Colorado IB School Completes Renovations, Additions

International Baccalaureate school Alameda International Junior/Senior High School, part of the Jeffco Public Schools district in Lakewood, Colo., recently opened its retooled campus to the community, according to a news release. The facility was originally built in 1961 and required a series of major renovations to meet the needs of modern students.

Work included demolishing an old classroom building on the campus’ west side, creating a new wing on its east side, and constructing a new main entrance to the school. The district partnered with Wold Architects and Engineers for the project’s design. The school’s IB program serves students in grades 7–12 and features a variety of learning spaces designed to promote collaborative learning, teamwork, and socialization. New amenities include community study spaces, a Senior Lounge, a learning staircase, and flexible learning corridors.

“Today marks a major milestone or the future of Alameda International, and we couldn’t be more excited for our staff, students, and community,” said Alameda International Principal Susie Van Scoyk. “These new spaces create an environment that supports collaborative learning, allowing students to take ownership of their learning and develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that’s always evolving.”

The renovated facility also features a new, two-story media center that the news release calls “the heart of the school community.” It was designed to feature as much natural daylight as possible via a tall curtain wall on the east side and clerestory windows on the north.

Funding for the project came through a bond. “We are grateful to our Jeffco community who supported this work, as we take financial stewardship very seriously,” said Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland. “These upgrades symbolize our prioritization of fostering an environment that inspires excellence, innovation, and a true sense of belonging.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Little Grand Market

    Designing for Belonging: Why Student Wellness Starts with Space

    From walkable site planning to flexible interiors, intentional design choices play a critical role in how students experience comfort, connection, and community.

  • Ohio State University Opens 26-Story Hospital

    The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center recently opened in Columbus, Ohio, standing 26 stories and covering 1.9 million square feet, according to a university news release. The project marks ten years of effort and is the university’s largest single-facility construction project ever.

  • South Carolina District Starts Construction on $50M Middle School Renovation

    The Aiken County Public School District in North Augusta, S.C., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50-million renovation and expansion of North Augusta Middle School, according to a news release. The project’s funding comes from the 2024 renewal of a one-cent sales tax approved by local voters.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).