You’ve probably heard that our high schoolers have finally moved into their new campus across the street, and we hope many of you have had a chance to visit the new facilities – ask for a tour if you haven’t seen it yet!
Today we want to share some photos of the process of getting the rooms and grounds ready for move-in, and what it looks like up there. It was a ton of work, but the results are stunning and we are so excited to have this space for our high schoolers. We asked the students to share their thoughts on the new campus, so read on to hear from them.
Once again, we want to express our tremendous gratitude to Tim Ronda for the many, many hours he dedicated to this project, and to all of the parent volunteers who helped make this happen, and who took photos to document it! We are overwhelmed at how this community pulls together. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Here are some “before” and “in progress” photos:
We asked our Classical Academy High School students what they think about their new digs, and here are a few of their comments, along with photos of what it looks like now:
My favorite thing about the new campus is the dining-hall styled lunch tables and the general communal feel of the houses. It really brings together all age groups, which is a central focus of our community here at sloCAHS!
There's a great sense of calmness and intent in our classes now that they aren't spread all over. We have our full class time to devote to learning, we don't have to move things around after discussions, and we can pin up our own work on the walls. I love the sense of ownership on our campus! We stained the pallet walls, we moved the tables, we as a community were part of the process through and through. There's a sense of pride in knowing that many, many students will enjoy this campus even after I graduate, and it definitely is something to enjoy.
~Meg Campbell, freshman
Spending the first semester at the “old” campus did not seem abnormal to me, but upon moving, I realized the difference in atmosphere. The classrooms have gorgeous views, which in my opinion capture some of SLO’s character. Also, it is our own little space, and there is a greater sense of community with us all together, which is a quality of SLOCA. Seeing the campus come together, through the labor of all of our hands put together, was surreal. It is so humbling to be part of something that will continue beyond your use, and that is something that I see when I'm at the new campus.
~Carina Womack, freshman
I love the sense of community that is promoted by having our own campus that we all helped set up. Now that we have our own space, teachers are able to have permanent spaces that reflect our learning. For example, Mr. McCullough and Senor Larson both have a portion of their personal libraries on campus and Ms. Shotwell and Mrs. Bair have student-made posters hanging up. It is also nice having our own big backyard to hang out out in during break periods. These things weren't possible at the old campus, but give the High School a greater sense of community. I also love being on a different campus from my sister who screamed “SISSY-POO” at me everyday.
~Shelby Dorman, sophomore
I'm so happy about the new campus because it gives us high schoolers our own unique space where we can get to know each other better and build our own community! All of us, freshmen to seniors are hanging out together or studying in one spot which I think is really special and something you can't get anywhere else.
~Katie Erb, freshman
Our high schoolers definitely needed their own space, and what a gift this has turned out to be for them. Thank you again to all who made this transformation possible!
