About
Building Leaders Since 1952
Jefferson Middle School has long been a place where tradition and innovation meet. Built during a period of rapid growth in Mt. Lebanon, the school has evolved alongside the community for more than 70 years, serving generations of students while adapting to meet changing educational needs.
Jefferson Middle At A Glance
- Opened: 1952 (Elementary School)
- Middle School Since: 1998
- Grades Served: 6–8
- Notable Recognition: Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch
- Campus Highlight: Originally built on orchards and farmland to serve Mt. Lebanon's growing western neighborhoods
A School Built For A Growing Community
- Planning for the school began in the 1930s as the District anticipated continued residential growth.
- Construction started in 1950 on what had once been orchards and farmland, and Jefferson Elementary School welcomed its first students in September 1952.
- As the community grew, so did the campus. A junior high building opened in 1959, creating the Jefferson complex and expanding educational opportunities for students.
- In 1998, Jefferson entered a new chapter when the District transitioned to a middle school model for grades 6–8. The change established today's K–5 elementary schools and two middle schools, creating learning environments specifically designed for early adolescents.
- A comprehensive renovation completed in 2004 modernized classrooms and learning spaces while preserving Jefferson's longstanding role as a cornerstone of the community.
Named For An American President
- Continuing the tradition of the elementary school, the junior high was named after President Thomas Jefferson. The elementary school earned its name in the 1950s after a District-wide vote.
Continuing the Story
-
Today, Jefferson Middle School continues its tradition of academic excellence, student involvement, and community pride while preparing students to thrive in high school and beyond.
-
That commitment to excellence continues to be recognized. Jefferson Middle School has been designated as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch, one of just 12 middle grades schools in the state to earn the distinction. The recognition celebrates schools that create supportive, academically challenging, and innovative learning environments where students thrive. Jefferson proudly joins Mellon Middle School, which earned re-designation as a Pennsylvania Don Eichhorn Schools to Watch school, reflecting the District's commitment to providing exceptional middle-level education for every student.