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

  • University of Washington Opens New Broadcast Studio

    The University of Washington in Seattle, Wash., recently announced the opening of Sundodger Studios, a new broadcast, production, and content facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with Anthony James Partners for the design and development of the studio, which will host about 100 live broadcasts and 120 live videoboard shows per year.

  • Longwood University Hits Construction Milestone on New Music Education Facility

    Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of its new music education and performance facility, according to a news release. The university partnered with development and construction firm Skanska on the 63,800-square-foot facility, which began construction in August 2025 and has an estimated completion date of fall 2028.

  • University of Pennsylvania Releases Design of Future Physical Sciences Building

    The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) in Philadelphia, Penn., recently released renderings of an upcoming 350,000-square-foot Physical Sciences Building, according to news release. The facility was designed by CO Architects and will unite the university’s departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.