The RMS campus expansion plans stem from the 2007-2012 Strategic Plan: Charting Our Course to Excellence, which was developed by RMS teachers, parents, staff, and board members to reflect both our long-term goals and our daily objectives. Part of the strategic plan included developing the 499 N. Parham Road campus (South Campus) and securing additional property to create space and programming for a maximum of 400 students.
In September 2009, RMS purchased 501 N. Parham Road (North Campus)—the property adjacent to our current campus. Shortly after, the RMS Board of Directors contracted with BCWH Architects to design the Master Campus Plan described in this document.
This Master Campus Plan, which was adopted by the Board in May 2011, achieves critical objectives while keeping the overall student community small and intimate. The plan ensures that RMS continues as a premier Montessori community, inspiring academic excellence and nurturing human potential.
Phases and Timing
We are embarking on the first phase of the Master Campus Plan now, and the projects included in that phase are scheduled for completion by the fall of 2013. Additional projects will be undertaken as resources become available.
Projects Included in the First Phase
Demolishing the large building behind the Performing Arts Building at North Campus and preparing the site for two academic buildings and a full-size gymnasium
Constructing the first of the two new academic buildings at North Campus to house three upper elementary school classrooms, a science lab, and several administrative offices (the second academic building for middle school students is part of a future phase)—the building will have its own foyer and carpool loading and unloading area
Constructing a courtyard and amphitheater in front of the new upper elementary academic building
Adding a right turning lane on Parham Road in front of North Campus and extending the existing driveway to improve safety and facilitate easier traffic flow
Relocating the toddler class to one of the primary classrooms off the library and transforming that classroom into a Montessori-designed toddler space, thus eliminating the need for toddlers to cross the South Campus parking lot
Creating a new arts studio in place of the existing South Campus science lab and moving art classes there from the Toddler House
Repurposing classroom spaces so that the various student-level classrooms are clustered more closely together in the heart of each campus
