Overlooking sweeping views of Stinson Mountain, the Holderness School community assembled on October 23 on the new Academic Quad to officially dedicate the Davis Center, a new 35,000 square foot academic facility that is home to the school’s math and science departments. 

Guided by the principles of innovation, collaboration, flexibility, and connecting to the outdoors, the Davis Center is made possible through the generosity of countless donors as part of the Elevating Academics Campaign, a comprehensive fundraising effort dedicated to transforming learning spaces at Holderness.  

Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Head of School Phil Peck, Board Chair Nell Reynolds, former Board Chair Bob Hall,  architect and board member Rob Kinsley ‘88, and board member Andrew Davis, who generously provided the campaign’s lead gift and for whom the building is named.  

Student and faculty speakers highlighted the Davis Center’s immediate impact on the life of the school.  Natural light floods the space as chemistry labs are able to expand the breadth and depth of their labs.  Flexible furniture and ample writing surfaces allow for collaborative and flexible math classes.  Breakout spaces afford students the ability to work and study in small groups.  An adjacent outdoor classroom allows students to engage in learning while surrounded by the beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains and Lakes Region.

The Davis Center serves more than the life of the mind. The multi-story Winter Garden, boasting views of Plymouth and Stinson Mountain, has hosted dances, small assemblies, movie nights, and even a student-led Open Mic.  

The dedication was an inspiring start for the new building, where future generations of Holderness students and teachers will benefit from state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and meeting spaces.