We are always on the lookout for investments in our local schools that can be game changers for students and our school ecosystem. For the last few decades, the perception of Jefferson High School has not been a positive one. The general consensus has been that if a family wants the best future for their student then they should enroll them in another high school in the area like Lakewood or Wheat Ridge. A look at the school choice data over recent years shows that 50% of students who should attend Jefferson based on where they live choose other schools in the area.

Since Edgewater Collective launched in the spring of 2013, we have been working hard to change the perception of our neighborhood schools and value the great teachers and staff in these schools. Many students in our local schools are working hard to overcome the roadblocks of poverty but that doesn’t mean that a great education isn’t possible in these schools.

In a few weeks, we have the chance to partner with Jefferson Junior/Senior High School staff and leadership in what could be a big game changer in the perception of Jefferson. On Wednesday, November 2, Honors and Gifted 6th grade students from the feeder elementary schools (Edgewater, Lumberg and Molholm) have been personally invited to shadow Jefferson Junior High students as part of the Class of 2023 Jefferson Junior High Honors Day.

Students and parents will be exposed to the excellent honors/gifted & talented program pathway at Jefferson from 7th-12th grade. Students will be paired with honors students currently at Jefferson and see what these classes are like during a normal school day. Junior high student panels will answer questions about student life at Jefferson. Parents will get a chance to see the honors pathway from junior high through high school and see the numerous Advanced Placement classes that are available to Jefferson students.

We are excited to provide a delicious breakfast and lunch for these students and their parents. We are also providing tshirts (see graphic above) for students to build a sense of loyalty and connection to the Jefferson experience.

Our hope is that these students will experience a day in the life of a Jefferson Junior High student and see the excellent program offerings that will challenge them from 7th-12th grade. Our dream is that a large majority of these students will choose to attend Jefferson and one day graduate as part of the Class of 2023!

It is essential that our neighborhood schools attract and provide challenging and inspiring education for ALL students and we endeavor to partner with schools to make this a reality.