Bear Creek K-8 School
Construction Overview
In November 2004, Jefferson County voters approved a bond election providing Jeffco Public Schools with $323.8 million for building, renovating and repairing school facilities. This was the first time voters had approved increased funding for county school buildings since 1999.
With the guidance of the Citizens' Capital Oversight Committee, the district developed a list of 440 capital improvement projects scheduled to be completed over the next six years.
The new Bear Creek K-8 School is a two-story, 120,000 square foot 21st Century facility. Designed to accommodate 1,080 students, the school has a central organizational spine oriented south to north with academic areas to the west, and activities, after school programs and public areas to the east. All classrooms face north and south to maximize day lighting opportunities. Outdoor amenities include a soccer facility, plus playgrounds and gathering areas. The building's exterior incorporates several variations of color to complement the geological surroundings of Bear Creek and the Hogback ridge of the foothills.
Major design features include:
• Three kindergarten classrooms
• Five each first, second and third grade classrooms.
• Four each fourth, fifth and sixth grade classrooms.
• A fifth and sixth grade science room.
• Three each seventh and eighth classrooms
• Two seventh and eighth grade science labs
• Two seventh and eighth grade foreign language classrooms.
• Two Art rooms.
• Two Music rooms.
• An 8,500 square foot multi-purpose gymnasium with wood floor.
• A Fitness room with exercise equipment.
• A multi-purpose room.
• Cafetorium with performance platform.
• Full-service kitchen
• Separate entries and play areas for different grade levels.
• A 300 by 150 foot multiuse play field, long jump pit and high jump pad.
• Parking for approximately 180 staff and visitors.
• Parent drop-off in front and on the west side.
• Bus loading/unloading on the west side.
Approximate budget: $19.8 million
Construction began: January 2006
Construction completed: May 2007