Voith & Mactavish Architects

Rob Douglass, AIA, LEED AP (VMA Senior Associate) and Sharon Jarboe (Director of Admission & Financial Aid, The Pennington School) presented “The Architecture of Admission” at The Association of Boarding Schools 2018 Conference. The session provided data to demonstrate the impact of recent campus improvements on Pennington’s recruitment, enrollment, and fundraising.

VMA had previously developed a comprehensive campus master plan, which informed the decision to build a large new humanities building and to renovate several other facilities on campus. The new classrooms are full of natural light and are equipped with flexible furniture that enables a single room to be used for multiple teaching styles. A new alumni & development center, situated in a relocated historic building now known as Wesley Alumni House, and a new admissions suite were deliberately styled with residential finishes, seamlessly combining well-appointed office and meeting spaces with comfortable and gracious spaces for visitors.

The campus improvements were part of a larger effort to invigorate the school’s image that included recruiting trips abroad, enhancements to open houses, and better publicizing the school’s academic excellence. Even while operating out of temporary facilities, the admissions staff grew Open House attendance from 300 to 1,200 families, and they have noted an increase in local families engaging with the school and attending campus events. As their partner, we are happy to see that their sustained efforts are paying off!

“What I really loved about Pennington is the community feel. The campus is beautiful…
Overall, the school atmosphere feels really positive and encouraging and makes me
excited to learn.” — Anonymous Incoming Student on Why She Chose Pennington

Will we see you at TABS 2019 Annual Conference? VMA is presenting “Game Changer! Student Centers and Shared Community Values”
Be sure to check it out!