Campus Enhancement and Expansion
In the summer of 2021, Gillispie opened its Sandbox, a 7000 square-foot building adjacent to our current campus. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, this bright and colorful space houses our very first theater and multi-purpose space, a music room, library and media center, science classroom, indoor/outdoor makerspace, teaching kitchen, and an outdoor shaded student lunch area. We are confident that the Sandbox will transform the quality of the student experience, supporting each child’s unique journey and growth by empowering students to dream big, think creatively, work collaboratively, and pursue their passions.
PHASE I – Campus Enhancements
Status – Completed August 2019!
- Addition of two Early Childhood classrooms
- Extensive renovation and modernization of all Early Childhood classrooms
- Updated and reconfigured outdoor learning space
- Addition of Staff Collaboratory
PHASE II – Campus Expansion “The Sandbox”
Status: Completed August 2021!
What is a “Sandbox”?
From a term used in industry, a “Sandbox” is space where data and processes are looked at in new and meaningful ways. For Gillispie, it’s a place where ideas are sparked from the interaction between and among students and teachers. It’s where generative thinking takes root.
It’s more than a new building—it’s improving and expanding Gillispie programs.
A core principle of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is that the learning environment itself is an important educator. The build-out of this new property is critical to implementing the School’s mission and living its hands-on, deep-thinking education. Now completed, The Sandbox houses: