![Breaking ground on the Helen Monroe Preschool at Greensboro Day School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683133186/greensborodayorg/emc3kdmrgwmggnjo1gt3/GDS-groundbreaking-sm.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683133186/greensborodayorg/emc3kdmrgwmggnjo1gt3/GDS-groundbreaking-sm.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683133186/greensborodayorg/emc3kdmrgwmggnjo1gt3/GDS-groundbreaking-sm.jpg","width":800}])
On Wednesday, May 3, Greensboro Day School broke ground on the Helen Monroe Preschool, a new 12,000-square-foot facility that will serve students from ages two to four.
According to Head of School Tracie Catlett, the building is specifically designed to foster the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of preschool-age children. “Our preschool teachers are experts in the area of early childhood education,” Ms. Catlett said. “Their input and experience has been an essential part of the design process. The design includes indoor and outdoor academic learning and play spaces that embrace what’s best for kids. This state-of-the-art preschool center will support a program that’s informed by neuro and cognitive sciences to maximize children’s learning and development during the critical preschool years.”
Ms. Catlett also announced that The Helen Monroe Preschool is named in honor of two individuals who reflected the traits that are important in early childhood education: caring, compassion, kindness, and patience.
In the last three years, preschool enrollment at GDS has grown by 93%. The new facility will allow the school to accommodate the current demand for preschool enrollment while also positioning the school for strategic growth. The Helen Monroe Preschool is one component of the school’s $27 million Be BOLD Campaign, which also includes a Center for Student Life, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation as well as other campus improvements.
“Having high-quality preschool options in Greensboro is important for our city’s employers and economic development,” said Chief Philanthropy Officer Dr. Ian Patrick. “This is an exciting first step in our Be BOLD campaign.”
The Helen Monroe Preschool is designed by Little Architects of Charlotte; Samet Corp. is the general contractor for the project.
Photo above, L–R: Laura Shue, Preschool Director; Chuck Keeley, Board Chair; Jill White and Thomas White, Campaign Steering Committee Members, along with their children; Tracie Catlett, Head of School; Arthur Samet, Samet Corp.; Ashley Spinks, Little Architects
