Episcopal Celebrate the New QUEST Center in Foster Hall

Episcopal celebrated the opening of the new QUEST Center in Foster Hall on Sunday, November 15th.

QUEST, which stands for Question, Uncover, Explore, Synthesize, Test, was designed to facilitate age-appropriate project-based and experiential learning opportunities for Lower and Middle School students. The 14,000 square foot building features a Spatial Learning Lab, Investigation Station, three Design Studios, a Production Studio, Digital Media Lab and Chemistry Kitchen. The building was intentionally designed to support project-based learning all in one location with ample storage for ongoing projects, breakout spaces and large, adaptable spaces to accommodate lessons that would not be possible in a traditional classroom. ​

Episcopal students have already begun learning within the new facility through a range of interactive experiences. Second grade students built a large-scale, interactive model of the digestive system and sixth graders handcrafted replicas of ancient tools. Within the Chemistry Kitchen, eighth graders studied thermodynamics by making ice cream and first graders worked with the Episcopal chef to make smoothies. Students have already made butter, programmed robots and filmed their own videos. As the hub for Lower and Middle School project-based learning, the QUEST Center makes it possible for these activities to occur simultaneously throughout the school day.  
 
Head of School Dr. Carrie Steakley shared that: “As a former teacher, I appreciate and understand the need for this space, separate from the classroom, that allows much greater opportunities to implement new modes of instruction and learning. This is truly an educators’ dream come true. Thank you to all the donors whose generosity put the QUEST Center into motion. Without your support we would not have been able to renovate this impressive building behind us.”  

The QUEST Center is the most recent addition to the Episcopal campus. In March, students and faculty celebrated the opening of the 23,000+ square foot Field House and in 2018 the new Academic Commons was completed.  Prior to that, renovations were completed on the Lewis Family Memorial Chapel of the Good Shepherd.