JCPS officially broke ground on the new Kerrick Elementary School on Sept. 9, 2025. The state-of-the-art facility is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to modernize and improve school facilities across the community. The new school, a key project for the district, is slated to open in Fall 2027.
"This investment puts our students first, empowering them with a sense of belonging, a feeling that they’re worthy of high-quality space that reflects the quality of their education,” Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood said. “I’m ecstatic to share that this building will not only foster collaborative learning in alignment with our new curricula but will also be home to community learning through adult GED and ESL programs. We’re making Jefferson County a place where everyone can reach their full potential.”
The new, single-story, 80,330-square-foot facility is projected to cost about $30.2 million. Key features of the modern design by JRA Architects, which listened to the input of teachers and the principal, include:
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Design: The building will incorporate durable materials like brick and metal cladding, energy-efficient windows, and a geothermal heating and cooling system. It will also feature demand-controlled ventilation, energy-efficient LED lighting with occupancy sensing, and daylight harvesting to reduce energy consumption.
Flexible Learning Environments: The building will have flexible walls to create adaptable classroom spaces that can support new curricula.
Family-Focused Spaces: An art gallery wall in the lobby will showcase student exhibitions, and collaboration spaces in corridors are designed to foster learning partnerships.
Nature Integration: The design will preserve existing campus trees, with harvested wood from the site being used to identify the six grade levels. One of the wings will even feature cross-sections ("cookies") of a sweet gum tree.
Safety and Security: The building’s four-wing layout is designed to improve sightlines for safety, and the main entrance will feature a secure vestibule. Additionally, the gymnasium will be able to serve as a Storm Shelter for all occupants.
The new Kerrick Elementary School reflects a vision for education that goes beyond the classroom walls, building on the foundation of community and family support.