Jeffco Schools Proposes Closing Jefferson Junior/Senior High Amid Declining Enrollment

EDGEWATER, Colo. — Jeffco Public Schools is considering the closure of Jefferson Junior/Senior High School due to declining enrollment, hosting a series of community meetings to gather input on the school’s future. If approved, the closure would take effect in the 2026-2027 school year, shifting students to Everitt Middle School and Wheat Ridge High School.

District Chief of Staff Lisa Relou emphasized the importance of community engagement in the process. “Should we be healthcare focused? Should we be cybersecurity focused? What are the interests in the community, and how does that also relate to the city of Edgewater’s interests?” Relou asked during a recent statement.

The school district will hold three community meetings: February 24, March 3, and March 31, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Jefferson Junior/Senior High School. A prior meeting on February 11 was postponed due to inclement weather.

Relou mentioned that if the community prefers to keep Jefferson Junior/Senior High School open as a comprehensive high school, that option will also be considered. However, she warned that ongoing enrollment declines could lead to difficult decisions in the future.

“The school will be unsustainable according to the data and demographic trends that we are seeing,” Relou said, noting that many students are currently opting to attend neighboring institutions like Wheat Ridge and Lakewood High Schools instead.

Feedback gathered during the community meetings will be instrumental in shaping recommendations to the Jeffco Board of Education. A final decision regarding the school’s future must be made by November.