Bolles leaders, donors and students convened on September 17 to break ground on the Alban Arts and Innovation Center, a new interdisciplinary learning environment on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus designed to advance creativity, collaboration and problem-solving.

Made All Things Possible by a lead gift from Bolles Board of Trustee member Bree R. Alban ’96 and David Alban, the $4 million project represents a significant investment in middle school learning and the creative, solution-building skills students need in a rapidly changing world. The Albans are the parents of Carson ’33, a member of the School’s centennial class, and Lee, who is a postgraduate student in Massachusetts.

Additional support for the center comes from Bolles Board of Trustee member Marion Cangemi and David Cangemi, as well as Peter Von Der Ahe and his sons, Reid ’34, Ethan ’25, Graham ’26 and Cole ’29, and Blake Griffis and Liza Griffis and their children Evie ’33, Vaughn ’37 and Vale ’37.

“The Alban Arts and Innovation Center will establish a new standard for our middle school experience, connecting the arts, technology and collaboration while giving students the freedom to explore new ideas and bring them to life,” said Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “We are exceedingly grateful to these Bolles families for recognizing creativity and innovation as essential to how students learn to make a difference and lead in the world beyond Bolles.”

The 6,802-square-foot center brings Bolles’ arts and innovation programs into a shared learning environment. Located at the former North Hall, a residence hall for the girls’ boarding program, the center will expand academic programming and hands-on learning on the Bolles Middle School Bartram Campus.

Plans for the Alban Arts and Innovation Center include:

• an innovation lab equipped with 3D printers and a laser cutter
• a visual arts studio with a kiln
• The Cangemi Music Room, which will provide dedicated rehearsal space for chorus and band, as well as private music instruction
• The Von Der Ahe Science Classroom

Expansive porches with swings, a paved courtyard with tables and benches and a new turfed lawn will extend learning beyond the building, creating additional places for students to gather, exchange ideas and strengthen community. Luke Architecture PA designed the new center.

A 2022 National Association of Independent Schools survey found that middle school students identified group projects and technology-based lessons among their most engaging activities, underscoring the value of the collaborative, hands-on learning the center will support.

“This project will elevate the middle school experience by creating a place where curiosity and ideas can become meaningful, changemaking work,” Bolles Chief Advancement Officer Carol Nimitz said. “We are grateful for the donors’ vision and their understanding that learning environments like the Alban Arts and Innovation Center can help students discover and sharpen strengths they can carry forward.”

Additional naming opportunities are available within the Alban Arts and Innovation Center. For more information, please contact Bolles Chief Advancement Officer Carol Nimitz at NimitzC@Bolles.org.