THE KINKAID SCHOOL
A HISTORIC PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF KINKAID
Dear Kinkaid Community,
With incredible excitement and profound gratitude, I am thrilled to share with you that we have completed the first phase of our ambitious construction plan to provide our students with facilities and programs that will continue to distinguish Kinkaid for generations to come. Our students are thriving in these new spaces and with these new learning opportunities. With the overwhelming financial support we have received in the early stages of the ALL IN Campaign for Kinkaid’s future, we are able to launch the next phase confident in our ability to realize our goals.
For the past two years, we have worked with a leadership group of generous supporters, including current and past trustees, current families, alumni, and other friends to support this historic campaign. We are so grateful to these donors who already have committed more than $121 million to Kinkaid. These extraordinary gifts from our community – representing more gifts than Kinkaid has received in its past four campaigns combined – have given Kinkaid’s Board of Trustees the confidence to press forward with additional fundraising efforts in support of our Mission and Core Values. Starting two years ago with an initial campaign working goal of $125 million, the Board recently increased that working goal to $180 million.
This increased working goal reflects not only the passion our community has for advancing Kinkaid’s excellence, but also the financial resources necessary
to complete the remaining phases of construction, providing best in class facilities, including state-of-the-art spaces, advanced technologies, and programs for generations to come. I have always said, “a school will never exceed the quality of its teachers,” and that is why our new goal also reflects our commitment to increasing our endowment to hire the best teachers, coaches, and mentors. We also are committed to growing endowment to expand access to a Kinkaid education to Houston’s brightest young people, regardless of economic circumstances.
Still in only the third year of the ALL IN Campaign, it is important each Kinkaid family and supporter consider how these new facilities and programs will positively impact today’s and tomorrow’s Kinkaid students and their contributions to the world around them. Our students today, and those to come, deserve our full support in fulfilling our campaign promise, and I am truly humbled our donors are exceeding our expectations. But, it will take all of us supporting ALL IN to finish what we have begun.
As expected, we are securing short-term financing to cover construction costs as we begin the largest part of our threephase project, the construction of our new Upper School. This financing will allow us to open these new facilities as quickly as possible, while donors continue to fulfill their multi-year philanthropic commitments to support these projects. As occurs with many construction projects at similar institutions, the School may have a modest residual loan in
place for a period of time following the completion of construction.
The Board of Trustees is confident in our community’s commitment to realizing our vision and has thoughtfully chosen not to compromise the quality of the new buildings, new programs, or enhanced commitment to teachers and students. We are proud the ALL IN Campaign is an investment in our current and future students and, in turn, an investment in Houston. Significant thought and research went into how we ensure our commitment to our students, teachers, and mission; providing the facilities necessary for programs that will prepare them to lead, serve, and become contributing citizens to Kinkaid, our country, and the global community.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead not only for our students but also for each and every one of us to make a lasting mark on our school, our community, and our shared future.
With gratitude and in partnership,
“It’s truly humbling to think we are able to follow in the footsteps of those with the vision to relocate from the Montrose area to Memorial. Our collective vision, made possible by the purchase of Mrs. Milby’s 25 acres and our continuing development of educational programs, updated facilities, and a new Upper School Building will enable Kinkaid to continue its mission well into the next century.”
Jonathan Eades Head of School
Construction is moving along on schedule. Occupancy of the new Lower School/Administration (current Upper School) Building along San Felipe (site of the former Harrison House) was achieved on August 11 prior to the first day of school on August 23. Students, teachers, and staff are enjoying this new building, which houses 75% of Upper School classrooms, along with the Harry E. Mach Learning Village and Olympic Village modular buildings on West Campus, which house most science classes and athletic support facilities.
The new Fieldhouse and Gymnasium is expected to be completed in early December. The replacement Central Plant is on track for new equipment installation in late December for a complete switch over during Winter Break.
Demolition of the Upper School is well underway with completion by early November. The new building foundations are scheduled to start in December.
