JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Bolles School is building a new Center for Innovation facility at the San Jose Campus. The construction is starting this month, and is expected to take more than two years to complete.
The $25 million building will be 47,000 sq. ft. and 3 stories.
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“The Center for Innovation is an exciting work of both art and engineering, but like all campus structures, it exists to support the learning that happens within its footprint,” said Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges. “In this case, this means collaborative hands-on learning, academic exploration with inspirational faculty and the ability for students to experiment and gain practical experience as they work toward their highest potential to serve our community and the world.”
The building will house Bolles’ science, math and technology programs, as well as expansive areas for advanced courses in robotics, computer programming, information technology, engineering and design. The Center for Innovation features numerous cutting-edge classrooms and 12 sophisticated specialty labs, including spaces for anatomy, biology and chemistry lab instruction.
The Center for Innovation was made possible by a gift from Frank Sanchez, whose $5 million landmark contribution is the largest single gift The Bolles School has received in its history.
“Technology – including computer science and artificial intelligence, the environment, transportation and robotics – is evolving at an unprecedented pace,” Sanchez said. “Our education system needs to develop the next generation of academics and the young professionals who can support the demand.”
He applauded Bolles leaders for recognizing this opportunity and responding with a comprehensive program that centers on innovation – including a state-of-the-art facility to house it.
“This is a direction the high school curriculum needs to head and I am honored to participate with Bolles on this endeavor,” Sanchez said.
While the Sanchez gift sets the Center for Innovation on a course for new construction and success, Bolles Chief Advancement Officer Carol Nimitz said the School continues to seek support for the ongoing development of the facility. The Bolles School needs an additional $12 million in philanthropic gifts to meet the $25 million cost of the building.