List of 19 frequently asked questions.

• Tell me about the new building?

  The proposed IDEAS Institute is envisioned as state-of-the-art, two-story, 30,000 square-foot, multi-use academic building on the Upper School campus for grades 7-12. The building will house:

  • An Innovation Gym and Robotics Lab
  • Design Center
  • Broadcast/Podcast Studio
  • College and Academic Advising Suite
  • Presentation/Conference Space
  • Student Commons
  • Active Learning Math Classrooms

• What is envisioned for the Innovation Gym?

  We are excited about the vision for the Innovation Gym as it will transform our Robotics and Engineering programs by providing larger more interactive space to create, build, test and compete. The Gym will come complete with a makerspace workshop with movable furniture, cutting-edge tools and technology, and a specially designed robotics field where students can bring their ideas to life. Classes that will benefit from this space include:

  • Robotics
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • AP Capstone Research

   

  The space will also accommodate relevant clubs and is large enough to host local, regional and state competitions such as the Innovation Games and Science Olympiad.

• What is envisioned for the Design Center and Broadcast Studio?

  Holy Trinity’s Broadcast, Journalism, and Graphic Design students will stretch their creativity in approximately 2,000-square-feet of working space that will house the latest tools and technologies perfect for elevating our weekly Channel 77 news broadcast, The Growl student magazine, and our award-winning Tigrium yearbook, as well as allow for creative brainstorming sessions and cross-curricular collaborations. 

• How much will it cost?

  The total cost for design, construction, furnishings, and technology is currently anticipated at approximately $10 million.

• How long do you think it will take to raise the money?

  That all depends on our school community and how quickly pledges (gift/financial commitments over 3-5 years) are secured. Best practice dictates that 90% of the campaign goal must be pledged before construction can begin to ensure the viability of the project.

• Would you consider a smaller building for less money?

  We have spent the last five years concepting this building at a variety of sizes and specifications. We believe where we landed -- at a two-story, 30,000 square-foot structure with multi-purpose spaces and classrooms -- will best serve our growing needs while being fiscally responsible.

• How did you come to the conclusion that the building should be two stories and 30,000 square-feet?

  Our current classrooms average approximately 600-square-feet and do not provide optimum space for collaborative learning, experimentation, and for certain subjects to take flight. The new building will be a space worthy of the talent who will teach in it and will allow our teachers to expand their curriculum and their creativity.

• Why is this necessary now? Didn’t you just complete a capital campaign?

   All private institutions operate in a continual cycle of fundraising and capital campaigns. Expansion is necessary to keep us at the forefront of outcomes-based education, instruction, and emerging curriculum while continuing to showcase the benefits of experiential learning. As a school of our caliber, the expectation is that we stay on the cusp and evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. The new building allows our teachers to deliver their curriculum in a thought provoking way that resonates best with today’s learners while preparing them for the workplaces of tomorrow.

• Why can’t you take out a loan to cover the cost of the building?

  Taking out a loan to fund the construction of an entire Lower School campus would significantly increase tuition in order to pay it off.

• Why didn’t Holy Trinity consider moving the Lower School to the Pineda Campus as its next capital campaign?

  In 2017 Holy Trinity signed a 20-year lease agreement with Holy Trinity Church for the use of the current Lower School facilities. This lease provides for an annual payment of only $1 (per year) for a term of 20 years. Although we own property on the Pineda campus that could accommodate the Lower School, the lease would need to be broken and a significant donation of seed money committed to proceed in raising the additional funds required for a $30+ million plus campus buildout. 
  
  

  Over the course of our 67 years, Holy Trinity has consistently enhanced the Lower School so that it is now a complete campus. It is also important to mention that the Upper School has had only three major undertakings in its 24 years (two capital campaigns and one additional project to build the Scott Center for Worship and Performing Arts funded by a single donor). Current renovation plans and an addition of the IDEAS Institute will complete the core of the Upper School campus. 

• Does Holy Trinity plan to increase enrollment with this new building? Does that mean you’ll need to increase class sizes?

  Small class sizes are a hallmark of Holy Trinity. We are committed to maintaining very low student-teacher ratios to deliver our relationship-centered learning experiences and have no intention of changing that.

• When do you plan to break ground?

  We cannot move forward with construction until 90% of the funds are committed through pledges or gifts.

• How long will construction take?

  Construction is anticipated to take 12-15 months from the initial groundbreaking.

• It seems like the Upper School is often the priority?

  In reality, the Upper School has had only three major undertakings in its 22 years (two capital campaigns and one funded entirely by a single donor).
  
  

  Conversely, we have spent 66 years expanding and enhancing the Lower School so that it is now a complete campus. There is no additional property to expand, however HT is committed to continuing to enhance and renovate the campus as needed. 
  
  

  Current renovation plans and a final addition of the IDEAS Institute will complete the core of the US campus.

• Are you looking at corporations to fund any portions of the building?

  Given Holy Trinity is a private/independent school with religious affiliation, we are not eligible for certain grants and large corporation dollars for a bricks and mortar building. We will however be looking to some businesses for programming advice and expertise, as well as possible funding for technology and various tools and equipment relevant to their industry.

• Will the college office be bigger than it is right now?

  The new building will house an impressive college and academic advising suite which will be triple the size of the current office.

• What classes will be held in the new building?

  We envision every teacher will have an opportunity to utilize the IDEAS Institute as part of their curriculum.

• Will all Upper School students benefit from the new building?

  Yes, every student will have multiple classes in The IDEAS Institute between 7th grade and senior year. They will also attend clubs, academic advising and coaching sessions, and meetings with their college advisor in the new building.

• Can we expect another capital campaign after this one? 

  Capital campaigns are a decision of the Board of Trustees and Head of School and based on master planning. Our focus for the foreseeable future is on the IDEAS Institute.