Jefferson City High School

Equitable, Future-Ready Learning Environments

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Client

Jefferson City Public Schools

Project Location

Jefferson City, MO

Students

3000

Area

546,500 SF

The design to modernize Jefferson City High School is a result of the school district’s desire to create parity and equity in education programming and aesthetics between the new high school and the current high school. Using the existing structures as a guide, programming goals are incorporated through a series of renovations and additions. Organized into five small learning communities, flexible plan configurations support project-based learning.

A bright and airy building addition connects the current high school to the existing CTE center via new accessible entrances. The addition also introduces a new media center and central social commons that creates a “heart” for the renovated facility. A strong connection to the site through landscape and hardscape incorporates outdoor gathering spaces.

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Seating areas on 2nd floor with wood panel accent walls overlooking 1st floor library. Double height windows on right wall

Jefferson City High School

Half height bookcases in library. Double height windows wrapping from left wall to back. Balcony overhang above desk, right

Classroom with exposed structural beams and power cords hanging from ceiling, left. Miniature hot air balloons float above

Bench, left, divided from counter and stools by column in white hallway with yellow accents. Interior window above counter

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The design of the new, second Jefferson City High School was developed through a series of collaborative workshops with the district’s design team. Visioning sessions uncovered goals for successful learning environments. Due to the dramatically rocky and sloping site, a compact building footprint was situated on a hill to minimize site disturbance and provide views below. Organized axially towards the valley, a three-story atrium brings light into the building and provides a dramatic perspective of the landscape. Several other light-filled atriums serve as places for collaboration and active learning. Science, art, and practical art programs are clustered around the core of the school to engage students daily.