ST. JAMES, NY — Harbor Country Day School opened a new three-story academic wing Friday as part of an ongoing $8.5 million campus renovation project, school officials said.
The 11,841-square-foot addition includes 11 learning spaces, including new classrooms for students in grades 5-8, a STEAM center, library, art studio and performance space.
Shared facilities include a library, Music Learning Center, STEAM Center, art studio, Convocation Hall and performance space. The new facilities are designed to expand the school's interdisciplinary programs in science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and the humanities.
"This new academic wing represents an extraordinary investment in Harbor's future and a powerful expression of support from our community," said Cynthia Wong Lippe, chair of the school's Board of Trustees. "Generations of Harbor families have believed deeply in this school, and it is incredibly meaningful to see that commitment reflected in the spaces that will serve our students for generations to come."
Founded in 1958 by a group of parents who converted a historic North Shore estate known as Tulip Knoll into classrooms, Harbor Country Day School initially enrolled 38 students.
Today, the private school serves approximately 160 students from preschool through eighth grade on an 11-acre campus in the Village of Head of the Harbor. It primarily serves families in Smithtown and the Three Village area and also operates a summer day camp.
"Harbor Country Day School has been part of the fabric of this community for nearly 70 years, built from the very beginning by families who believed deeply in giving children a place to learn, grow and discover who they can become," Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. "This beautiful new academic wing carries that same spirit forward. It represents an extraordinary investment not only in education, but in creativity, opportunity, accessibility and the future of every student who will walk through these doors. I commend Harbor's families, alumni, trustees, faculty and supporters for coming together to make this vision a reality. What they have built here will inspire generations of young people to remain curious, think boldly and grow into confident leaders. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, I am proud to congratulate the entire Harbor Country Day School community on this remarkable milestone."
The academic wing is the centerpiece of the school's ongoing $8.5 million campus renovation, which also includes an upgraded dining area, infrastructure improvements and an accessible elevator connecting the existing and new wings.
The project was funded privately through contributions from current and former Harbor Country families, alumni and trustees.
"This is one of the most significant investments in Harbor's nearly 70-year history," said Garrett Bergen, vice chair of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. "These new and upgraded spaces will allow us to expand our curriculum and create new opportunities for students, particularly in STEAM and the performing arts."
Families, faculty, administrators, alumni and local officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Sept. 18, to celebrate the opening. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine also congratulated the school on the expansion.
"Strong schools are an important part of what makes Suffolk County a great place to live, work, and raise a family," Romaine said. "Harbor Country Day School's investment in this new Academic Wing reflects a commitment to educational excellence and to preparing young people with the skills, confidence, and curiosity they will need to contribute to Suffolk County and beyond."
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