At 7:45 a.m., members of Youth United for Change protested the district's intention to increase the size of three small high schools operating at what used to be Kensington High School.

Next September, nearly 2,000 students are expected to attend the complex, which could increase each school to well over 600 students. Small schools work best with 400 students, the group asserts.

Cassandra W. Jones, the district's interim chief academic officer, said the enrollment will not reach that high. Some ninth graders will attend other schools, she said.

"This reduction of potential students, as well as the potential addition of seven classrooms at the Kensington Culinary building, should certainly support our efforts to reduce potential overcrowding," Jones said.

But Youth United for Change members remain concerned.

"There are many things that we requested from the district, that I as a student believe are necessary for a proper education at a small school... I argue that the minimal they can do is help decrease these numbers," Saeda Washington, a senior at Kensington Business High School and member of Youth United for Change, said in a prepared statement.

In addition to the culinary and business schools, Kensington also houses a creative and performing arts program.

At 6 p.m., Youth United for Change will partner with other groups on a forum where they will call for the district to affirm support for creating four small high schools at Olney High, which is currently split into two schools.