New Campus Progress Report

• Concerted efforts continue in the multi-faceted process of relocating Davidson Academy’s campus to Hendersonville. Below is a brief summary of our recent activity and progress.



• Our planners, architects, civil engineers, and contractors interact regularly with the staff and the Building Committee of the Board of Trustees, and we are making considerable progress with the design of the new campus.



• We have received approval of our master plan and design concepts for the new campus from the Hendersonville Board of Zoning Appeals and the Hendersonville Planning Commission.



• Working drawings for the new lower school building, which is approximately 83,000 square feet, will soon be complete. The lower school will be located on the west side of the new campus (nearest New Shackle Island Road.)



• The new upper school building and the arts and athletics complex are now in the schematic phase of design. In this phase, a conceptual design is established. Once a concept is approved, plans move into the design development phase, in which the architects expand upon the schematic design and include detailed floor plans and materials.



• Our Forward in Faith capital campaign continues to bring in financial support. To date, $2.25 million in gifts and pledges has been received. The purpose of this campaign is to help pay for the 76-acre campus site and the engineering and architectural design.



• Marketing activities to sell the current 65-acre Old Hickory Boulevard campus are continuing. Two educational institutions have visited our current campus multiple times and are considering making an offer. The current crisis in the banking industry makes selling the Old Hickory Blvd. facilities an important part of our overall plan and a key step in securing funding for the new school. Construction cannot commence, of course, until funding is in place.

Our school’s Board of Trustees remains firmly committed to the move to Hendersonville. God has clearly led us this far, and we are convinced He is providing the ways and means to allow us to break ground soon. That will be a day of rejoicing for the entire Davidson Academy family.

The greatest desire of the Board and other school leaders is to be in His will for Davidson Academy. We ask that the entire school family continue to pray, as we do, for patience, guidance, and wisdom. We are committed to honor Him and know that He is directing our plans and progress.

New Campus Features

   


• With an elliptical forum as its centerpiece, the new campus will include a Lower School/Preschool building, dining hall, libraries, Upper School, visual and performing arts center, two dance studios, athletics and physical education building, and a sports complex.


• Although a separate middle school building will not be built initially, students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades will have a program and structure that creates a developmentally appropriate learning environment. A middle school facility, however, remains in the overall site plan concept.


• Even though we hope to see an enrollment increase when Davidson Academy moves to the Hendersonville area, little change is expected in class size. Currently, the average class size is less than 20 students. This offers a balance between efficiency and individualized attention to students.


• The new campus will enable program enhancements in academics, extracurricular activities, and services for Davidson Academy families.


• Plans call for the new Davidson Academy campus to utilize the best technology available that has a demonstrated impact on learning, including classroom presentation, wireless networking, and both fixed and mobile labs. Additionally, electronic access control will enhance campus security.


• Once the new campus opens, Davidson Academy will offer transportation for students who live south or west of Hendersonville. Transportation is currently offered to students who are living in Hendersonville and Springfield.


• While it is likely that Davidson Academy's tuition will increase somewhat when the campus opens, we remain committed to an affordable tuition rate. The school’s tuition is among the lowest anywhere for a program of its scope and quality.


• If you know parents who are interested in sending their children to Davidson Academy once we move to the Hendersonville area, please encourage them to apply for admission now. We expect a large number of applicants once construction begins on the new site. Students enrolled prior to relocation will have admission priority. For admissions information, contact Darlyne Kent at 860-5307 or dkent@davidsonacademy.com.

Forward in Faith Capital Campaign

• The capital campaign has already moved more than halfway toward its goal. If you would like to learn more about the Forward in Faith campaign, please contact Cindee Badger, Davidson Academy campaign coordinator, at 860-5317 or cbadger@davidsonacademy.com.

Sale of Old Hickory Boulevard Campus

• The current campus has been listed with Newmark Knight Frank Global Real Estate Advisors. Several organizations have expressed interest in the 65-acre campus. Discussions with prospective buyers are ongoing. For more information, call Sue Earnest at (615) 533-5069.