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Elevating Our Future
Comprehensive Campaign Takes Shape in 2022
With rich academic and co-curricular programming in place, Northwood School leadership believes now is the time to turn its attention to its endowment and facilities to ensure the School’s future sustainability.
“The first six years of my tenure at Northwood were focused on strengthening the School experience with robust programs in a number of areas,” said Head of School Mike Maher. Those programs included new co-curriculars in soccer and dance and the revitalization of the Northwood Outing Club (NOC). On the academic side, an invigorated L.E.A.P. program, the addition of Olympic Physics, the Advanced STEM Research Program, the Advanced Humanities Program and the Independent Study program have enhanced the School’s rigorous college preparatory curriculum and have given Northwood students an edge in the college admission process.
“The next chapter of Northwood’s history is focused on growing the endowment and creating state-of-the-art facilities that support the mission of the School,” Maher continued. To that end, the School has announced its plans to embark on a multi-phase comprehensive campaign, with $9 million in leadership gifts already in hand. The first three phases of the campaign include construction of an outdoor turf field, new Allyn Building entryway, learning commons, and dining hall, as well as plans to grow the endowment to support people and programs through financial aid, faculty development and operating support. Future phases under consideration include a girls’ dormitory, arts center and athletic complex. The final campaign goal will be determined at the June 2022 Board meeting.
Phase I: Turf Field
The first phase, a pro-level turf field constructed parallel to Northwood Road, saw its inaugural matches hosted by Northwood’s elite boys’ soccer squad in November 2021. Measuring 220 ft. by 360 ft., the field utilizes FieldTurf’s Revolution 360 system which is widely considered to be the premier product in the turf industry. It features 9 lbs. of infill per sq. ft., a mix of rubber and sand placed between the synthetic grass blades that provides both cushion and footing. Studies published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine have shown FieldTurf’s surface leads to significantly fewer injuries and concussions as compared to natural grass. The field is maintained with an Avant loader, a small tractor specially designed to sweep, sift infill to remove debris, and even plow turf. Bleachers for spectators were added this spring, and a press booth and netting behind the goals are planned for the coming months.
A new pro-level turf field was completed in the fall of 2021 as part of Phase I.
The new dining facility planned for Phase II features seating for 300 and magnificent views.
The floor-to-ceiling native stone fireplace is the focal point of the new dining hall.
Phase III of the campaign features a redesign to the Allyn Building entryway, allowing for more light and open space.
The Steve Reed Learning Commons places learning at the heart of the School.
—MICHAEL MAHER, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Phase II: Dining Hall
Phase II of the campaign includes construction of a new dining facility attached to the rear of the existing Allyn Building overlooking the Academic Center quad. The space will feature a mix of large tables and booths to accommodate 300 people highlighted by serving stations, a wood-fired oven and an all-day café. A fireplace will sit at the center for warmth and ambiance, and three walls of windows will bring the outdoors in while capturing incredible views of Cobble and the McKenzie Mountain Range from dawn to dusk.
Phase III: Entryway and Learning Commons
The entryway of the Allyn Building will be opened up to allow for additional light and a more spacious feel as you enter this iconic building. The stairway to Second Floor East will become a floating staircase and glass-walled conference rooms lining the area below will lead students into the new Learning Commons, named for legendary Northwood faculty member Steve “Reno” Reed. The Learning Commons is designed to be a quiet space with areas where students can work in small groups or independently throughout the day and during evening study hall hours. With a central resource desk and the Learning Center relocated to this space, it will be a hub of academic support services. The Steve Reed Learning Commons and its location at the center of the Allyn Building reinforce the idea that learning is at the heart of Northwood.
