New Campus Update

• Littlejohn Engineering Associates (LEA), working with Earl Swensson Associates, and the school staff and Board of Trustees have developed a detailed master plan for the new campus. The Davidson Academy Board of Trustees has approved the site plan concept and directed LEA to complete the civil engineering work and to seek proper approvals and necessary permits from the state and from the City of Hendersonville. These tasks must be completed before the groundbreaking can take place.


• Once ground has been broken, the architects and contractors estimate a construction period of approximately 14 months based on the site plan concept shown.


• A traffic study and an engineering report have been conducted, and findings show that improvements need to be made to Stop 30 Road in order to make it safer and more efficient for Davidson Academy families and members of the community. The road will be widened and leveled, and turning lanes and signals will be installed. Utilities will be moved, and the road along the Davidson Academy property line will be repaved.


• Current plans call for the new campus to open for all grade levels at the same time. Based on the current timeline, classes could be held on the new campus at the start of the 2009-10 school year. However, this timeline is based upon many factors, such as the length of time it takes to get plans approved by the City of Hendersonville and funding from three sources: the sale of the current campus, securing long-term financing (likely in the form of a tax-exempt bond issue) and the success of the Forward in Faith capital campaign. If funding is delayed from any of these sources, it is possible that a phasing plan, where the construction of the new campus would be completed in stages, would be implemented.

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 Vivian Penuel, Davidson Academy campaign coordinator, at 860-5317 or vpenuel@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.