Creating a Home for our Middle School
As we look to the future of Visitation Academy, we continue to draw inspiration from our deeply rooted past. Nowhere is that connection more evident than in the transformation of the former Monastery space into a dedicated home for our Middle School students. What once housed the quiet lives of the Sisters will now pulse with the energy and curiosity of our young learners in Grades 6 through 8. This reimagined area— thoughtfully renovated into nine state-of-the-art classrooms and a bright, welcoming gathering space—is far more than a physical upgrade. It reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing the academic, emotional, and spiritual growth of each student during these critical years.
Since the inception of our Middle School program in 2014, our Middle School students have shared classroom and other spaces across campus, blending with our Upper School environment. This created challenges—both logistical and developmental. Research and experience tell us that Middle School students thrive when they have a space to call their own, one that balances structure with autonomy and provides consistent support during a time of profound growth. The new Middle School home offers just that: a cohesive environment where students can transition between classes with ease, connect more deeply with teachers and peers, and develop a stronger sense of belonging and identity within the larger Visitation community.
In an inspiring alignment with Visitation’s mission to empower young women, a predominantly all-female construction project team leads the project itself. These professionals not only bring the highest standards of excellence to the project but also serve as living examples of women leading with confidence, collaboration, and vision—mirroring the very qualities we aim to instill in our students every day. Students have a front-row seat to this process: Grade 8 computational design students met with Mackey Mitchell Architects to discuss the flow of the renovation from beginning to end from an architectural perspective, and Grade 7 visited the Mackey Mitchell office to tour the design studio. These experiences are just the beginning, as plans are underway for ongoing student
engagement with the construction project team throughout the renovation.
The design of the space reflects both function and philosophy. Classrooms are equipped with modern technology and flexible layouts that support a variety of learning styles. The central gathering area offers room for collaboration and community-building. The original Sisters’ Chapel, which will remain unchanged, provides private space for individual prayer and reflection.
The Middle School home is an investment in the future of Visitation Academy. By providing Middle School students with a dedicated space designed specifically for their developmental, academic, and social needs, we are strengthening the foundation of the entire school
“ Sharing the Sisters’ home with our middle schoolers is the perfect example of living out the Little Virtue of hospitality and creates a lasting connection with the Sisters’ legacy and our students. It truly makes Viz the girls’ home away from home.”
— MRS. ANGIE JUNG, MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
community. These years are pivotal: girls are discovering who they are, forming their values, and developing the skills that will carry them into Upper School and beyond. A purposeful Middle School home fosters continuity in the Visitation Academy experience, reinforcing the values of our mission at every stage of a girl’s journey. In addition, a significant portion of our incoming ninth-grade class comes from our Middle School. Strengthening our Middle School program by offering a distinct and enriching experience will, in turn, sustain future growth in our Upper School.
As we honor the legacy of the Sisters who once inhabited these walls, we open the doors—literally and figuratively—to a new generation of Visitation students who will shape the world with their hearts and minds.
The Spirit of Annecy capital campaign has raised over $17 million in support of a new Middle School home, the Financial Aid Endowment, a Teaching Excellence Fund, and the Visitation Heart and Mind Ministry Endowment. We are deeply grateful to our campaign donors and campaign steering committee, led by Kathey Conley Taiclet ’81, Joe McKee, and Andy and Laura Trachsel.
Please visit our website to learn more about the campaign and make your gift today!
$17,000,000 RAISED TO DATE