Full STEAM ahead: Bishop Noland’s South Campus unveils new wing, lab

Students and teachers at Bishop Noland Day School – South Campus are still settling into the campus’ new STEAM wing. In celebration of the addition, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday.

The wing features four new classrooms and a state-of-the-art lab for high school students at Bishop Noland. Before the new wing was built, students’ classes were spread across campus. Sometimes, they had to meet in the conference room, said Head of School Rev. Frances “Boo” Kay.

Science Teacher Emily Fruge was previously based in the art room, and carted the supplies for science experiments throughout the school,” said Kay.

“The more labs we did, the harder it was and the more tired they were.”

Fruge, who teaches several experiment-reliant science classes, said they are already putting the lab to good use.

“The kids are excited, and it helps with my planning purposes. We can do a lab any day of the week now.”

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Math) education is important to support the comprehensive education that Bishop Noland provides. The school offers a custom hands-on education path for students with their “interest inventory,” Kay said.

“We meet with the parents, and it talks about what they’re good at, and what they love, so that we can find their passion and pair that with their electives in high school.”

The building cost $1.8 million to build. The funds were raised by donors and the building was completed all in one year, she said.

The Board of Trustees Chairman Emily Williams believes the school’s engagement and relationship with the community is “amazing.”

“One of the things that I absolutely love about Bishop Noland, what I think sets us apart, is our vision for what this school can be,” she said. “Today, we get to celebrate one more step and one more part of that vision becoming a reality.”

The campus has more expansions in the works. The master site plan includes a football stadium, baseball field, soccer field, a performing arts building and a $3 million gym expansion.

The south campus, 5665 N. Gray Market Dr., houses 7th through 12th grade students.