Help Build the Future: Join Our Capital Campaign

A Capital Campaign is a targeted fundraising effort that focuses on raising significant funds for large-scale, long-term projects like building renovations or expansions. Unlike the Annual Fund, which supports the school’s yearly operating expenses, the Capital Campaign is designed to fund improvements that will enhance the campus for years to come.

This building project was selected after careful consideration of the school’s most immediate needs, fundraising capacity, as well as site and permitting constraints. The goal is to create flexible, additional classroom space, which will allow us to grow our student body, renovate existing spaces, and maintain our robust programming. This phase fits within our current approved site development, making it the most feasible first step in a long-term plan.

We have not built a new building on the campus for over 20 years and after completing a comprehensive facilities condition assessment and evaluating the remaining useful life of all of our facilities, it is clear that we will need to begin replacing some buildings while also planning to renovate and refurbish others. Additionally, to continue offering the rich programs we love, such as student support, social-emotional learning, eurythmy, counseling, and mentoring and to balance the costs of these programs, we need to be prepared to increase our enrollment so that our student body size supports the costs. Our current size does not allow for economies of scale that are attainable at a slightly larger size. Our target is around 460 students to begin realizing economies with economies optimized in the ~550 range (we currently have 388 as of 10-7-2024). In order to be prepared to accommodate more students in the future, we need to begin the process of creating additional space. This new building will allow us to maintain and enhance these vital programs while also creating flexible space for future campus renovations and greater class schedule flexibility. This is just the first phase of a larger master plan, which will ultimately make full use of our properties and allow for sustainable growth.

The building will include two distinct classrooms designed to reflect and give space for two important parts of our pedagogy and curriculum: practical arts and creative sciences. The classrooms will measure 777 and 799 square feet, respectively, offering ample space for hands-on learning and creativity. For context, the size of these classrooms is similar to some of our existing spaces on campus, providing a familiar scale and establishing a refreshed aesthetic that ties to existing structures and creates a template for future additional buildings. The building will also house much-needed additional bathrooms for students, faculty, and staff.

This price is an all-inclusive budget, covering everything from the building’s steel frame and metal roof to multiple bathrooms, landscaping, and soft costs like architectural design, civil engineering, and permitting. The design reflects the unique Waldorf aesthetic, incorporating curved lines, varied window size and placements, and organic shapes, all of which connect students with the natural world, and add light, movement, and beauty while preserving the intimacy of the classroom. There have been multiple rounds of value engineering to maximize function and aesthetic while reducing costs. The project is currently at 100% construction drawings and includes a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposal for construction that is within our budget. We plan to confirm this GMP by early 2025 and sign a final contract with a builder at that time.

This project directly supports our mission by creating an environment where students can thrive academically, artistically, and practically. The new spaces will enable us to continue offering a holistic Waldorf education while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty in the physical environment. This is more than a building—it’s an investment in the future of our community.

Environmental stewardship is a core value at AWS. We are exploring grants and funding opportunities to install solar panels for the new building, ensuring it runs efficiently and aligns with our commitment to sustainability.

Absolutely. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) are integral to our community and part of our accreditation requirements. The design of the bathrooms reflects these values, featuring individual, closed-door stalls that can be used by anyone, ensuring inclusivity and privacy for all.

Construction is planned to minimize disruptions. We aim to break ground in June 2025 after students leave for summer break, completing the initial phases during the quieter summer months. The entire project is expected to be finished by June 2026. Drop-off, pick-up, parking, and student flow will be adjusted as needed to ensure safety and smooth operations during the construction period.

Safety is our top priority. Workers will have limited contact with students, and specific areas will be designated for them, ensuring that they do not interfere with daily school life. Parking for the crew will be separate, and all workers will undergo background checks to maintain a secure environment.

The goal of the Capital Campaign is to raise funds through donations, so we do not anticipate any immediate increase in tuition due to the construction of the new building. By fundraising separately for this project, we can avoid placing additional financial burden on families.

Yes! We welcome pledges, which allow you to spread your donation over multiple months or years. This makes it easier for families to contribute at a level that is meaningful for them while supporting the long-term goals of the campaign. Please contact the development team to set up a pledge plan.

While we are confident in the success of our campaign, if we do not reach our goal, we will re-evaluate the scope of the project to ensure that essential elements are prioritized. Every contribution brings us closer to realizing this vision, so participation at all levels is critical to our success.

There are many ways to support the Capital Campaign besides donating! You can help by volunteering your time, attending campaign events, spreading the word to other potential donors, or contributing in-kind resources. Every effort helps us reach our goal and strengthen our community.

We deeply appreciate every gift and plan to recognize contributors in a way that honors their generosity. Donors may have the opportunity to be acknowledged in campaign materials, and there may be naming opportunities for larger contributions. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, your privacy will be fully respected.