5-13-2024 4:49am

$18M EXPANSION BEGINS

SPSG Breaks Ground on 25,000 Square Foot Building Expansion

Our community gathered in front of SPSG for our Forward & Fearless groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate this pivotal moment for our school. During our groundbreaking ceremony, Head of School Ereni Gleason Malfa ’89, Board Chair Elise Butler '83, Leadership Donor Jody Betz Eber ’88, P’19 ’22 ’24, Trustee and Campaign Steering Committee Co-Chair Michael Dockman, P’16 ’19 ’24, and SGA President Chase C.’24 shared how the new space will create an environment that empowers students to be forward-thinking and fearless in their pursuit of academic excellence.

"The impact of this new space will be profound, reshaping the way teaching and learning happens at SPSG. This state-of-the-art facility will elevate existing programs and curricula and provide inspiration and space for hands-on experiences. The flexible, creative, and collaborative classrooms have been designed not just for today, but for tomorrow," said Malfa.

Led by co-chairs Joanne Bartlett and Michael Dockman, this multi-year campaign will support the much-needed expansion of the school’s academic building, marking the first significant capital improvement in over two decades. The 25,000 square foot expansion project promises to revolutionize the teaching and learning environment while enhancing the school’s offerings for interdisciplinary education on The St. Paul’s Schools’ sprawling 120-acre campus. Forward & Fearless: The Campaign for St. Paul's School for Girls will expand and transform the school’s current footprint into expansive, adaptable spaces tailored for scientific disciplines and their counterparts, spanning technology, graphic arts, and wellness. Corridors will become collaborative pathways, fostering a culture of exploration and innovation. 

Key highlights of the project include the addition of eight state-of-the-art laboratories for biology, chemistry, and physics, alongside two specialized maker spaces designed to optimize safety and efficiency. A dedicated experiential learning suite will serve as a hub for roundtable discussions, career exploration, and interview skill development.

The inclusion of both “dirty” and “clean” maker spaces will cater to diverse hands-on learning needs, featuring manual tools and advanced technologies such as 3D printers and laser cutters. A cutting-edge virtual reality technology center will further enrich learning experiences across all subjects. 

 In line with a holistic approach to education, the expansion will feature a multipurpose wellness spacedoubling as a yoga studio, emphasizing social-emotional health and balance as integral components of student development. 

Construction will include a new reception area, alumnae center, and archive space, fostering a sense of community that bridges past and present. Additionally, a new south entrance will better serve students and provide as a striking architectural focal point. 

Click here to view photos from the groundbreaking ceremony.