While our campaign goal is $5 million, the total project cost will be $8 million. Any money raised over our $5 million goal will be money that we do not have to finance.

The project includes the construction of a new Student Life Center (with a dining area, kitchen, air-conditioned gym, four flexible use classrooms and student hangout area) as well as renovations to the existing 23 classrooms on the campus.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of some of the members of the Highlands community during the silent phase of the campaign, we have raised over 70 percent of our goal. However, we still have a long way to go. We are asking current parents, former parents, alumni, former board members and members of the Birmingham community (including foundations) for the remainder of the funds.

We have 100% participation from our current Board of Trustees, our Capital Campaign Steering Committee and the school’s Faculty and Administration. We are now focusing on asking current families, former families and alumni to please give.

John Michael Bodnar, Board Chair | Derry Bunting, Honorary Chair | Elizabeth Crawford | Jennifer Dillon | Jim Dixon | Maye Head Frei, Co-chair | Susan Haskell | Maria Katz | Danny Markstein, Co-Chair | Robert McGehee | Catherine McLean | Amy Neiman | Nancy Riley, Director of Development| Kate Simpson | Courtney Stephens | Kavita Vasil, Head of School

Yes. Money raised for the Annual Fund goes towards the yearly operational expenses of the school. The money raised during the Capital Campaign goes towards the building of the Student Life Center and the renovations of the existing classrooms.

No. Pledges to the Capital Campaign can be paid over a 5 year period. The school would like to have your pledge by August 1, 2018 but the money can be paid at any point in the next 5 years.

Your gift depends entirely up to you. All we ask is that you consider this gift is truly a once in a 20 year commitment to the school. If every current Highlands family gave $3.85 a day for the next five years, we would reach our goal.

If not for the generosity of members of the Highlands community in the 1990s the school’s campus would not have a Spencer Center, a Learning Center or even a Quad. The money donated today will transform Highlands in ways we may not be able to imagine. More than ever, we need to build a platform so the school is ready for the generations of the future.

The only campus disruption will be to the actual footprint of new building. Although it will be “different”, our students will still participate in physical education and will be able to participate in extracurricular volleyball and basketball at an offsite location. (see construction FAQ)

Highlands School will hold bi-weekly open house meetings for members of the community to view the blueprints and seek answers to any questions they have about the campaign or construction on campus. These open houses will be held Mondays at 2:30pm and Wednesdays at 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM (both before and after Community Meetings). Nancy Riley, Director of Development, will be available during those times to show you around and answer any questions. You can also visit www.60moreyears.highlandsschool.org or send an email to 60moreyearsto@highlandsschool.org with any questions that come up.

Please contact Nancy Riley (nriley@highlandsschool.org) or Kavita Vasil (kvasil@highlandsschool.org) to give. https://www.60moreyears.highlandsschool.org/