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Campus Master Plan | Phase One

Saint Mary’s school is growing and thriving.

In 1998, we made the decision to become a boarding/day high school. In 2014 we tipped the balance on our enrollment to become majority boarding. Over the last decade we have continued to increase enrollment against trends which, according to the Wall Street Journal, show a 14 percent drop in independent school enrollment nationally.

What drives our momentum? Our ability to think differently. In April 2019, the board of trustees made the next important step in the leadership phase of our Saint Mary's Forever Campaign preparations. With a recommendation from the campaign steering committee and campaign leaders, a motion was approved to continue the leadership phase of the campaign and set the guidelines for the two key aspects of our plan.

  • We will only begin building when we have gifts and pledges covering 100 percent of the costs needed for a building project.
     
  • We will focus on a learning hub with two centers of excellence in our academics facilities plan.
    • A new performing arts and humanities center through the renovation of Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium.
    • An academic corridor anchored by Ragland Hall with the construction of a new building.

 

Phase One of the Campus Master Plan includes seven projects, beginning with renovations to Cruikshank Residence Hall and ending with renovations to the Sarah Graham Kenan Library. 

Cruikshank Renovations Summer 2018
1 | Renovate Cruikshank Hall

The multi-phase renovation of Cruikshank Residence Hall got underway during the summer of 2018 and continued through the summer of 2019. Additional work will be done during the summer of 2020. The staggered work schedule has allowed the school to keep Cruikshank open and available for students during the school year. 

2 | Relocate Staff House
2 | Relocate Staff House

The relocation of the staff home located beside Ragland Hall, paves the way for the construction of the new academic building. The home is being moved to the west side of campus, beside another of the school's properties located on Cameron Park. Ground was broken for the new home in August 2019. 

3 | Victory Bell Pavilion
3 | Victory Bell Pavilion

The bell tower was originally established with a gift from Susan Heyman '10 along with the members of the Class of 2010 and has become an intricate part of Saint Mary's.

The new pavilion will encompass the victory bell tower and be the backdrop to the Hannah Smith '12 Quad. It will enhance our campus through a myriad of uses including functioning as an outdoor classroom, a gathering space for students, a performance space, and more.

Construction on the Victory Bell Pavilion will begin in fall 2019.

Pittman Overview Day Crop
4 | Renovate Pittman Auditorium

The first priority in our academic integration and expansion is to create a Performing Arts Center through significant renovations and enhancements to Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium.

This renovated and expanded center will reflect Saint Mary’s commitment to interdisciplinary interaction, as well as excellence in individual disciplines. The renovation will enhance Saint Mary’s teaching, research, and public outreach, and will heighten the visibility of the arts and humanities as major components of campus and community life. The center will continue to serve as a space where girls find their voice and inspiration from events including performances, honors convocation, sports assemblies, weekly all-school assemblies, and more. 

Girls on Smedes Patio
5 | Create Outdoor Classroom

The creation of outdoor classroom space will provide alternate and innovative spaces on campus to enhance learning and encourage innovation.

New Academic Building Rendering July 2019
6 | Construct New Academic Building

The second priority in our academic integration, following the creation of a Performing Arts Center, will be developing an academic corridor, anchored by Ragland Hall and including the construction of a new building to house science, math, and technology.

With a focus on innovative technology experiences and expanded interdisciplinary collaboration, the academic center will facilitate programming to promote students’ motivation and ability to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) studies. The facility will engage girls in hands-on field experience, laboratory/project-based entrepreneurial tasks, and mentorship experiences. 

Girl Studies in Library
7 | Renovate the Sarah Graham Kenan Library

Renovations on the lower level of Kenan Library were completed in spring 2014 to provide more user-friendly spaces for students to leverage technology, collaborate, and work independently. As part of the current Phase One of the Campus Master Plan, Kenan Library's upper levels will be renovated.