Construction will run through May 2025, and occupancy is scheduled for July 2025 prior to the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
The Upper School Students are enjoying the new facilities. Read below about their favorite parts of the new spaces and their experience thus far.
What do you love the most about the new building?
“I love the change of scenery the new building provides! After being in the old building for three years, getting to start the year in a new environment kept things fresh and exciting. In a way, it made the first day of school feel as exhilarating as if I were a freshman.” - Ella S. ’24
“I love how ‘solid’ it feels. I was worried that the interior would have a lot of corner cutting since it’s temporary, but it feels very well constructed; I forget it’s even temporary.” - Blake B. ’24
“I love how everything is connected; the rooms all flow into each other, creating a more cohesive feel to the building. The new library space also creates a really productive atmosphere for students.” - Sanjna P. ’24
“I like the size of the new classrooms and especially the big windows that bring in a lot of natural light.” - Alexander M. ’25
How has your experience been thus far?
“Going from the previous Upper School to these new spaces has definitely been an adjustment; however, I’ve really enjoyed my walk from the Learning Village to the Upper School after A period. It feels like we’re on a college campus, and the outdoor routes encourage us to bond between classes.” - Sanjna P. ’24
“I have classes all over campus, and I like walking between buildings throughout the day.” - Alexander M. ’25
“I love all the modern technology of the new building. In the Learning Village, all of the teachers have assigned themselves a place to represent, such as Patagonia, which makes the temporary classroom feel more homey.” - Ella S. ’24
“Despite having to walk though the heat or rain on occasion, it’s nice to be outside while walking to class rather than being stuck inside under fluorescent lights. It’s always revitalizing to get a breath of fresh air.” - Blake B. ’24
A big thank you to our campaign volunteers! If you are interested in assisting with campaign fundraising, please contact Director of Advancement Tom Moore at tom.moore@kinkaid.org.
Campaign Co-Chairs:
Leslie Doggett ’75
Evan H. Katz
Charles Lawrence ’96
Cabinet Members:
Doug Aron ’92
Meredith Beaupre ’98
Brandt Bowden ’96
Stephanie Cockrell
Viviana Denechaud
Ryan Devlin ’99
Brian Dinerstein ’95
Ed Frank ’68
Susie Golding
Matt Gordon ’99
Ashley Hanna ’93
Michael Hanson ’00
Boyd Heath
Will Houstoun ’96
Honorary Co-Chairs:
Polly and Murry Bowden
Sandie and Ken Cowan
Rolanette and Berdon Lawrence
Carroll and Hugh Ray
Jim Looke
Steve Mach
Billy McCartney
Christine Morenz ’92
Brad Morgan ’96
Don Poarch
Elisa Pye
John Rutherford ’79
Jeff Sangalis
Carl Schmulen
Garry Tanner
Virginia Williams ’06
Philip Wise ’96
Neil Wizel
Dick Wynne ’79
Faculty & Staff Cabinet Members:
Coleen Black
Chuy Carrillo
Jackie Ciconte
Sonia Clayton
Everett Coleman
Lisa Curry
Joshua Godden
Mary Gosnell
Jenny Lewis
Andy Long
Nancy McMillan
Alexis Reyes
Deena Rogers
Regina Ruiz
Mark Sell
Angela Wainwright
Why did your family decide to make a leadership gift to this campaign?
“Looking back over the past 30 years, the Kinkaid experience for our family stands out as being one of the most important, impactful, and multifaceted experiences. What is really amazing is with grandchildren in several early grades, we will continue to enjoy the experience for years to come. It takes a great institution to make that impact. We are so grateful to be a part of the Kinkaid family and appreciate the continued leadership which is committed to excellence.”
- Ginny and L.E. Simmons
Parents of Alumni - Virginia ’ 06 and William ’ 07
Grandparents - Jack 33, Henry 35, Raleigh 35, and Annie 36
