For the first time in its history, Pinewood Upper Campus will receive a full renovation. The rebuild, which could possibly begin as early as the summer of 2027, will make existing classrooms larger, add in new specialty spaces for non-core subjects, and foster community growth.

President and Head of School Scott Riches played a large part in the creation of the renovation plan. However, this process also included meeting with members of the faculty and administration in order to establish a design that most benefits the community.

Pinewood is currently fundraising for the rebuild through donations from the community and profits from the annual auction. The school is also waiting for the renovation plans to be approved by the town of Los Altos Hills.

One of the primary goals of the reconstruction is to create larger, more modern classrooms with advanced equipment.

Head of Upper Campus Eve Kulbieda said that the school wanted to improve the experience for students and visibly express its strong curriculum.

“Pinewood has an amazing academic program, and we would like the buildings to represent that in a physical way,” Kulbieda said.

In addition to larger classrooms, the renovation will include new specialty areas, such as a larger theater for the performing arts program and a makerspace for robotics and engineering.

“With this new state-of-the-art equipment, we’ll be able to better prepare students for college and their future careers,” Riches said.

The new campus will also include more community spaces, such as a student center called The Hub, an indoor cafeteria, a larger Cue Quad, and a refurbished gym.

“It’s very important to us that the students have places to be themselves and spend time with one another,” Riches said.

Along with improving physical spaces, the school hopes that the rebuild will further strengthen Pinewood’s community. One way that Pinewood aims to accomplish this is by adding 75 new high school students to Upper Campus. This will result in each grade growing by around 18 students.

Kulbieda noted that the construction process itself will help students become more comfortable with change.

“Often people will anticipate a build with anxiety, and they forget about all of the neat stuff that will come with it,” Kulbieda said. “This renovation will give students an experience that will help them become more resilient and open minded.”

With the renovation comes the chance that classes will take place in different locations. However, Kulbieda mentioned that possible challenges, such as the need to switch classrooms or move off campus for periods of time during the rebuild, won’t negatively affect academics.

“The renovations won’t have an impact in the classroom,” Kulbieda said. “Our curriculum will still be as strong as it is, with the only difference being the physical locations.”

Both Riches and Kulbieda are looking forward to the renovation, the expanded course offerings, and the community growth that it will bring to Pinewood.

“This is one of the most transformational times in the school’s history, other than the founding,” Riches said. “It’s very exciting, and we’re all looking forward to it.”

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For more information regarding the renovation of Pinewood Upper Campus, please visit https://www.campaignforpinewooduppercampus.org/