The 2024 list of Jefferson County’s Public Elementary and Middle Schools unveils a notable reshuffling of student populations across campuses, directly influenced by the closure and consolidation of 15 local schools at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.
The 2023-2024 enrollment data on the list, sourced from the Colorado Department of Education, underscores substantial movement in student numbers, indicating a dynamic landscape post-closures. Topping the list is Three Creeks K-8 School with 1,051 students, followed closely by Drake Junior High School and Bear Creek K-8 School.
Several institutions witness considerable shifts in enrollment. Lumberg Elementary School, a receiving school for the shuttered Molholm Elementary, led the surge with an 85.4% increase in students. Lasley Elementary School, a receiving school for Emory Elementary, closely follows with an 85% jump in students, while Kendallvue Elementary School and Foothills Elementary School report increases of 69.9% and 67.5% respectively.
Stevens Elementary School, Secrest Elementary School, and Ryan Elementary School also witnessed substantial growth as designated neighborhood schools for the closed Wilmer Davis Elementary, Peck Elementary and Sheridan Green Elementary.
Enrollment at the Jefferson County R-1 district for grades PK-12 has declined 10%, or 8,400 students, over the past five years, according to the Colorado Department of Education. This mirrors broader trends seen at schools across the state and nation, reflecting evolving demographics and prolonged enrollment declines.
In November 2022, the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education approved Superintendent Tracy Dorland’s recommendation to close 16 elementary schools by the 2023-2024 academic session (one school — Bergen Meadow K-2 — was delayed to consolidate with Bergen Valley 3-5 until 2024-2025 due to construction).
Plans are underway for further consolidations, including the closure of Moore Middle School and the district’s two smallest traditional K-8 schools, Coal Creek Canyon K-8 and Arvada K-8, by the end of the 2023-24 school year.