Jefferson Modernization Planning & Design

The new JHS will be an all-electric multi-story building on the north side of the campus on Killingsworth. The new building will include state-of-the-art academic and support facilities, including specialized instructional spaces for Jefferson’s unique Career Technical Education [CTE] programs. The track and field will be relocated and reoriented, including new grandstands, and there will also be brand new turf baseball and softball fields with new dugouts. Other highlights include a new Jefferson theater, dance studios, centrally located student commons, plus dedicated spaces for local community organizations and a new teen parent center.

Jefferson Summer 2025 Update Flyer Jefferson Project Updates Dr. Armstrong's Jefferson Community Message Jefferson Project History Jefferson Fall 2025 Project Update Flyer

Upcoming Public Jefferson Modernization Meetings

Jefferson Modernization Community Update Meeting
Wednesday December 17th, 2025
6-8pm
Jefferson High School Cafeteria

Jefferson Project Updates

Jefferson Sept. 2024 Project Update

Jefferson June 2024 Project Update

Jefferson May 2024 Project Update

Jefferson Conceptual Master Plan Diagram

Jefferson Community Meetings & Public Workshops

Community Messages & Presentations

Design Workshop Presentations & Meetings

More Information about Jefferson Modernization Planning & Design

Previous Jefferson Project Updates

Jefferson Project Updates

Jefferson March 2024 Project Update

Jefferson Feb. 2024 Project Update

Jefferson Jan. 2024 Project Update

Jefferson Dec. 2023 Project Update

Jefferson Design Advisory Group (2023)

Jefferson Design Advisory Group (DAG)

The Jefferson High School Design Advisory Group will meet about every 6 weeks for approximately 6 months and will include members representing students, teachers, alumni, industry professionals, parents, school programs, potential site and/or capital partners, school administration and a school board representative. This group will be involved in developing the design of the modernized Jefferson High School by providing feedback on design details and options proposed by the project team. DAG members perform in an advisory role only. Decisions on project details are the responsibility of the Office of School Modernization in collaboration with other District leadership.

DAG Meeting Presentations

View the DAG Charter

Jefferson Comprehensive Planning Committee (2022)

The Jefferson Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC)

The Jefferson Comprehensive Planning Committee (CPC) is a group of school and community stakeholder representatives who will work together to help provide feedback for the Jefferson Comprehensive Plan. CPC members synthesize community-wide input and share the evolving details of the project with others in the community. The Committee includes parents, teachers, students, alumni, PPS staff and partners, community representatives and a school board member. While CPC members do not make decisions, their input is crucial in creating a design that the entire Jefferson community will be proud of.

Jefferson Town Halls (2022)

Jefferson Town Halls

Jefferson Modernization Design & Construction Teams

Bora Architecture & Interiors and LEVER Architects have teamed up for the Jefferson High School Project. This dynamic partnership brings an unmatched, long-term commitment to North/Northeast Portland. Bora has deep K-12 experience and a strong history of successful projects with PPS, and is a national leader in the design of performing arts spaces. LEVER, based in the Jefferson neighborhood, has recently completed the Meyer Memorial Trust Headquarters. Bora and LEVER are joined by Colloqate Design, who will lead the team’s Design Justice-based community engagement process. All three firms are committed to the creation of a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient high school that reflects the values and aspirations of the community.

Jefferson FAQ

Jefferson Conceptual Master Planning Committee (2019)

Get Connected

For more information about school building improvement bond projects, email schoolmodernization@pps.net or call us at 503-916-2222