List of 21 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. The building will house:

  • An Innovation Gym and makerspace
  • Design studio
  • Broadcast/podcast studio
  • College and academic advising suite
  • Presentation and collaboration spaces
  • Integrative 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 with movable furniture, cutting-edge tools and technology, and a state-of-the-art 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 Studio?

  Holy Trinity’s Broadcast, Journalism and Graphic Design students will be able to 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 news broadcast, student magazine and yearbook, as well allow for creative brainstorm sessions and cross curriculum group think.

• How much will it cost?

  We estimate the total cost for design, construction, furnishings and technology at $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 committed. Best practice dictates that 80% 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?

  Truth be told, 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 a whole child approach to learning. As a school of our caliber, the expectation is that we will constantly evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our global society, whether that means upgrading our technology and security systems, modernizing or building new facilities.

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

  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 DO own property on the Pineda campus that could accommodate the Lower School, the lease would need to be broken and a large donation of seed money committed to proceed in raising the additional funds required for a $30 million plus campus buildout.

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

  Holy Trinity will NOT entertain models that necessitate a large loan due to the fact that it would increase tuition significantly to pay it off.

• 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 80% of the funds are committed through pledges or gifts.

• How long will construction take?

  Approximately 12-18 months.

• 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 65 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 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, that is the intention.

• If there is not enough support for funding this building, how will that impact the Upper School and the education students receive?

  Not having the IDEAS Institute will not affect our mission to deliver an academically challenging curriculum, but it will hamper our ability to grow our program offerings as we are already at capacity. It is important to note that there is an expectation that a school of our ranking and prestige will continue to expand and improve to remain competitive.

• Can we expect another capital campaign after this one? 

  That would be a Board decision based on master planning.

• With Dr. Cobb leaving at the end of the school year, are you at all concerned about another president coming in and changing course?

  We do not envision a scenario where that would happen. If the Board of Trustees approves moving forward with the new building, we will be well on our way to fundraising and planning for the building when the new President assumes the role. He/She will be asked to finalize our plans, not to change or abandon them. Certainly, over the next several years the new President will work with school leadership to help define a future vision for the school but that would only come on the heels of a completed new classroom building and strategic growth in our academic programs.