LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Leaders from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) broke ground Wednesday on W.E.B. DuBois Academy, a new all-male middle/high school.
The $62 million project is being built off Poplar Level Road next to Thomas Jefferson Middle School. It will be the home of up to 1,000 male students in grades six through 12.
“Construction of a new W.E.B. DuBois Academy is further proof of our commitment to bring JCPS facilities up-to-date and in line with what students have in other districts,” said JCPS superintendent Marty Pollio. “Bringing all of DuBois’ young men and staff into one, state-of-the-art school building will not only provide efficiencies but, most importantly, improve the sense of belonging, pride in the school and educational experience for the students.”
JCPS has opened four new schools in the past two years; it said DuBois is part of its plan to build 20 new schools in the next 10 years. It is expected to open for the 2026-27 school year.
Here are some features of the new building, according to JCPS:
- 185,000 square feet
- Three stories with lots of natural light
- Second and third floors divided horizontally to separate middle school and high school
- Sixty-five classrooms, most arranged around the perimeter walls with windows
- Two gyms and separate locker rooms for middle school and high school
- Middle school gym doubles as a storm shelter
- Geothermal heating/cooling system
- Energy efficient windows, roof, lighting and exterior materials
JCPS said a new athletic field and stadium for football and other sports will also be built.
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