Colorado Governor Jared Polis visited Fort Carson on Thursday to help celebrate a major milestone for military families in southern Colorado: the grand opening of the new Abrams Elementary School building. The project, developed by Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, is designed to give military-connected students a modern, stable learning environment as they move frequently with their families’ deployments and assignments.
The new building will officially welcome students and teachers when classes resume on January 7. Located just across the street from the former campus, the facility represents the completion of nearly two years of construction work aimed at upgrading educational infrastructure on the base. District leaders said the project will support more than 400 students enrolled at any given time, many of whom transfer in and out due to the regular movement of Army families.
Polis’ visit to Abrams Elementary was part of a broader tour through southern Colorado, where he recognized two schools for their efforts and stopped by a local Pueblo business, PexPeppers Hot Sauce. Earlier Thursday, he toured Jenkins Middle School — another campus that serves a high number of military-connected students — and met with staff to discuss how the state can continue supporting mobility, stability and mental wellbeing in these school communities.
During his remarks, Polis emphasized how disruptive frequent moves can be for young students, noting the importance of strong school support systems. “It's so hard hearing some of these kids be in six schools in eight years, having to reestablish that friends and family network everywhere they go,” said Polis. “We want to make sure Colorado's one of their best memories as they move along in their life journeys.”
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District officials pointed out that both Jenkins Middle School in District 11 and Abrams Elementary see constant enrollment fluctuations tied to military rotations. For teachers, counselors and administrators, that means designing programs that help students transition swiftly and feel connected the moment they arrive.
The groundbreaking for the new Abrams building took place nearly two years ago as part of a long-term strategy to modernize Fort Carson-area schools. The updated campus includes improved classroom layouts, upgraded technology, energy-efficient systems and more flexible spaces designed for collaborative learning — all aimed at giving students a smoother, more consistent academic experience regardless of how long they stay.
Once the move is complete, the Army plans to repurpose the old elementary building for other installation needs, reflecting the ongoing coordination between District 8 and Fort Carson leadership. Officials said the partnership ensures that facilities keep pace with evolving community needs on the base.
The governor’s visit also highlighted Colorado’s broader commitment to supporting military families, not only through education but through community partnerships and economic development across the region. With the opening of the new school, students will enter 2026 with a fresh, purpose-built environment tailored to their unique experiences — and a stronger support structure to help them feel at home, even if home changes often.
Originally reported by Noah Caplan in KOAA.
