About
Jefferson Elementary: Where Every Student Writes History
Jefferson has been looking ahead since before it opened in 1952. From the orchard-covered farmland where it was built to the learning environment that students enjoy today, Jefferson's story is one of constant growth, adaptability, and an unwavering belief that every student deserves the best.
Jefferson Elementary At A Glance
- Opened on September 3, 1952. Site acquisition began as early as 1931.
- The school’s name was chosen by student vote from grades 3–12 districtwide; they voted for Thomas Jefferson.
- On opening day, enrollment was 356 students, 12 teachers, 3 special teachers, 1 secretary, and 3 custodians. Peak enrollment was in 1964 with 950 students.
- In the early 1960s, the school served as a Cold War civil defense shelter.
- JES was fully renovated and reopened on September 7, 2004.
A School That Adapts
Jefferson Elementary has reinvented itself multiple times to meet the community's needs, serving as an elementary school, a junior high, a civil defense shelter, and eventually an elementary and middle school on one campus. Through every transition, the commitment to students never wavered.
- Six-room addition completed in 1956 to accommodate rapid growth.
- Junior High opened in 1959 as part of the Jefferson complex.
- Early 1960s: designated a Cold War civil defense shelter, medical center, and emergency facility.
- 1990s: re-opened as a Middle School serving grades 6–8 alongside the K–5 elementary.
- September 2004: The fully renovated building reopened to students.
Photos from the Mt. Lebanon Historical Society.
Named For An American President
- In May 1951, District administrators asked children in grades 3 through 6 at Lincoln Elementary to compile a list of possible names. Lincoln was selected given most students from that school would attend the new elementary. Then every student in grades 3 through 12 across the district voted. Thomas Jefferson Elementary won by a clear majority!
- Our school is proud to be named after Thomas Jefferson, a pivotal figure in American history. As a Founding Father and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s legacy of leadership, serving as the nation’s second Vice President and third President (1801–1809), ,continues to inspire our students today.
Continuing the Story
- Today, Jefferson Elementary’s 300 students enjoy an experienced staff, advanced technology, hands-on science programs, and robust extracurricular offerings. Jefferson has always been a school that looks ahead. That tradition of leading the way is alive and well.