Forsyth School Announces To New Heights Capital Campaign & Construction of the Williams Family Innovation Hub
$1 Million Gift from Grant Williams III, Williams/Sayers Family Fund is Largest in School's History
Forsyth School announces the public launch of its $7 million To New Heights Capital Campaign to support the construction of the Williams Family Innovation Hub. The $17.5 million campus transformation will be funded through a combination of philanthropic giving and strategic institutional financing.
The $7 million fundraising goal makes To New Heights the institution's most ambitious capital campaign to date, with 83% already secured through generous lead gifts, including a $1 million gift from Grant Williams III, Williams/Sayers Family Fund—the single largest donation in the school's 65-year history. In recognition of this unprecedented generosity, the new building will be named the Williams Family Innovation Hub. Forsyth broke ground in June 2026, and the building is expected to open with the start of the 2027/28 school year.
"The Williams Family Innovation Hub represents a profound investment in the student experience and the future of elementary education at Forsyth," said Rob Butler, Head of School. "As our first new construction in nearly 30 years, this project honors our historic homes and neighborhood roots while giving our students and teachers future-ready spaces designed for curiosity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. We are deeply grateful to the Williams family and all our early donors whose leadership has brought this vision from the drawing board to reality."
Seamlessly integrated into Forsyth's 4.5-acre campus of six historic homes, the Williams Family Innovation Hub serves as both a physical and programmatic bridge connecting the homes at 6235 and 6245 Wydown Boulevard (currently housing Grade 3 and Grade 4 classrooms, respectively), featuring:
Innovation & Design Makerspace: ground-floor creative space equipped with the technology and tools to expand Forsyth's signature Innovation & Design program for students in Senior-Kindergarten through Grade 6, including 3D printers, CNC (computer numerical control) machines, hand and power tools, circuit and drone kits, and more
Grade 6 Classrooms & Schwarz Science Lab: second-floor suite tailored to the Grade 6 student experience, designed to foster leadership, independence, confidence, and collaboration, and preparation for secondary school
Community Commons: flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed for small- and large-group gatherings for performances, presentations, art exhibitions, community partnerships, and events
Secure & Welcoming Main Entrance: inviting reception area with fireplace, echoing the warmth and charm of our historic homes, plus a dual-layer monitored vestibule and basement storm shelter for added safety
The project also includes critical infrastructure improvements—mechanical, electrical, and plumbing—to support future campus expansion.
"Securing 83% of our $7 million fundraising goal during the quiet phase is a resounding vote of confidence in Forsyth and this project," said Abigail George, Board President. "Balancing generous philanthropic support with strategic financing reflects our commitment to responsible, sustainable stewardship. This approach allows us to deliver a transformative facility and campus upgrade for our students now while ensuring Forsyth remains financially solid for generations to come."
With construction already underway, the public phase of the To New Heights capital campaign invites the entire Forsyth community—parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends—to help reach the $7 million fundraising goal.
"We have been amazed by the incredible generosity of the early donors who put their trust in this project and helped us achieve this milestone," said Hopie and Luke Jernagan, To New Heights Campaign Cabinet Chairs and current Forsyth parents. "As we now look to the entire school community to join us in this phase of the campaign, we hope you will consider the ways Forsyth has touched your lives and make a gift that leaves a legacy for generations to come. Every gift adds to the story of how Forsyth continues to lead in primary education in the St. Louis community and beyond."
Led by Rob Butler and Forsyth School, this project has been three years in the making. In 2023, Mackey Mitchell Architects developed a campus vision plan for Forsyth, and CCS Fundraising conducted a feasibility study in 2024. Today, the Williams Family Innovation Hub design team includes ARCTURIS, PARIC, and Cobalt Construction Consulting.
Renderings by ARCTURIS.
