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 Kentucky Receives $150M Gift Toward New Arts District

    The University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees recently received a $150-million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, according to a university news release, to build a new arts district on the campus in Lexington, Ky. The new district will feature a new College of Fine Arts building and a multi-hundred-seat theater, among other amenities.

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.