year for thousands of families. District leaders announced that several campuses will shut down ahead of the next school year, impacting 16,000 students.
At Lowell Elementary School, fifth graders celebrated their graduation, with families gathering to mark the milestone. Parents and students browsed pop-up vendors selling celebratory gifts and apparel.
"I'm humbled by it, to see my son graduate, I'm proud of him, it's a good day," said parent Benito Nieto.
MORE: Parents furious after San Jose Unified board votes to close 5 elementary schools
Parents furious after SJUSD board votes to close 5 schools
But the celebration also carried a deeper meaning. The entire Lowell campus is among several schools set to close, making the final day especially emotional for students, families and staff.
One parent, Maria Ardun, said the closures are especially difficult for her children. In Spanish, she told ABC7 Eyewitness News that her children are sad because they will attend different schools from the friends they made at Lowell.
The closures follow a decision by the San Jose Unified School District board in March to approve a plan to shutter several elementary schools. At the time, parents packed a school board meeting, many voicing strong opposition.
"They just don't care. They just keep going. This whole thing has been about let's move this train towards the end and nothing about what are the other options," said SJUSD parent Travis Curran in March.
District leaders said declining enrollment in recent years prompted the move. Some parents argued funding is tied to local property taxes, not directly to enrollment, and questioned the need for closures.
The schools set to close include Lowell, Canoas, Terrell, Empire Gardens and Gardner elementary schools. The Hammer Montessori magnet program will relocate.
Despite the uncertainty, the final day included moments of celebration, but even for families whose children are moving on to middle school and are not directly affected by the closures, the day carried a sense of loss.
"It's a little sad, a lot of memories here it was a good time for him," Nieto said.