Dear Wheat Ridge area staff and families,
Tonight, our neighbors to the east in the Jefferson articulation area began a series of meetings that will continue through April to explore the future of programming for secondary students (grades 6-12) in the community.
A district wide boundary study published in Spring 2024 raised concerns about the sustainability of Jefferson Jr/Sr High School and recommended that the district engage with the community to plan for the future. As an articulation area, Jefferson serves the fewest number of students. Enrollment in the Jefferson area elementary schools (Lumberg and Edgewater) is stable. However, enrollment at Jefferson Jr/Sr has reached levels that have prompted the district to plan for proactive conversations with the Jefferson articulation community about the future.
We are taking the opportunity to inform our families and staff in the Wheat Ridge community about these conversations because the draft plan involves merging the Jefferson articulation area with the Wheat Ridge articulation area beginning in the 2026-27 school year. This would offer the opportunity for Jefferson students in grades 6-12 to attend Everitt Middle School and Wheat Ridge High School for a comprehensive secondary experience. The draft plan also suggests investing in an innovative, community-driven and career-focused regional high school programming (a CTE Center or Academy program) in the Jefferson Jr/Sr building.
If this draft plan moves forward, Everitt Middle School and Wheat Ridge High School would become the feeder schools for Jefferson area elementary schools starting in the 2026-27 school year. Our buildings have plenty of space to welcome Jefferson area students and the additional enrollment would allow us to strengthen the programming and elective choices for all students.
The Wheat Ridge community has a proud history of welcoming new students and families. Our schools foster safe, inclusive environments where everyone feels respected, valued and heard. If this draft plan goes forward, we look forward to collaborating with the community and our colleagues leading Jefferson-area schools, to ensure Wheat Ridge schools continue to be thriving places of belonging for all.
The series of community meetings will continue through April. We welcome you to participate in upcoming co-design meetings on February 11, March 3 and March 31 at Jefferson Jr/Sr High School. These meetings will be interactive and focus on:
New programming that prepares high school students for high-wage, high-demand jobs at Jefferson Jr/Sr
Ideas for community use of the Jefferson Jr/Sr facility
Consideration of school boundaries that currently assign some Jefferson area families to Lakewood middle and high schools
We encourage you to visit this web page to stay up-to-date on the process. We look forward to discussing this topic as part of our ongoing partnership with our PTA/School Accountability Committees this spring. We appreciate your continued support and partnership.
Sincerely,
Amanda Pouliot, Principal
Everitt Middle School
Lisa Mahannah, Principal
Wheat Ridge High School
