The Transformation of the Annex in 16 Weeks

Spaces for Upper School Math, Science, Engineering, and Performing Arts programming were transformed over the summer when the interior of the Annex on 15th Street was fully refurbished. Head of School Bo Lauder comments, “For more than 25 years the Annex has served our US students and teachers extremely well but the time came to take action to address critical programming and systems needs.”

Like all campus infrastructure improvements, the ultimate aim is to create a learning environment that enables the School to attract and retain the best students and teachers. Although the School has undertaken several construction projects over the years, this one was like no other because of the compressed timetable – it had to be completed in 16 weeks. “It took months of planning and an extraordinary crew of 100 and 150 on any given day to complete this project on budget and on time with a thrilling result,” Bo observes.

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A New Focus on STEM

The new university-grade Physics, Chemistry and Biology labs in the Annex are more flexible, functional, and efficient. These labs enable students to better model the practices and behaviors of scientists, as they consider their future studies and careers. The Head of Science Dr. Shayri Greenwood explains, “The labs feel so much bigger. We have space to ideate programs for the future. We are thinking in terms of independent research projects and new equipment such as rotary evaporators and melting point apparatuses.”

The new Faculty Center has already sparked interdisciplinary collaboration. The large space, which  features 18 carrels, has been officially named STEM Cell and the meeting room at the center, Nucleus. Dr Greenwood comments, “It is light-filled and welcoming. It is opening up dialogue and sparking new ideas. It is a sweet joy!”

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A Spotlight on the Performing Art

Pictured (left to right) Before, After

The renovated Joyce McCray Black Box Theatre creates a new hub for the Performing Arts. The McCray, which is used for classes, rehearsals, and performances, has been fully modernized and equipped with a state-of-the-art lighting system. The Head of the Performing Arts Steve Borowka comments, “We can now change the color, shape and texture of light which will transform productions and expand students' technical skills.” Students will learn how to use an ETC Ion board, the same system used in Broadway theaters.

Directly below the McCray, the former ‘Physics Cave’ now provides classroom space for the Performing Arts, offices and ample storage for musical instruments, costumes, and props. Steve comments, “Storage is a game changer. We are now able to have an inventory of costumes and props that can be used during classes. I can see us offering a costume and prop design elective in the future.”

The first production planned for the McCray will be in February when Grades 7-8 perform Midsummer Night’s Dream under the direction of Trent Williams. The McCray is currently being used for rehearsals for the fall play, The Odyssey, slated to be performed at Baruch College Dec. 13 to 15. To learn more about the Performing Arts Department, click here.

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One Student’s Perspective

For Upper School Senior Elisa, who studies STEM and humanities subjects, the refurbished Annex brings a new sense of connectedness and excitement to her learning. Elisa '25 comments, “It always felt like the Humanities had a bit of an advantage and that STEM was part of a second campus. Now, it looks and feels like one.”

In the Physics Lab Elisa '25 finds more space to design new experiments. She has also observed a greater sense of connection among faculty and comments, “I think the new spaces are making it easier for teachers to work together. Seeing teachers collaborating is really important. I want to be around people who are interested in things that I know nothing about but are eager to share thoughts and ideas. This is what I am looking for in college.”

Having Math and Latin classes in the Annex adds to her sense of connection. Elisa explains, “Both subjects are like solving puzzles and it is exciting to bridge the Humanities and STEM inside the Annex.”