LuHi is thrilled to announce the complete renovation renovation of our main classroom wing, beginning in late summer 2023! The new Academic Wing at LuHi will provide students and teachers with state-of-the-art instructional spaces and a cutting-edge Innovation Center. The overall design will elevate the connection to nature found in our beautiful campus surroundings.
Watch LuHi’s Renovation Announcement – February 2023
Thanks to several key, generous leaders and with the approval of our Board of Directors, LuHi will begin a renovation of our main classroom wing in the late summer of 2023!
LuHi strives to educate young people with excellence in the present and must actively plan for how to do so in the future. Our Board approved a five-year strategic plan, entitled Shine, in February of 2020. Shine includes four main goals to accelerate our movement towards a thriving future. The second goal of our plan is titled “Inspired Spaces”. Throughout the planning process, our community acknowledged that, while we have a beautiful campus and many incredible learning spaces, we also have buildings and areas that are in need of an upgrade. We then made a key decision to invest in a campus master plan. This physical plan, in support of our strategic plan, took over twelve months to complete and investigated all needs and potential opportunities across our 32 acre campus. A renovation of our main classroom wing – the 100 and 200 hallway area – was identified as the priority project.
The result of this work will be breathtaking. Our 31,000 square foot classroom wing will serve as LuHi’s core academic hub for decades to come. Modern, bright, flexible classrooms will allow students to collaborate while feeling inspired to grow in body, mind, and spirit. A state of the art HVAC system will provide consistent temperature control to maximize comfort and focus. I wholeheartedly believe that LuHi will be home to the premier classroom wing in all of Long Island!
We are blessed to be partnering with Zubatkin Owner Representation, a firm that specializes in supporting all aspects of capital projects. Zubatkin has been a phenomenal resource for LuHi, guiding us through the architect selection process and advancing discussions with the Town of Brookville. You can review the firm’s extensive client list, as they have partnered with reputable schools, community organizations, famous museums, theaters, and more. We are in great hands!
Although the construction project will impact movement and classroom settings during the 2023-2024 school year, we will work in close partnership with Zubatkin to ensure a smooth and minimally disruptive experience. Our commitment to excellence in teaching and learning will continue as we find new and innovative ways to utilize our buildings and grounds.
- How will the new Academic Wing enhance teaching and learning at LuHi?
The interior renovation of the Academic Wing will provide new, modern, light filled and climate controlled instructional spaces for the Middle and High school. Our premier learning spaces will include all new finishes, furniture, and the latest technology.
New classrooms, flex spaces and breakout rooms will be energizing for learners and teachers alike. They will support focused and collaborative learning, enhancing interaction and opening up new possibilities for interdisciplinary work. The cutting-edge Innovation Center will bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) together and expand robotics and engineering opportunities.
A new elevator ensures access between the Administrative and Academic Wings in line with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations.
- What is the anticipated schedule for the project?
- August 2023 Initial mobilization and site work
- September 2023 Anticipated construction start
- Fall 2024 Anticipated Classroom Building interior renovation completion
The hours of construction are, as permitted by the Village of Brookville, 8:00AM to 6:00PM Monday to Friday. More details will be provided as our construction schedule is formalized.
- Will we have temporary learning spaces during construction?
We have identified opportunities to keep classes within the existing buildings where possible. In addition, we will have a temporary and well appointed “Academic Village” to provide additional classroom learning spaces, faculty areas and restroom facilities during construction. All temporary classroom spaces will have air conditioning, heating, and windows.
The temporary Academic Village will be located on the middle courts, allowing for easy transitioning between classes.
Please review the renderings of our Academic Village HERE
- Will construction disrupt the educational program and process during the period of renovation?
During the period of construction, course offerings will not be affected. We will leverage campus outdoor and indoor facilities in new ways.
The cafeteria, athletics, and performing arts spaces will be fully operational. After school activities, events, and summer programs will not be compromised.
- Will our schedule change?
We will retain our current block schedule, and will be evaluating passing periods with the likelihood of an increasing passing time by reducing class periods by a few minutes. Both students and teachers will rotate to different classrooms as they do currently.
- Will there be an adjustment of dress code?
Yes, outerwear will be permitted while walking between learning spaces. More specific dress code details will be forthcoming.
- Will there be a change to on-campus vehicular flow or parking during construction?
We do not anticipate school arrival or dismissal vehicular flow changes during construction. As safety is of utmost importance, vehicular use on campus will be carefully monitored to ensure safe school operations and construction.
- How will we keep the LuHi community updated?
In addition to regular emails, we will post updates to this webpage and consistently communicate through our regular weekly Friday newsletter.
- Will tuition increase due to the renovation?
Tuition will continue to follow a variable model and increase incrementally over time following inflation and best practices in tuition management. This project is funded through the generosity of our community and with the support of The Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
11. How will campus safety presence shift to ensure student safety in the Academic Village:
We plan to have full time security and administrative presence at the point of entry to the academic village. Fencing will be incorporated around the classrooms, to ensure all entrants enter and exit through one pathway. We also plan to continue to have full time security presence at the current entry at the top of the hill as well. In addition, LuHi plans to add security personnel to daily operation in 2023-2024.