Families organized a surprise celebration on the last day, with parents and former students lining the streets dressed in red, showcasing what they called "Garfield Grit."
A parade featuring drums, confetti and bubbles greeted students as they left for summer break.
"We just did not want to go quietly," said one parent.
The celebration doubled as a farewell to the school itself, one of the district's oldest elementary buildings.
Former student Raphael Carlson said the moment brought back memories.
"I want to send off my teachers. I really loved Mr. Wiltsey," he said of the school's principal.
Parents said the event was meant to honor teachers and staff who shaped their children's lives.
"We want to make sure everybody in that building who has helped raise my children are going out smiling and knowing they made a difference," said Garfield parent Maryann Davis.
Students reacted with excitement to the surprise.
"Really cool! They just surprised us with this!" said student Ella Munn.
Still, the reality of the closure weighed on many.
"I'm never going to go back in there ever again," said student Charlotte Davis.
Another student, Taylor Dixon, reflected on the experience, saying tearfully, "All the fun stuff that we do - it was just really fun."
Some parents questioned the decision to close the school.
"I absolutely think there's different things they could've cut. I also think if they had given us time - if they had given the community time to know what was going on and not kept it hidden - this community would've rallied," said Mindy Leher.
School officials said the closure comes as the district faces a $3 million deficit. They cited decreased state funding - about $305,000 less next year - along with rising healthcare and transportation costs.
Superintendent Fredrick McDowell said broader systemic issues are at play, saying, "There's a structural problem that has unfortunately not been solved at the state level and local communities are shouldering the burden."
A spokesperson for the governor's office acknowledged ongoing concerns about funding, while highlighting the state's overall investment in education.
"The Governor has been clear that there is still significant work ahead to modernize school funding, which is long overdue. This year's proposed budget delivers a record level of $12.4 billion in funding to support K-12 education while also taking important steps toward strengthening the school funding formula and ensuring resources are distributed fairly, effectively, and in a way that best supports students and taxpayers across all districts," said Maggie Garbarino, deputy press secretary for the Office of the Governor.
The school building will be decommissioned and put up for sale. Students have been reassigned to other elementary schools for the upcoming fall term, marking the end of an era for the Collingswood community.