The Williston Northampton School community marked a milestone in the creation of its new Academic Center with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Friday, October 2, 2026. 

Members of the Board of Trustees, school administrators, and representatives from the project’s design and construction teams gathered on the Academic Quad to celebrate a building that will open in the spring of 2028. Supporting a wide range of teaching approaches and academic experiences, the 24,000-square foot building will house 14 state-of-the-art classrooms, seminar and meeting rooms, and an expansive 2,700-square-foot atrium. 

Head of School Robert W. Hill III opened the ceremony by reflecting on the significance of the moment. Once finished, the new Academic Center will be the first academic building constructed in more than 70 years. “We’ve seen the tremendous impact that our new Residential Quad has had on our community,” he said. “This new center will do the same thing for our academic program, which is at the heart of everything we do here.” 

Philip Chen, Principal and President of Annum Architects, was also on hand to speak and celebrated the continuing partnership between the firm and the school. Also at the ceremony were representatives from O&G Industries, which is serving as construction manager and builder on the project, as well as CSL, the project manager.  

Two Williston Board members shared remarks as well. Rich Monopoli ’89, Chair of the Facilities Committee, reflected on the planning and vision behind the project, followed by by Kevin Hoben ’65, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, whose $10 million gift helped launch the Academic Center project in spring of 2026. 

Construction on the Academic Center is scheduled to begin in November 2026. To learn more about the project and track its progress, visit our web page.