Alameda International, an International Baccalaureate school in the Jeffco Public Schools district, has announced the official opening of its reimagined campus in Lakewood. Many community leaders attended the ribbon-cutting and grand opening celebration on September 5, including Jeffco Public Schools Superintendent Tracy Dorland, Board Vice Presidents Susan Miller and Mary Parker, along with Alameda International staff, city officials and project partners.
The project’s design was led by Wold Architects and Engineers, a local architectural and engineering firm with extensive education design expertise. The campus was reimagined to create an integrated footprint with a media center for all students to come together at the heart of the school community. The two-story space allows for maximum natural light, featuring a tall curtain wall to the east and large clerestory windows to the north.
“As a local firm, we are honored to work with the Jeffco School District to revitalize Alameda by introducing collaborative and flexible spaces for students to thrive,” said Job Gutierrez, principal at Wold Architects and Engineers. “This campus supports a diverse student population at varied learning levels, and we are pleased we could help design and create an environment that supports their instruction, development and success.”
The school, known for its rigorous and engaging International Baccalaureate (IB) program spanning grades 7-12, revitalized its existing building to create a variety of spaces for its diverse range of students. These spaces foster socialization, collaborative learning and teamwork in an informal and flexible environment. The addition and renovation included improved community study spaces, such as a ‘seniors’ lounge’ on the third floor, a learning staircase and flexible learning corridors, along with the addition of a second classroom wing. The two buildings are now seamlessly connected through a bright and spacious new media center filled with natural light at the heart of the campus.
“Today marks a major milestone for the future of Alameda International, and we couldn’t be more excited for our staff, students and community,” said Susie Van Scoyk, principal of Alameda International. “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.”
Originally constructed in 1961, the facility required a major renovation to meet current student needs and to prepare them for the future. To meet this ambitious goal and secure necessary funding, the district pursued bond funding, eventually receiving enough support to complete these school upgrades. Early in planning, it was decided to remove the old classroom building on the west side and create a new wing on the east side. This allowed for a new main entrance into the school and generated additional parking to the south and completely changed how the school functions and engages the Alameda community.
“We are grateful to our Jeffco community who supported this work as we take financial stewardship very seriously,” said Tracy Dorland, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools. “These upgrades symbolize our prioritization of fostering an environment that inspires excellence, innovation and a true sense of belonging.”
