Strategic Plan Update: St. Margaret’s Developing New Student-Powered Center of Technology and Innovation

An exciting and major campus enhancement will take place over the summer, as St. Margaret’s is moving forward with the development of a new Center for Technology and Innovation (CTI) in the Upper School.

 

Work on the new space will begin in May, and will be completed in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

 

The Center for Technology and Innovation will be a 9,000-square-foot space and include Upper School classrooms in data science, math, engineering and computer science, in addition to an innovation hub and collaboration spaces that will further connect students to emerging technologies. The CTI is envisioned as a training ground for understanding developing technologies such as artificial intelligence, as well as a sandbox for building, prototyping and innovating, and a hub for tech initiatives among Upper School student leaders.

 

“Through the opportunities this space will afford, students will be empowered to bridge the gap between classroom discovery and the challenges of tomorrow,” St. Margaret’s Head of School Dr. Jeneen Graham said. “This space ensures graduates are equipped not merely to navigate systems, but to create, lead and improve them with the integrity and purpose central to a St. Margaret’s education.”

 

The project aligns with multiple initiatives in St. Margaret’s 2025 Strategic Plan. The ambitious Strategic Plan calls on the school to “prepare students, parents and educators to lead in a rapidly evolving world through thoughtful, ethical technology integration” while also ensuring “all programs have the physical and structural capacity to thrive and grow while supporting innovation, community connection and environmental responsibility.”

 

The Center of Technology and Innovation leans into both of these priorities, and will impact student learning at a time when technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and shape the way we live, work and connect. St. Margaret’s is committed to embracing and understanding emerging technologies such as AI and how best to apply it into student learning. That includes the formation of task forces and think tanks that have brought parents, professional community, students and industry leaders together to discuss AI and its thoughtful integration into St. Margaret’s curriculum.

“The CTI has been designed to meet this moment—where technology, creativity, and human-centered skills intersect,” said Angela Mackenzie, St. Margaret’s director of educational technology and library. “These collaborative spaces will support students as they learn by doing, think critically about emerging technologies, and work together in meaningful ways. With our students at the center, this becomes a living, student-driven hub for innovation, leadership, and purpose.”

The Center for Technology and Innovation will be located next door to the under-construction St. Margaret’s Commons in an Ortega Village Center space owned by the school. Work on CTI is expected to be completed in time for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year in August.

 

“We are so thankful for the lead donors who have pledged their support for this project and allowed us to move forward with enhancing our learning spaces here at St. Margaret’s,” Dr. Graham said. “The love and support of our school community is extraordinary, and we are so grateful for the partnership and generosity toward St. Margaret's and our students.” 

 

To learn more about the Center for Technology and Innovation and how you can support this important work, please visit the Center for Technology and Innovation webpage, or reach out to Executive Director of Advancement Jonathan Tufo at Jonathan.tufo@smes.org.