Historical photo: Columbine Elementary building returned to its roots

Columbine Elementary was built in 1906, making it one of the oldest schools in Longmont, after the Main Street School and Central Elementary. The elementary school first opened its doors in 1907.

The Longmont Museum’s archival photo was taken by Charles W. Boynton somewhere between 1906 and 1908. Boynton was the manager of Longmont’s second newspaper, The Ledger. The museum archives contain many of Boyton’s photographs, a curious glimpse into Longmont’s history.

According to Longmont Museum’s curator, Erik Mason, the old Columbine building was temporarily abandoned in 1977 when a new wing was built to the west of the original school. The old building was renovated for use as an alternative high school and reopened in 1983. 

“Sometime after 1991, the west wing and the old building were connected,” Mason said. “The old building was converted back to serve elementary school children as part of the combined building.”

Renovations and care have helped this historic school building withstand the tests of time. The original facade and structure still stands, though the rest of Longmont has grown up around it.

Columbine Elementary is now a collaborative STEM school, according to the St Vrain Valley School District, focusing on teaching interdisciplinary skills and creative problem solving to Longmont’s youth. The alternative high school, located on South Sunset Street, was recently renamed from Olde Columbine High School to New Meridian High School, as reported by The Longmont Leader earlier this year.