Highlights from the Campus Plan Update

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Our Future: Campus Plan Update on Monday evening. Here’s a recap of the momentum, planning, and community-centered vision shaping Mount Vernon’s next chapter.

Leading From Where We Are

Head of School Kristy Lundstrom opened the evening by naming a word that defines this moment at Mount Vernon: momentum. While progress is visible across campus, much of the most exciting work is happening through intentional planning and long-term design. This year’s themes, Lead From Where You Are and Unlocking Hidden Potential, framed the conversation and set the tone for the updates that followed.

In true Mount Vernon fashion, the evening began with Kids Going First. Students Arthur D. (Grade 4), and later Tej G. and George H. (Grade 3) shared what excites them most about their futures at Mount Vernon—from MIT-inspired learning experiences to expanded creative play on the Frontier. Their voices served as a powerful reminder that our campus planning always begins with learners.

We also premiered a new Mount Vernon video, first shown at Friday night’s Gala. Narrated by senior, Haris Flynn, it captures the authentic, unscripted story of the student experience. Every scene was completely unstaged, offering a genuine glimpse of life at Mount Vernon on any given day. On screen, students are seen exploring ideas in classrooms, collaborating in the Makerspace, moving across campus, and forming meaningful connections. These everyday moments are the heartbeat of our community—a living reflection of how Mount Vernon empowers learners to explore, create, and make an impact.

A Strong Foundation: Enrollment and Outcomes

Mount Vernon remains grounded in the strength of its current community. As of February 9, 2026, the school is seeing 96% enrollment renewal across all divisions, reflecting strong family confidence and retention.

Student outcomes continue to affirm the mission of preparing learners to be college-ready, globally competitive, and engaged citizen leaders. The Class of 2026 has already earned a 98% college acceptance rate, with acceptances across 35 states and Canada, more than $4.2 million in scholarships, and recognition from highly competitive national programs. These outcomes underscore that investments in campus and programs are directly tied to student success.

Reimagining the Frontier on the Lower Campus

One of the evening’s highlights was unveiling plans for an all-new Frontier on the Lower Campus. Opening Fall 2026, the expanded Frontier will add more than 11,000 square feet of creative, outdoor play and learning space for Preschool through Grade 5.

Designed through a collaborative process that included Innovation Diploma students, alumni, architects, teachers, and administrators, the reimagined Frontier will feature elements such as willow huts, a mud kitchen, climbing structures, a tree house, grass moguls, and spaces for imaginative play. Safety, supervision, and long-term Lower Campus facility planning were central considerations throughout the design process.

Maximizing and Enhancing Our Spaces

Kristy also shared several updates focused on maximizing existing campus spaces:

• Solar panels will be installed this summer to help offset energy costs—an initiative inspired by a Grade 5 Impact Summit project.
• Lighting for Ron Hill Field remains a priority to increase practice space and flexibility, while also addressing safety and security.
• AV and production upgrades have been added to enhance student performances and experiences.

The Future of Athletics and Community Events

The most visible transformation currently underway is the construction behind the MAC on the Upper Campus. Preparatory work is complete, positioning the school for the installation of a regulation turf field, six-lane track, expanded cross-country trails, and new amenities buildings as funding and approvals allow.

These additions will expand programming opportunities—including the potential launch of a girls’ lacrosse program—and allow Mount Vernon to host events such as meets, games, and a future 5K. Questions about seating, shade, and spectator experience are part of ongoing planning conversations as designs continue to evolve.

Finishing Strong: The Capital Campaign

A second video shared a progress update on the Let’s Do This Capital Campaign—how far the community has come and what still remains. With a clear and powerful call to action, the video reminded us that our students’ future can’t wait. With just $1.1 million remaining, the message was both urgent and hopeful: together, we are close to finishing strong.

While significant progress has been made—with more than $7.1 million raised and over $1 million in gifts-in-kind and reduced fees—approximately $1.1 million remains to fully fund the field and auxiliary buildings and complete the campaign.

The Our Future: Campus Plan Update reaffirmed what makes Mount Vernon distinct: a community that plans boldly, listens deeply, and centers every decision on students. As momentum continues to build, we are grateful for the partnership, questions, and engagement of our families.