Breaking Ground on A Flourishing Future

On June 17, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees and spirits even higher, Cannon School officially broke ground on the Upper School expansion—marking the start of A Flourishing Future, a transformative project that will enhance student learning and campus life for years to come.

Donors, PAC leaders, students, faculty, and friends gathered beside the Gossage building for the ceremony, which included remarks from Head of School Mike Drew and newly appointed Board Chair Jessica Wagner. Guests donned hard hats and took part in the ceremonial first dig at the expansion site before cooling off with lemonade, cookies, and plenty of shared excitement about what’s ahead.

“This project is about more than square footage,” said Mike Drew. “It’s about creating spaces that reflect how our students learn today and how they’ll lead tomorrow. We’re building for flexibility, for collaboration, and most of all, for the curiosity and growth that define a Cannon education.”

A Flourishing Future adds 12,500 square feet of new and renovated space to the Upper School, including flexible classrooms, modern science labs, and open areas designed to foster engagement, collaboration, and exploration. The project is being led in partnership with Playbook Management Company (project manager), Barringer Construction (construction contractor), and WGM (architectural firm).

In alignment with Cannon’s mission and Campus Master Plan, the initiative also includes the addition of dedicated Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) in the Lower and Middle Schools and an expanded ARC in the Upper School—ensuring every student, from JrK to Grade 12, has access to personalized academic support that cultivates confidence, curiosity, and growth.

A Flourishing Future represents a strategic investment in Cannon’s academic programs and long-term vision. By enhancing the physical environment and deepening support for student learning, this initiative ensures students are equipped to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world. To learn more, visit A Flourishing Future.