For more than 50 years, Sumner Academy has been a place where curiosity, creativity, and character take flight. Today, we’re writing the next chapter of that story through the Soaring to Success Campaign, a bold initiative to strengthen learning, expand innovation, and prepare our students for the next 50 years of discovery and leadership.

The Soaring to Success capital campaign is a bold investment in the future of our school by strengthening every aspect of the student experience. Beyond the signature space swap project, the Soaring to Success supports the five essential pillars of Sumner Academy: Academics and Innovation, Facilities and Grounds, Faculty Excellence, Financial Health and Stability, and Community Engagement. Together, these priorities allow us to enhance teaching and learning, care for our campus, support outstanding educators, steward resources responsibly, and foster a vibrant, connected school community.

With the support of our donors, Soaring to Success is not just about improving spaces but is about strengthening our foundation and empowering students to thrive now and into the future.

New Spaces. Same Campus.

 

Thanks to the support of donors like you, additional funding is desired for the relocated, remodeled, and re-outfitted IDEA Hub and William H. Wemyss Library and Media Center, and to continue the Soaring to Success vision moving forward with exciting momentum.

The Aerium

The New Innovation Center, known as "The Aerium," will redefine what’s possible for our students. Building on the success of our existing IDEA HUB, this expanded space will feature a fully equipped design-thinking classroom alongside exciting new additions: a professional-grade recording studio, a state-of-the-art fabrication lab, and a dedicated art and creativity zone.

This center will also become the home of our technology classroom, where students will have access to advanced tools—including 3D printers, desktop workstations, and equipment that supports hands-on engineering, digital creation, and problem-solving.

William H. Wemyss Library and Media Center

We are thrilled to share that our school library is moving into a newly expanded space within the Lower School—a transformation that will elevate the learning experience for every student. This redesigned library will be significantly larger, thoughtfully organized, and intentionally crafted to spark curiosity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of reading.

 

 

The image appears to be a 3D rendering or floor plan of a multi-room residential or office space, with various furniture and partitions visible throughout the layout.
This is a floor plan or layout of a building, featuring various rooms and spaces such as a wood-based studio, a tech room, a meeting space, and an astroroom.
This is a 3D rendering of the floor plan of a multi-room office or workspace. The layout includes various rooms, workstations, and open areas, suggesting a functional and organized work environment.
A 3D rendering of an open-concept office layout, featuring a mix of private workspaces, collaborative areas, and shared amenities.
Aerium

From the Latin root "aer" meaning air, and a subtle reference to a hawk's "aerie", or nest

a place where ideas rise

an elevated HUB for creativity

 

Our Progress

Thanks to the incredible generosity of families, alumni, and friends, Soaring to Success has already made a visible impact across our campus. Recent enhancements include:

  • New whiteboards and teaching tablets
  • iPads or computers for every student
  • Upgraded technology for multimedia learning
  • A modernized cafetorium with advanced lighting and sound
  • Refreshed campus signage and painting
  • Repaved drives and parking areas

 

Two students completing a circuit to light up a light

 

What Comes Next

Now, the campaign is focused on bringing these new spaces fully to life — and on supporting the teachers who make learning extraordinary.

Furnishings, equipment, and technology will transform the relocated and remodeled IDEA Hub and Library into vibrant centers for exploration, collaboration, and creativity.

Faculty support will provide the professional development and classroom resources that keep teaching dynamic and forward-looking.

This final phase is about creating environments where curiosity thrives, and teachers continue to inspire excellence.
 

Why It Matters

At Sumner Academy, learning is active, connected, and joyful. These next investments will ensure that every student has the tools, spaces, and teachers to imagine boldly, think critically, and lead with confidence.

The Soaring to Success Campaign is how we ensure that spirit continues to define Sumner Academy for generations to come.

two students opening a time capsule on campus

“Because of the generosity of so many, we’ve already transformed classrooms and strengthened programs across campus. Now, we’re inviting the full Sumner Academy family to help us finish strong by outfitting the relocated and remodel IDEA Hub and Library and supporting the teachers who bring learning to life every day.” — Mandy Belote, Board President

two students working on identifying rocks

How You Can Help

Every Family. Every Student. Every Gift Matters.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, alumnus, or friend, your support helps finish this important work — equipping new learning spaces and empowering teachers to guide the next generation.

 

Join us in helping our students - and our school - soar to success.

 

A group of young people posing together in a scenic outdoor setting with mountains and trees in the background.
A group of young students in school uniforms are engaged in an outdoor activity, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Honoring the Past, Innovating the Future

 

Financial health and stability
Faculty Excellence
Community Engagement
Facilities and Grounds
Academics and Innovation