Exceptionally Sanford

Upper School STEM Projects

The Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Building

When it opened in 1969, the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Building was celebrated as both an architectural gem and a state-of-the-art hub for math and science. For more than 55 years, it served Sanford well, though over time the facility no longer matched the evolving needs of our programs.

Thanks to early campaign support, the building has been thoughtfully updated and reimagined to reflect Sanford’s ongoing dedication to innovation and excellence in STEM education. Completed in September 2025, these enhancements culminated in the dedication of the Davenport Family Foundation Science Floor and the Jackie Pitts ’55 Mathematics Floor at Homecoming 2025.

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Math/Science Project:

As part of this initiative, the following enhancements to the Nancy C. Sawin Math/Science Building and Pirnie Hall have been completed:

Reconfigured classrooms to maximize space and meet curriculum needs, creating dedicated classrooms for Math/Science faculty.
Expanded collaborative and community spaces in lobby areas to encourage interaction and collaboration.
Upgraded lab equipment and classroom furniture, including 28 new whiteboards, to support active, hands-on learning.
Replaced windows, doors, flooring, and electrical systems for a modern, efficient environment.
Enhanced outdoor learning spaces with a new patio and entrance area.
Built a connecting bridge between Stephen May and the Math/Science Building.
Installed a solar roof to advance Sanford’s commitment to renewable energy.
Expanded Pirnie Hall to include a second STEM classroom, building on the strong foundation of the STEM Lab established in 2015 through the Front & Center Campaign.

Project Cost: $2.1 million

Project Outcomes:

The STEM learning environment at Sanford has been significantly enhanced through the addition of a new physics classroom in Pirnie Hall and extensive renovations to the Math/Science Building. These completed projects will enable us to:

Expand Upper School STEM Offerings: Introduce new courses that go beyond traditional high school programs, such as AP Psychology, AP Research, Zoology, Marine Science, Organic Chemistry, Ecology, Neuroscience, Genetics, Linear Algebra, Advanced Programming, and expanded data science offerings.
Enhance Hands-On Learning: Provide more opportunities for hands-on lab work in science classes and support authentic, student-developed research projects.
Foster Active Learning in Math: Implement Peter Liljedahl's
"Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics" methodology to promote active learning in math classrooms.
Strengthen Community and Satisfaction: Build a stronger sense of community and increase satisfaction with the upgraded Math/Science facilities.
Promote Sustainability: Track the renewable clean energy generated by the new solar roof on the Math/Science Building.