Together We Soar Campaign

Kent School Begins Middle School Expansion Construction

Updated: September 15, 2025

With more than $2 million in gifts and pledges in hand and $300,000 remaining to be raised to meet the $2.3 million Together We Soar fundraising campaign goal, the Kent School Board of Trustees has authorized construction to begin on the eagerly-anticipated Middle School expansion project.

“The new Innovation Center is under roof and on schedule to be ready for the start of our next academic year.” Head of School Nancy Mugele said. “The Board recognizes that our fundraising efforts to complete the campaign have good momentum as we continue to reach out to alumni, parents, friends, corporations and foundations to help put us over the top.”

“Since 2009, the Kent School Campus Master Plan has guided the design for the Library addition, the Administration Building renovation and new front façade, as well as the new Innovation Center and Middle School renovation projects,”

Albert W. Rubeling, Jr., architect for the project, said. “This Plan is designed to maintain the School’s relevancy, sustain its mission, and reinforce its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the students, faculty, staff and parents,” he concluded

“The new Innovation Center will help our students take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, solve complex problems, think critically, embrace collaboration and work through the creative process,” Mugele added. “The new Center will include the Middle School Science Lab, Middle School Math classrooms, and Visual Arts classrooms – including a Maker Space and both a 2C art studio and a 3D art studio for all students.

“The new science lab is especially exciting. It will include state-of-the-art equipment focusing on giving students core understandings of key principles in Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science integrated with environmental science and Chesapeake Bay studies,” she noted.

“While the new Innovation Center will be located in the Middle School, every student at Kent School will benefit from the new facility,” she continued. “Even the Little Schoolers will explore the many opportunities the Center offers.”

The Together We Soar campaign is the most ambitious fundraising ever undertaken by the Pre-K through 8 independent school located on scenic Wilkins Lane outside of Chestertown. When completed, it will add $1 million to the school’s endowment and add 2,000 square feet of new classrooms.

“We believe wholeheartedly that Kent School’s mission is more relevant today than ever. Serving students from Delaware and the Upper and Mid-Shore of Maryland, our unparalleled environment on the bank of the Chester River promotes teaching and learning, moral integrity, kindness, and respect for others – values we cherish, nurture, and teach intentionally while pursuing excellence in academics, the arts and athletics,” Mugele continued.

“Our school’s supportive, student-centered environment fosters the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world through high academic and personal standards taught a devoted and highly skilled faculty,” she added. “The success of this campaign to date is tangible proof of the community’s commitment to these principles.

Middle School Academic Wing – $500,000

While the exterior of the Middle School Academic Wing will remain as we know it, the interior will be transformed and expanded into bright, inviting spaces housing Language Arts, History, and Math classrooms and serve as a meeting space for the Student Government Association. The 1,600 square foot pad, poured in 2012 as a place-holder footprint for expansion, will serve as the foundation for new construction on the back of the existing Middle School. A gift of $500,000, payable over four years or on another schedule comfortable to the donor, will enable a donor to name the building.

Innovation Center – $250,000 RESERVED

The new Innovation Center in the Middle School will use the study of Environmental Science (Earth, Life and Physical Science all with the environmental lens), Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics to guide our students into taking thoughtful risks, engaging in experiential learning, solving complex problems, thinking critically, embracing collaboration, and working through the creative process.

2D Art Studio – $50,000

A large, bright space with state-of-the-art supplies, furniture and storage, the Art teaching classroom will support all visual arts including mixed media art and graphic arts.

3D Art Studio – $50,000 RESERVED

A collaborative space for interdisciplinary work, the 3D Art Studio will include a ceramics studio.

Math (2) – $50,000 RESERVED (2)

One Math classroom will be in the Academic Wing and one in the Center.

Middle School Commons – $35,000 RESERVED

A Commons area for all Middle School students will provide locker space for all students as well as gathering spaces for study or visiting with friends.

Science Lab – $100,000 RESERVED

The new Middle School Science Lab located in the Innovation Center will feature state-of-the- art equipment.

Humanities Classrooms (2) – $50,000

New Grade 5/6 Language Arts, Grade 7/8 Language Arts and History classrooms will be built as part of the new Academic Wing.

 Learning Strategist – $35,000 – RESERVED

The new space dedicated to our Orton-Gillingham-trained Learning Strategist will be adjacent to the Library and facilitate collaboration with the Director of Library Services.