CAIS

Progress, Growth and the Future of CAIS

For a few years we have explored ways to expand the size of the school and meet the goals of accessibility, affordability and community. In recent years, as pre-k enrollment demand has increased, the need to expand has become greater. It has been difficult to find an adequate site that would meet the school’s needs – until now. We are currently preparing to welcome the 2009-2010 pre-k class to their new home at the 42/52 Waller Street campus.

The pre-k facility is almost 7,000 square feet which more than triples the current dedicated pre-k space at the Oak Street campus and will accommodate up to 68 children, growing the enrollment in the pre-k class and allowing future growth at CAIS.

Architecture firm Tom Elliott Fisch will design the buildings to retain the open, light feeling of the historic firehouse space with close attention to sustainability and simplicity.

We invite you to take a look below at the building drawings and traffic analysis. We look forward to welcoming you to the ribbon cutting ceremony and festivities we have planned surrounding the addition to the CAIS community. Please check back periodically as we update new information and announcements.

Click the following links to download additional pre-k building drawings and traffic analysis:

• Download the Plans (18MB PDF)
• Download the Traffic Study (5MB PDF)
• Download the Traffic Map (5MB PDF)

End of July Update - almost complete!

We last reported in the beginning of July the progress of our Waller Street pre-k campus. During the last three weeks, much progress has been made. The contractors are putting on the finishing touches to prepare for the next step of furnishing the classrooms, multi-purpose room, kitchen, teacher lounge and administrative offices.

• Classroom upper cabinets, storage units and cubbies will be installed this week (July 27-31).
• Bamboo flooring installation is in process in the multi-purpose room. All other flooring is complete.
• Painters are finishing with doors.
• Carpenters are installing door hardware.

• Plumbers are installing fixtures for all sinks and hook-ups.
• Electrician is installing exit signage. All ceiling light fixtures are installed.
• Exterior fencing and gates to be installed this week (July 27-31).

Together, we begin this new chapter in the school's history. The members of the CAIS Board of Trustees have worked tirelessly on this project and it is through their steadfast efforts that the school is able to keep pace with its growing student body.

The school is managing construction costs with our long-term fiscal health in mind. While funds have long been budgeted for the construction, our dreams for the space cost more than the funds currently allotted. We welcome donations to this important project. Gifts of any amount are appreciated, and should be marked specifically for the pre-k campus. Naming opportunities from $50,000 to $150,000 are available for donors and their families as a way to recognize their role in helping to build the facility where CAIS develops the hearts and minds of our youngest students.

Pledges of any amount may be paid in installments over a number of years. Those wishing to make a donation to the pre-k building project are invited to contact the Development Office.