The Jefferson County Board of Education voted Thursday (7/20/23) to accept a bid to build a new Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School (JCIB). The campus will be located at the site of the old Fultondale High School on Carson Road. It will house 6th through 12th grade students.
“JCIB consistently ranks as one of the best schools not just in Alabama, but in the entire nation. It only makes sense for these students to have their own campus,” said Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin. “I am personally excited about what the future holds for this program and these students, who are some of our best and brightest.”
JCIB students are currently split among two campuses. High school students attend classes on the Shades Valley High School Campus, while students in the middle years program go to class in Pleasant Grove. This move brings both sets of students under one roof.
“We are beyond excited to work together as a cohesive faculty on one campus. A unified campus will foster greater teacher and student collaboration, sharing of best practices, and a unified approach to student development,” said Lori Lightsey, JCIB Principal.
“There will still be a clear distinction between our middle and high school students, and they will be housed in different parts of the building. However, this move will allow some continuity in the IB program and help streamline our IB efforts,“ said Gonsoulin. “We were also intentional in placing this school in Fultondale as it is a central location in our district.”
JCIB students come from all corners of the county. Applications are accepted in February and include an essay, questionnaire, and teacher evaluations. In addition to maintaining high academic standards, students are also expected to possess attributes valued by IB World Schools.
Construction of the new campus is expected to begin in approximately 90 days and is estimated to be completed in about two and half years. Construction will cost approximately 68 million dollars.