District moves on with design of Thornton High School rebuild

The core team responsible for designing and rebuilding THS and expanding FutureForward at Bollman is complete. 

Adams 12 Five Star Schools recently signed a contract with Adolfson and Peterson (A&P), a construction management and general contracting company with extensive experience on major K-12 projects. 

A&P will play a key role in the rebuild process for Thornton High School, which is expected to break ground in mid-2026. The project team also includes Treanor, an architectural firm specializing in K-12 projects, and Accenture, a consulting firm hired to help oversee the design and construction process. 

Early progress on THS design

Over the past two months, a design advisory group (DAG) made up of over 50 stakeholders has made significant progress toward an initial design for the new Thornton High School. During the design meetings, which include district leaders, school administrators, staff members from Thornton High School and FutureForward at Bollman, as well as students and community members, representatives from Treanor worked with DAG members to understand the district’s priorities, goals and vision for the project.

Since the first DAG meeting in March, the district has made significant progress toward the building design. Based on input from the DAG, Treanor is moving forward with a floorplan concept, shown below, designed around the six educational pathways planned for the school. 

Rendering showing the concept floorplan for Thornton High School. 
Note: Preliminary designs are subject to change. 

The building will feature a primary courtyard, which is designed to serve as a common space for students and will provide opportunities for outdoor learning. 

The new building will be built around a cultural hub at the center of the building. This section will serve as the building’s primary artery, drawing together the wide range of cultures and traditions celebrated in the communities served by the school. 

Architect’s concept showing stairs and common space in the school’s classroom wing and pathway commons. Note: Preliminary designs are subject to change.

As part of the 2024 bond, the district is also planning a major expansion to the existing FutureForward at Bollman campus. This project will bring many opportunities for expanded CTE programming at Bollman. Design work is still in the early stages. The district will provide updates as design work for FutureForward at Bollman continues. 

Curriculum: The six educational pathways

The rebuilt Thornton High School will be built around six educational pathways. The pathways are designed to accommodate a wide range of student interests, including paths for those seeking to prepare to enter college, as well as students interested in entering the workforce immediately after graduation.

The pathways were designed in collaboration with school leaders, district administrators, students and staff. In addition to the six educational pathways outlined below, the school will continue to offer art, physical education and performing arts.

Educational pathways for THS students: 

• Advanced manufacturing
• Media arts and entertainment
• Computer science and digital technology
• Culinary and consumer science
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Interpretation and translation services

What to expect in the fall

Toward the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, the district will provide timeline and design updates for both Thornton High School and the FutureForward at Bollman. The district will share updates through the bond section on our website, as well as at several community events. At these events, we’ll provide opportunities for community members to provide feedback and ask questions about the redesign and building process. 

We’ll share more information in August, including details about upcoming events. To stay up to date with design developments and opportunities to engage with the district, sign up for our district-wide newsletter, Five Star News.