Jefferson Elementary School first opened in 1951 and was completely rebuilt (with the exception of one building) in 1999. Only one building remains from the original campus, Building H.

Following the reconstruction, portable classrooms were added to accommodate the increased enrollment. The school is located on the west side of Interstate 5, approximately one-third of a mile from the beach. The front of the school is located on Jefferson Street and the campus is surrounded by residential development on all sides.

The classrooms are designed in a “pod” style that surrounds a central courtyard. Since buildings completely surround this courtyard, the added portables and Building H do not seem to be a cohesive part of the site. There are nine portables on the south side of the campus. The reconstructed buildings are in Good condition; Building H and the portables are in Fair to Poor condition.