Looking Back on Our Elementary School Revitalization

The environment where a child learns is often called the “third teacher,” a space that shapes how students explore, create, and interact just as much as the curriculum itself. This philosophy is at the heart of last year’s revitalization of the Elementary School, a project that transformed the first floor into a vibrant, welcoming hub for the entire community.

“The environment in which children explore, create and interact with one another has an important impact on how they learn.”

— Dylan Adair, parent of two St. George’s young alumni

Supported by a generous donor community that raised more than $1.3 million, the project modernized key areas, including the front entrance, reception, faculty kitchen, and collaboration rooms. These reimagined spaces are not just about aesthetics; they are designed to lift the energy of the whole community and foster a deeper sense of belonging from the moment a student steps through the doors.

Transforming Kindergarten Spaces

One of the most significant transformations took place in the Kindergarten classrooms. Designed to be both functional and inspiring, these spaces now reflect a commitment to sustainability and student independence.

Kindergarten teachers Talya Barnes and Cassandra Wong have already seen the daily impact of the redesign on their students’ engagement and well-being.

“The upgrades to our Kindergarten classroom have been truly transformative. Our new student furniture, made from sustainable and ecologically sourced materials, has helped create a warm, calming, and inviting environment. The thoughtful design supports our ‘bring the outside in’ approach and deepens students’ connection to and understanding of the natural world. The improved layout and enhanced storage makes learning materials more accessible, and encourages independence and deeper engagement. We love our new space! It is beautiful, functional, and thoughtfully designed to enhance both teaching and learning.”

— Talya Barnes and Cassandra Wong, Kindergarten Teachers

A Community Effort

This revitalization was made possible through broad participation from parents, alumni, faculty, and staff, alongside major support from the Adair Family Foundation and the R. Howard Webster Foundation.

The project reflects a shared belief that physical spaces play a crucial role in student wellbeing. As Lucy Riddell, Chair of the R. Howard Webster Foundation, noted, “St. George’s has built inspiring learning spaces that promote collaboration and creativity among their young students. We are a proud supporter of the Elementary School Revitalization Project, which recognizes the crucial impact of a healthy learning environment on the overall well-being of children.”

Building for the Future

From the “Dragon Hall” entrance, where families gather, to the collab rooms, these spaces are designed to evolve with the School.

“The reimagined spaces and new collaboration rooms have changed not only the look of our Elementary School campus, but the way we live and learn in it. As we approach our 100th anniversary, they remind us that St. George’s is always evolving, ensuring our spaces, like our teaching, are exceptional.”

— Michael O’Connor, Head of School

Support Our Vision

Help enhance St. George’s student experience through our Annual Giving Campaign. Please show your support for our vibrant learning environment today.