Academy School District 20 marked a milestone Monday as construction officially began on a new Douglass Valley PK-8 school on the U.S. Air Force Academy campus. The project is funded by a $42.7 million federal grant from the Department of Defense. The new building will replace Douglass Valley Elementary, currently the oldest school in Academy School District 20.
The biggest change the new school brings is the addition of sixth, seventh and eighth grades. Military children currently have to attend middle school off-base before heading to Air Academy High School, and the new pre-k through eighth model will provide an uninterrupted education for those students. "Currently, we don't have a middle school on the United States Air Force Academy," said Becky Allan, Deputy Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer of Academy District 20. "Our students go off base for middle school experiences, so this enhancement to have now preschool, which we did not have, and to have students be able to stay with us if they like in grades six through eight, that provides a level of continuity and service that our military members have not had in the past."
Interim Superintendent Susan Field said the school is designed to address the unique challenges military families face. "Frequent moves, changing assignments and new communities can create challenges for children. A pre-k-eight model helps provide continuity, stability and lasting relationships with trusted educators who know each student well," said Field.
Principal Adrienne Morey said the school will give students a sense of community that is rare in military life. "In a life that's often defined by change, students will have the opportunity to remain part of one school community throughout their elementary and middle school years, building lasting relationships with classmates, teachers and families who share similar experiences," said Morey.
Col. Gilbert Wyche II said the school will also benefit service members by giving them confidence in their children's education. "Knowing our children are safe, challenged academically and surrounded by caring teachers gives people like me and other service members the confidence to simply focus on the mission," said Wyche.
Officials estimate construction will take anywhere from a year and a half to two years, and current students will not be displaced but will continue at the existing school until construction is complete.
No completion date has been formally announced, and the district has not yet detailed enrollment capacity or staffing plans for the expanded grade levels.