A Bold New Era

In the Spring of 2008 Doane Academy embarked on what it calls “A Bold New Era for our Wonderful Old School”! At this time the school introduced a new campus master plan created by architect and alumnus Leigh Breslau ‘74 (see right) and a new strategic plan designed to position the School among the top tier of public and private schools in the country.

While the school fully realized the goals set forth in the strategic plan, and the plans for new buildings in the master plan are a capital campaign away, it did not stop improvements to the facilities, additions to curriculum, the implementation of a marketing plan that included modification of the school’s name, a new graphic identity, advertising campaign and website. Thanks to the generosity of Doane’s alumni and friends, additions to the campus in the last few years include the Katherine Potts Children’s Library, a new lower school art room, an additional computer lab, art gallery, new soccer and softball fields, and a new weight training room. More recently, refinishing of gym floor and new bleachers, upgrade of a computer lab with brand new computers and software, implementation of school management software system, and a faculty laptop program.

Our most recent (Summer 2010) and significant campus improvement since the mid 1960’s (when the gym and science buildings were added) was the demolition of several dilapidated structures. Beyond repair and with no historic architectural significance, the school was left with no other choice than to demolish the connector buildings located between the Chapel, and Scarborough and Odenheimer Halls. Doane Academy’s enthusiasm, as well as the support of the City of Burlington’s Historic Commission and the Land Use Board was influenced by the fact that the construction plans (see rendering above left) include a building that replicates the original main building purchased by Bishop Doane when he founded the school in 1837. At that time the building came to be called “Old Doane Hall.” In 1974 it was damaged in a fire and then demolished in 1995. In honor of our school’s roots and all of the loyal alumni, the replica structures will be called, “New St. Mary’s Hall - at Doane Academy.” It will include a grand old entry like the original building, administrative offices and connection to the Chapel on the first floor. The second and third floors will include 8 state of the art classrooms and multiple story connections to Scarborough and Odenheimer Halls.

The construction of a new entrance and classroom space is driven by the planned expansion of the school from 200 to 300 students over the next 10 years. Thanks to major gifts from some very loyal alumni and foundation grants from the Henry M. Rowan Family Foundation and the Susquehanna Foundation, all of the initial work to demolish and transition is fully funded. The construction of St. Mary’s Hall will commence when adequate funding has been secured (this could be as early as Fall 2011). It is important for current and prospective parents to know that their tuition dollars cover operational costs year to year. The expansion will be covered by unrestricted gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations or gifts specifically designated to capital improvement.

We are pleased that Doane Academy has been able to strike such a healthy balance between its rich and respected traditions and its need to be alive and responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the present and future. Buildings, programs and personnel changes, over the last 10 years, have become the norm. The school community could easily have exhausted its tolerance for change, were it not for the perception of growth and improvement on every front. The continual change and improvement to Doane Academy set forth by the master and strategic plan is a testimony to the school’s founder, Bishop George Washington Doane, who shared this same vision for the School back in 1837. While lots our campus has seen and will continue to see plenty of changes, expect that what originally attracted you and your family to our school will be retained, as Doane Academy will continue to build upon the best of itself, its wonderful reputation, and 173 years of time-honored tradition.