Thank You for Your Continued Support
Big Sky PK-8 in Mead represents another significant step forward for our growing community and would not be possible without the community’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence. Through the support of the 2024 Bond, St. Vrain Valley Schools will continue to provide outstanding learning environments where our students can thrive. The community’s investment today builds the foundation for tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and citizens. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s partnership in creating exceptional educational opportunities that are giving all students a strong competitive advantage for the future. Learn more about the 2024 Bond.
Meet the Principal
Joshua Barnett has served as principal of Mead Middle School for 17 years. Throughout his service, he has built strong connections with students, families, and staff in the community. His leadership has guided the school through significant growth and change, preparing him to lead Big Sky PK-8 with dedication and commitment. Mr. Barnett considers Mead his professional home and is honored to continue to serve in this new role. He is grateful for the strong support of the St. Vrain Valley Schools community and looks forward to building a school where students thrive and families feel connected.
About the Facility
- Building Size: 145,755 ft2
- Construction Cost: ~$81 million
- Construction Start: Jan. 1, 2025
- School Capacity: ~1,100 students
- Construction Company: JHL Constructors
- Architect: Cuningham Group Architecture
- Opening Date: Fall 2026
Project Design Background
Big Sky PK-8 is located on a shared campus with Mead High School, with careful attention given to the interaction between the two school communities, including the arrangement of fields, parking, and traffic flow. Inside the building, the design and organization of spaces were shaped by the needs of both elementary and middle school students. The building features adaptable educational spaces organized into wings for each age group, allowing students to access grade-level classrooms alongside flexible areas for dynamic group work and specialized learning, such as art and STEM. The grade-level wings surround a central area with shared spaces, including the student commons, library, and gymnasiums. The exterior of the building is thoughtfully designed to blend with its surroundings, maximizing panoramic views and strategically placing windows and spaces. The design also prioritizes energy efficiency, emphasizing thermal performance to reduce the need for heating and cooling.
Attendance Boundary
At the June 25 Board of Education meeting, the Board approved Scenario A as the new attendance boundary for the new PK-8 school in Mead. This scenario uses the current Mead Elementary and Mead Middle School boundaries as the starting point with Highway 66 used to divide the boundary into the following two new attendance areas:
- Students north of Highway 66 will attend Mead Elementary and Mead Middle.
- Students south of Highway 66 will attend Big Sky PK-8.
This decision was made after a thorough review of community feedback, housing growth projections, walkability, and transportation access. The new attendance boundaries ensure a balanced distribution of enrollment across the region and allow room for continued growth.
To see how your address aligns with the approved boundaries, please use the interactive map below.
Community Survey & Mailing List
Community feedback is essential in shaping Big Sky PK-8. We invite you to share your ideas for the new school, community connections, and more.
Throughout the 2025-26 school year, there will be multiple opportunities for community members to engage in shaping our new school. Stay informed by signing up for our mailing list to receive updates on the project and upcoming events.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Big Sky PK-8 open?
The school will open for the 2026-2027 school year as a PK-6 school. Seventh grade will be added in 2027-2028, and eighth grade in 2028-2029.
Why is the school opening with only PK-6 to start?
This phased approach allows us to build a strong, positive culture with our youngest middle school students around what it means to be part of a PK-8 community. Our first sixth grade class will help shape the school’s identity, traditions, and culture from day one. They’ll work directly with staff to define what it means to be a middle school student in our building and create a legacy for future classes. The phased implementation also ensures optimal resource planning between this new school and Mead Middle School, allowing us to carefully coordinate staffing, materials, and programs as the school grows.
Will sixth graders have access to traditional middle school experiences?
Yes. The inaugural sixth grade class will have access to electives, athletics, and extracurricular activities, along with the unique opportunity to shape the culture and traditions of the school.
Will students already attending Mead Middle School be impacted?
No. Students currently in grades 6-8 at Mead Middle School will remain at Mead Middle and will not be impacted by the opening of the new school. They’ll continue with their established routines, teachers, and peer groups.
How will families stay informed throughout this process?
A dedicated website will launch this summer, and multiple communication channels will be used, including email, social media, newsletters, and community meetings.
Will there be opportunities to provide input on the school's identity?
Yes. Families will receive a survey to submit ideas for the school’s name, mascot, and colors. This input will guide the identity of the new school. These elements are expected to be finalized and announced by mid-fall 2025, allowing time for integration into signage, uniforms, and materials.
Who will be involved in shaping the school's culture and programs?
This fall, a teacher leadership team will be formed to help define the school’s mission, vision, and instructional philosophy. Once geographic boundaries are established, a parent advisory group will form to provide valuable insight into what families would like to see in their new neighborhood school—from educational programs to extracurricular activities to community partnerships.
How can I get involved?
You can:
- Complete the feedback form and sign up for email updates within the feedback form
- Share your ideas for programs, traditions, or priorities
- Join upcoming community meetings