As Seven Hills School looks toward the future, one of the most significant changes underway is the construction of a new unified Lower School building that will bring together the Doherty and Lotspeich campuses. While construction is still in progress, the vision behind the project reflects years of planning, reflection, and community input aimed at strengthening connections across the school.
According to Head of School Dr. Bolton, the idea of unifying the Lower School began as Seven Hills reflected on its history and long-term goals. “As we celebrated the 50 years of Seven Hills, we started to think about the next 50 years and what’s the best way to kind of have a future where we are all able to be one big community,” he explained. While both Doherty and Lotspeich hold deep meaning for families and alumni, the possibility of bringing students together daily on one campus became increasingly appealing.
One of the most exciting aspects of the new building is the opportunity to redesign the Lower School experience from the ground up. The building will be set within a wooded area of campus, creating what Dr. Bolton described as a “campus within the campus,” specifically designed for younger students. This layout allows the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools to each have their own spaces while remaining connected. As students grow older, their experience will naturally move through different areas of campus, reinforcing a sense of progression and belonging.
Mrs. Leonard also emphasized the impact this change will have on student life. “I’m most excited about the sense of community it will create for students,” she said. Bringing all Lower School students together allows for shared traditions, stronger friendships, and a more unified culture from an early age. This sense of belonging is expected to shape how students view their place within the larger Seven Hills community as they move through the grades.
Daily life for both students and teachers is expected to change in meaningful ways. With all Lower School students in one place, children will have more opportunities to interact with a wider range of peers, while teachers will be able to collaborate more closely across grade levels. Dr. Bolton noted that the new space also opens the door for outdoor learning and multi-age collaboration, making it easier for older students to work with younger ones. These opportunities reflect the school’s commitment to innovation while building on practices it already values.
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, school leaders recognize that transitions can be challenging. Many families and faculty members feel strong emotional ties to the existing campuses. “This school is more than the buildings,” Dr. Bolton said, emphasizing that Seven Hills has relocated and evolved throughout its long history. Preserving the school’s values, culture, and relationships has remained a top priority throughout the planning process.
To ensure a smooth transition, the school has been preparing well in advance. Faculty teams are already planning future grade-level assignments, and professional development time is being used to address upcoming changes. Mrs. Leonard highlighted the importance of supporting students emotionally during the transition, noting that helping students feel secure and excited is just as important as managing logistics.
Community feedback has played a major role in shaping the final design. Parents, teachers, alumni, and students have all contributed through committees and design teams. One of the most influential voices, according to Dr. Bolton, came from the students themselves. Lower School students worked with Upper School leaders and architects to share what mattered most to them, including access to nature, gathering spaces, and a building scaled to their age.
Looking ahead, both Dr. Bolton and Mrs. Leonard hope the unified Lower School will feel welcoming, energetic, and deeply supportive. “I love the idea of them kind of running into school, feeling like they’re eager to start their day,” Dr. Bolton said. Ultimately, while the new building represents a major physical change, its purpose is rooted in strengthening relationships and ensuring that every student feels at home at Seven Hills.
