The heart of the existing building will remain intact, but the interior will be entirely reconstructed. New glass-clad atria will be added at the north and south ends of the existing building.
The Classroom Building Project
Dana Hall School has launched a major initiative to revitalize the Upper School Classroom Building—first opened in 1956—to meet the needs of today's learners.
With flexible classrooms that enable diverse learning styles, common spaces that foster connection and collaboration, brand-new art studios, a purpose-built chorus room, and fully accessible facilities that support all students, the renovated Classroom Building represents an exciting opportunity to celebrate the best of the School’s past while moving boldly into the future.
Learning Priorities
News and Updates
On March 9, students, faculty and staff signed their names on one of three steel beams that will be part of the new Classroom Building.
With $4 million on the line, community members have provided generous support to ensure the success of the Upper School Classroom Building Project.
Students, faculty, staff, families, donors and friends celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Classroom Building project on September 15.
With generous leadership support from The Manton Foundation, Dana Hall takes significant steps toward breaking new ground in maintaining and renewing its formidable campus.
Campus Impact
Dana Hall is an active campus with a complex academic schedule and co-curricular courses to consider during this major construction project.
- The Upper School experience will be reoriented around the Shipley Science Center, Helen Temple Cooke Library, Erisman Student Center, Shipley Center for Athletics, Health and Wellness and a new temporary classroom building.
- In addition, spaces in Beveridge Hall, Grey Lodge, Grove House and Wayside will be repurposed to serve community needs.
- The only student spaces that will be taken off line are the Classroom Building and Waldo Auditorium.
- During the summer, Dana Hall will add a temporary classroom building to the space between Maple Manor and the Karen Stives ‘68 Equestrian Center. The building will house six large classrooms and two bathrooms; it will be equipped with a complete HVAC system and the same level of technology as the rest of our learning spaces. It will be removed at the conclusion of the project.
- All-School meetings and Upper School division meetings will be held in the Shipley Center.
- Pedestrian patterns will be identified to ensure the health and safety of all community members.
- Our planning will ensure that students have special places to socialize outside of class. Students will continue to have the same level of access to adults for support, guidance and connection.
- Throughout the project, students will have opportunities to learn about the architecture, design and construction of the building.
Funding the Future
The Upper School Classroom Building initiative aligns with the goals of Dana Hall’s Vision 2025 strategic plan, which prioritizes updating key sections of the School’s physical campus. In support of Vision 2025's objectives, Dana Hall School has received a $15 million leadership gift from the Manton Foundation. To learn more about this project and how you can support it, please contact Christie Baskett.
Take a Stand for Dana Hall and Have a Seat!
With a pledge of $2,500, you will be able to personalize a seat in the new and expanded Waldo Auditorium. Use the seat plaque to honor your daughter or daughters, or a favorite Dana classmate, teacher or administrator.
By expressing your support for the future of Dana Hall, you can "have a seat" in one of the School’s signature gathering spots. The $2,500 pledge is payable over several years.