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 an architectural gem and a state-of-the-art center for math and science. This 55-year-old building served Sanford well but was outdated, leading to many facility challenges.

Early campaign gifts provided the funds needed to give this building much-needed enhancements. These improvements were completed in September 2025 and the Davenport Family Foundation Science Floor and Jackie Pitts '55 Mathematics Floor were dedicated at Homecoming in October 2025.

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Math/Science Project:

The following is a list of projects that have been completed as part of this project:

reconfigured classrooms to improve the use of space and curriculum needs
increased the number of collaborative and community spaces in lobby areas
updated lab equipment and classroom furniture, including 28 new whiteboards, to increase active learning
replaced all windows, doors, flooring, and electrical systems
expanded access to outdoor learning
created a new entrance and patio area
added a new solar roof

Project Cost: $2.1 million

Project Outcomes:

STEM learning environments have been improved with the addition of a new physics classroom in Pirnie Hall, as well as extensive renovations in the Math/Science Building. Now that the projects are complete, we will be able to:

increase the number of upper school STEM offerings by offering new courses that are both inside and outside of a traditional high school program. These may include AP Psychology, AP Research, Zoology, Marine Science, Organic Chemistry, Ecology. Neuroscience, Genetics, Linear Algebra, Advanced Programming, or an expansion of our data science offerings;
increase the number of opportunities for hands-on lab work in our lab-based science classes, as well as opportunities for authentic student-developed research.
increase active learning in math classrooms via Peter Liljedahl's "Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics" methodology.
increase community building and satisfaction rates related to the Math/Science facility.
track the renewable clean energy produced by the new solar roof on the Math/Science Building

Pirnie Hall Project

In 2015, the Sanford community gathered to celebrate the opening of Pirnie Hall's new STEM Lab, one of the capital projects made possible by the Front & Center Campaign. The Exceptionally Sanford Campaign includes the creation of a second STEM classroom in Pirnie Hall.