ACCESSIBLE
Educating and inspiring gifted students to think as individuals and to engage as a community with compassion for each other and this world.
OUR MISSION
Since its founding in 1941, Roeper has remained committed to the concepts of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and the idea that the transformative education we provide should be accessible to all gifted students.
CHRISTOPHER FEDERICO, HEAD OF SCHOOL
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CREATING AN INCLUSIVE CAMPUS
At Roeper, our mission is rooted in equity, justice, and inclusion. We believe every member of our community should thrive, regardless of physical ability. That’s why we’re launching Accessible by Design, a $1.1 million campaign to transform our Bloomfield Hills campus into a more welcoming, inclusive space for all.
This campaign will support our efforts to break down mobility barriers, allowing students, faculty, staff, and visitors to fully engage in our dynamic community. By removing these obstacles, we are aligning our campus with Roeper’s core values, where diversity and inclusion aren’t just ideals but a lived reality.
Supporting Accessible by Design means investing in the future of an inclusive, equitable learning environment that truly reflects the beauty of diversity. This is more than campus improvement—it’s a powerful step toward equitable opportunities for all.
Education is the vehicle through which we try to fulfill the promise of providing opportunities to all children.
-ANNEMARIE ROEPER, FOUNDER
Accessible spaces are an open door for individuals with physical disabilities. When a building or campus is accessible, it communicates to a wheelchair user that ‘You matter. You are wanted here. You belong, and we value your presence.’
My seven-year-old daughter uses a wheelchair and together, we face the struggle of inaccessibility. I think most Americans would be shocked to learn how many schools, restaurants, shops, and public spaces in this country are not wheelchair accessible, which means the space itself is exclusionary. I am very grateful to be working with the Roeper Community to make the Lower School campus inclusive for all students, regardless of physical ability. I know it will mean so much to my daughter to be able to independently navigate her big brother’s school.
THE NEED IS CLEAR “
Our Lower School campus presents barriers for those with mobility challenges, restricting physical access and thereby impacting a sense of belonging. To ensure education and opportunities are accessible to all, we must increase access to the spaces where learning takes place.
THE PLAN
“My connection to this project is our daughter manages Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). I choose my words carefully here, because JRA does not define her. We have attended Roeper since the Hill House and, while we transitioned to middle school this year, it is important to our family to improve the lower school campus for future generations. We know the Roeper community is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. Let’s have a campus that matches.”
MORRIS BROWN
CO-CHAIR, CURRENT PARENT
THE VISION
Experts in accessible and functional outdoor design, Dul & Associates have created a comprehensive plan
to remove existing barriers and open new opportunities for learning, connection, and community.
This design isn’t just about improving aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where every member of the Roeper community, from our youngest learners to our oldest family members, can thrive.
WHAT ARE THE IMPROVEMENTS?
Paved walking loop
Create a smooth, obstacle-free pathway connecting campus buildings and play areas to provide accessible movement.
Sustainable landscaping
Promote sustainability with rain gardens and indigenous plants, creating accessible spaces for experiential education.
Solar-powered lighting
Improve campus visibility, making navigation safer during evening events and after-school programs.
Retaining walls & terraces
Stabilize the landscape, transforming challenging terrain into safe, accessible spaces for outdoor learning and activities.
Accessible park features
Add inclusive seating and gathering areas to foster community connection and belonging.
Driveway & parking upgrades
Ensure accessible parking and smooth surfaces for seamless drop-offs, pick-ups, and mobility.
These improvements not only remove physical barriers but also foster an environment where learning can take place in every corner of the campus. They create opportunities for outdoor classes, unstructured play, and social engagement, helping students and others with mobility challenges fully participate in all aspects of school life.
Enhancing the accessibility of our campus not only benefits our current community, but also opens doors to a broader range of talented individuals. This strengthens our commitment to gifted pedagogy.
With thoughtful design, we can ensure that our Bloomfield Hills campus is accessible to everyone, especially during key moments like learning celebrations and classroom events that bring us together. These improvements are essential to creating an environment in which every gifted learner feels like they belong.
MEGHAN STOTT LOWER SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Take name out and put full photo credits
RENDERINGS CREATED BY MICHAEL J. DUL & ASSOCIATES,
By contributing to this campaign, you will help
TRANSFORM OUR SPACES
and advance Roeper’s commitment to:
RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
Ensure that every individual’s rights are honored and upheld.
DEMOCRATIC SPIRIT
Encourage shared decision-making and collaboration community-wide.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
GIFTEDNESS & POTENTIAL
Nurture the intellectual and emotional needs of our gifted students.
CRITICAL THINKING & INQUIRY
Foster curiosity and independent inquiry as key to education.
SOCIAL JUSTICE &
EQUITY
Advance fairness and equality for all members of our community.
Accessible by Design will create lasting change, empowering every Roeper student, teacher, and visitor to fully participate in all aspects of campus life.
Each improvement moves us closer to a future where accessibility is the standard. Every gift directly impacts those who learn, teach, and grow here. Together, we are creating a campus that truly reflects Roeper’s core values.
“ BUILDING A LEGACY OF INCLUSION
All disabled individuals deserve the dignity to fully participate in the spaces and places that are important to them. I know as a disabled student, Roeper is one of those places that has been very important in my life. I know many future disabled students who also consider Roeper their home will benefit from an accessible campus and community, and I am honored to be part of making that a reality.
ELYSE “ELI” MILLER ‘24 CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE MEMBER
Your support will remove barriers to ensure everyone has equal access to learning, growth, and connectedness. Together, we will build a campus that truly embodies our highest values of inclusion and equity. Educating and inspiring gifted students to think as individuals and to engage as a community with compassion for each other and this world. To learn how you can make a
