To read the Telegram & Gazette's news story on Worcester Academy's $5.6M Kingsley Laboratories renovation, visit the newspaper's Web site. The story, "21st century boost at Kingsley: $5.6M lift for science at academy" (by Bronislaus B. Kush, T&G Staff), ran March 27.
Worcester Academy students will benefit from a $5.6M renovation of Kingsley Laboratories to be completed this summer.
The Kingsley project - featuring, among other things, the renovation of seven current labs into multipurpose, lab classrooms - complements the Academy's science curriculum, which has grown exponentially in recent years.
"We have excellent faculty, and an excellent curriculum," said Dr. Francine Smith, head of the Worcester Academy Science Department. "Soon we will have the state-of-the-art facilities to complement our program and build on our strengths."
RENOVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION
Highlights of the Kingsley project include:
* Seven existing science labs completely renovated as state-of-the-art, multipurpose laboratory classrooms
* Lab classrooms featuring small group work/experiment stations to foster increased collaboration among students and teachers
* New and improved storage space for experiments, lab prep, chemicals, and equipment
* New safety features including OSHA-compliant workstations, sprinklers and ventilation
* Expanded capacity for science programming and expansion of programs such as the WA Physics Challenge, Robotics Challenge, Chemistry Olympiad, and independent study opportunities
* Significant exterior renovation, including masonry, and replacement of the roof and windows
Other significant project components include:
* Improving 13 non-science Kingsley classrooms, public spaces, and administrative offices
* Improvements to landscaping and handicapped accessibility, along with other site improvements
21ST CENTURY SCIENCE LEARNING
Kingsley Labs was built in 1897 as a state-of-the-art science education facility. Today, a growing number of Worcester Academy students take two or more full-year science courses from the 20-plus courses that are offered. Several trimester science electives and cross-disciplinary courses also have been added to meet demand, and there are 15 teachers who are members of the school’s science faculty.
"The way science is taught has changed, and, simply put, it is a challenge to implement 21st century science teaching in 19th century facilities," said Dexter Morse, head of school. The renovation will give added support and strength to the vibrant Academy science program, he said. "Our goal is to open school in the fall with up-to-date science facilities, ready for business."
GEORGE I. ALDEN TRUST
The renovation of Kingsley Laboratories is part of a long-term plan to upgrade facilities at Worcester Academy. It is being funded through a combination of institutional fund-raising and philanthropy, including a $500,000 grant from the George I. Alden Trust. The Alden Trust is becoming known as a leader in supporting academic facilities.
Consigli Construction is the general contractor. Ann Beha Architects of Boston is providing architectural services.
