Lower School Transformation

A rendering that depicts children sitting in the lower school library, with low book stacks, comfortable chairs, and an info desk

Overview

Opening in 2024-25, Friend School's multimillion-dollar renovation of the Lower School complex (grades 1-5) will preserve the historical integrity of its exterior and transform the interior spaces to reflect our exceptional academic program. The Lower School playground will also be reimagined to support play-based learning and inspire curiosity and exploration.

100 Years on Charles Street

Friends purchased our North Charles Street campus for the purpose of athletic fields in 1925 and made the permanent move from the downtown campus a few years later. Our Lower School complex has served us well for many years. Built in 1928 in the Tudor Revival style, the Lower School East building is the second oldest on our campus, and it has remained largely unchanged for well over a generation. The West building was added in 1990 to accommodate an influx of students as the School’s enrollment grew.

Stewarding our history and honoring the gifts that we have been given, we will preserve the exterior character of our buildings and transform the interior spaces into innovative, sustainable, inclusive learning environments for generations of students to come.

Archival photo in black and white, a birds-eye view of the campus, before certain buildings were built and other campus adjustments.

A birds-eye view of the campus, before the Lower School West building was built.

Archival photo in black and white taken from the front lawn toward the side, the original Lower School building and the original Upper School building to the right.

The front of the original Lower School building, with the original Upper School building in the background.

A black & white photo of the side of the original lower school building, from the front, with three children walking around.

The original Lower School building, shot at an angle from the front.

A black & White photo of the original Lower School East building, looking at the back.

The back of the original Lower School building, taken before the Lower School West building was built.

 

Spaces That Inspire

We know that the physical environment plays an integral role in the education of a child. Once complete, our beautiful new spaces will uphold our commitment to academic excellence, inspire joy in learning, and feel welcoming to all who join our community.

Teaching & Learning

Brain-based educational research shows that children learn best when teachers have the right tools and flexibility to meet their needs. Throughout the day, Lower School teachers may lead a group lesson, organize the children into collaborative learning groups, engage them in research, and offer one-on-one support. As our youngest students grow in their academic subjects, they are also developing their creativity, resilience, and executive function, and strengthening socio-emotional skills. People – our teachers and students – are at the heart of Friends School, and our new classrooms are designed to support the amazing work they do each day. 

A rendering that depicts children sitting, and a teacher instructing, in a classroom with white tables, white boards on the left wall, and smaller white tables, low bookcases again the window wall, and red/orange/blue stools and floor cushions
A rendering that depicts children sitting, and a teacher instructing, in a classroom with wood-topped tables and art class materials including colored paper and pencils, an easel in the background, and lots of short storage bins against the walls.
A rendering that depicts children sitting, and a teacher instructing, in a classroom with short white tables, blue/orange/red stools, short bookcases along the far wall, light wood floors, and whiteboards on the right wall.
A rendering that depicts children and one adult walking through a refreshed hallway, with top and bottom lockers in light wood, a light wood floor, and artwork toward the top of the walls.
A rendering that depicts children sitting in the hallway corridor, with lockers and benches, and artwork toward the top of the walls.
A rendering that depicts children sitting in the lower school library, with low book stacks, comfortable chairs, and an info desk.
A rendering that depicts children walking around and sitting on new orange/red/blue stools in the lower school library, with low book stacks, tall book stacks against the walls, and an info desk.
A rendering that depicts children sitting, and a teacher instructing, in a classroom with wood-topped tables , topped with legos and a 3D printer, with white boards on the left wall, and smaller white tables.
A rendering that depicts children sitting, and a teacher instructing, in a classroom with wood-topped tables and science equipment.

Accessibility & Sustainability

Upholding our commitment to inclusion and stewardship, upon completion, the Lower School buildings will provide equitable access to our programs by upgrading accessibility routes, installing an elevator, and providing accessible restrooms. New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sprinkler, and security systems, as well as new energy-efficient windows and lighting, will enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Playground & Outdoor Spaces

Currently in the design phase, the new Lower School playground will spark imagination and curiosity and offer a wide range of experiences appropriate for the social, physical, and cognitive needs of our youngest students. Visit this page soon for more information, along with images!

All of us can play a role in the success of Friends School!

For more information about how you can partner with us to support projects like this and more,
please contact Jocelyn Kehl, Director of Campaign & Capital Giving, at jkehl@friendsbalt.org or 410-649-3316.

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