The new building at Friends Select, located at Three Parkway, is scheduled to open at the end of winter break, adding more space than ever before.
According to Ben Cooper, Friends Select Director of Operations, the new space was originally scheduled to be ready at the beginning of the school year, but it was pushed back because the school’s arrangement with Three Parkway was complicated and took time to work out. “The biggest example is the fact that we are joining the two buildings in a new way, but there are also lots of specifics to consider when it comes to student safety, building access, etc. The project is now on time and on track for our post-winter break launch,” explains Ben.
At the end of the school year last year, the teachers in the Parkway building packed up and got ready to move into the new building. This all changed when everyone received an email in the middle of summer that the building was going to be delayed. Chris Singler, Friends Select Upper School Director, said, “While it was a disappointment to have a delay, the school had enough lead time that we were able to pivot and adjust such that it was not a crisis, but just a delay to be managed,” Chris says. “It was good that we will be able to live into the new space in January, and that it’s not a full year of waiting. That timing makes a difference.”
In addition to classrooms and office space, the new building will have four spaces entirely designed for students to hang out, relax, and do work, along with a space dedicated to teachers. Ben said, “Employee workspace that’s for faculty and staff…(is) going to be something that’s helpful to teachers, give them space to collaborate, to meet with each other. Also, just like a quiet place to like, take a break.”
Chris Singler added, “There will be more common space for students to study, for teachers to meet in small groups with students, and for faculty to get together and collaborate. The new space is a great testament to the outstanding school we all love and know.” These new spaces will provide teachers and students with a lot more space and flexibility.
This winter, the Middle School will relocate to the classrooms currently occupied by the Upper School in Parkway. Ben said, “The group that’s going to have the biggest impact in some ways, I think, will be the Middle School. And then long term, by spring break, we’re also going to have new music classrooms at the back of the Parkway building.”
The new space will allow Tr. Luisa to do even more because she is getting a new STEAM Lab. Ben said, “That’s going to be a cool space that’s really targeted towards like Upper School students.” This will be a great new space for the robotics team and all of Tr. Luisa’s projects.
Chris said, “The new space will be a great opportunity for the Upper School overall, but the great teaching that FSS is known for is still happening.”
