Hundreds of Sidwell alumni, parents and students gathered in the Lubar Courtyard on Oct. 15 for the launch of the final phase of the “Together We Shine” campaign. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in Sidwell’s history, with a goal of $220 million. The campaign supports the school’s mission to strengthen financial aid, expand both academic and extracurricular programs and to bring the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools to one campus by 2028.
According to the campaign organizers, Head of School Bryan Garman and Assistant Head of School for Advancement Tara Arras, the name “Together We Shine” was chosen for the school’s values and Quaker traditions. The idea of the inner light, a core Quaker belief that emphasizes the ability to do good within each individual, was a central inspiration.
Sidwell also “drew inspiration from the song ‘This Little Light of Mine,’ which students in the Lower School often sing,” Garman said in an interview. “We wanted a name that reflected the idea that while every person shines individually, we can do something far more powerful together.”
Arras added that the success of the campaign — which has reached 87% of its goal as of Nov. 7 — is due to the message of unity. “Enthusiasm is the gas and engine of this campaign — their hope and desire [is] what’s propelling the [project],” she said. “In fundraising, success often breeds success. When people see their peers supporting something meaningful, it encourages them to get involved as well.”
The new facilities are designed to foster connection and collaboration among all grade divisions. However, this will be accompanied by practical and cultural changes to daily life.
“[T]he Upper School is already discussing schedule changes and additional passing time [between periods] to help students move between new spaces like the art center and classrooms. It’ll be exciting to see how students react to this new environment,” Garman said.
Arras added that the building will include a “larger and more open” dining space along with “beautiful new outdoor gathering areas, including a reimagined Sledge Garden space.” The former physical barrier separating the Upton Campus from the current Upper School — including the Wannan Gym and dividing wall — will be replaced with an open area known as the “Heart of Campus.” According to Arras, this will form “one large, connected space.” Arras said this reflects a “sense of togetherness that is central to what this campaign represents.”
Beyond aesthetics and layout, sustainability is a major focus of the campus redesign. The new buildings will operate without natural gas, powered instead by over 100 geothermal wells and a solar array.
“There are 120 wells embedded in the property,” Arras said. “It’s quite remarkable how the team managed to install so many while preserving the landscape.”
Garman highlighted how these sustainable features align with Sidwell’s educational mission.
“The new facilities, including advanced science labs and an outdoor science space on the ground floor, will create better learning opportunities for students,” he said. “It’s an environment that not only supports innovation in teaching but also models environmental stewardship.”
Both Garman and Arras are excited about the campaign’s legacy and its long-term impact on the school. Garman said he has “hope that 10 years from now, people will say this campaign strengthened the community and improved the learning experience for our students.”
Arras added that the campaign’s success will extend beyond physical spaces.
“The reunification will bring a new sense of pride and joy to campus,” she said. “With more social areas, brighter classrooms and sustainable design, the new Sidwell campus will feel like a vibrant, connected community.”
