Colorado IB School Completes Renovations, Additions

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/20/23

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

  • Nonprofit Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), according to a news release. CLIMB’s ultimate purpose is to help higher-education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes by providing tools, frameworks, and support.

  • Ancient Resilience: How Indigenous Intelligence Shapes the 4Roots Education Building

    As climate change intensifies, educational spaces must evolve beyond basic sustainability toward true resilience – we must design environments that can adapt, respond, and thrive amid shifting, and intensifying, climate hazards. Drawing on indigenous wisdom and nature-based strategies, integrating resilient design offers a path to create learning environments that are not only functional but deeply in tune with their natural surroundings.

  • Agualta STEAM Engine

    Outdoor Learning Spaces and Biophilic Design Create Community in East Los Angeles

    Griffith STEAM Magnet Middle School's Agualta STEAM Engine blends education, community, and nature through its adaptable design.

  • Florida Elementary School to Undergo $47M Reconstruction

    The School District of Osceola County in Kissimmee, Fla., recently announced a partnership with construction firm Skanska to reconstruct Reedy Creek Elementary School, according to a news release. The $47-million project will involve the new construction of a 96,000-square-foot academic center, renovating the remaining facilities, a full-site redevelopment, and demolishing portions of the existing school.

Digital Edition