As the first public residential high school in the nation, the school is a pioneer in creating an intellectually stimulating, diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community for academically talented students.  In order to support the social and mental health of its students, and to provide study and recreation spaces that reflect the schools commitment to excellence, the school is undertaking a phased renovation and addition project for its campus.  Campus-wide envelope and HVAC renovations are also planned to improve the energy efficiency of the historic structures.

Completed in 2023, Phase 1 includes a full renovation of the existing 11,000 sf dining hall, updating the cafeteria serving areas and opening the space up to natural light.  The dining hall received energy efficient windows and lighting, enhanced finishes, and furniture to support a range of student life activities.

Currently in design, Phase 2 is about creating connections.  The 20,000 square foot Academic Commons addition is terraced into the site to blur the line between and indoor/outdoor spaces and create accessible entry points for the building at a major circulation hub on campus.  The outdoor spaces serve as learning labs and green infrastructure and provide a variety of recreational functions, as well as dining, study, and classroom/educational use.  On the interior, the new library, dining hall, recreation, and study spaces are connected via a 2-story “academic commons.”  A solar array will provide hot water for the new facility and serve as a teaching tool for students.