The Jackson Hole Community School, known for its strong academic programs and supportive environment, is set to expand its offerings by adding grades 6-8 starting in the fall of 2026. This decision comes after two decades of success as a high school, where the school has grown in both size and reputation. With the recent opening of the new academic year, JHCS welcomed its largest enrollment to date with 115 students.
The decision to add middle school grades was made by the JHCS Board of Directors after 18 months of careful consideration and planning. The Board, along with Head of School Ted Smith, explored the potential benefits that a middle school could bring to both JHCS and the wider Jackson community. They believe that the school’s mission of providing “challenging academics,” fostering “personal relationships,” and instilling “initiative” and “integrity” will resonate strongly with middle school students, just as it has with high schoolers.
As JHCS embarks on this new chapter, the school’s leadership will focus on the middle school expansion, including the process of hiring a Middle School Director. The goal is to create a middle school program that offers a seamless transition to high school, ensuring that future students enjoy the same high-quality education that JHCS has provided for the past 20 years. Despite the upcoming changes, the school remains committed to its current high school students and will continue to prioritize their success.
