New Athletic Center

Taking Our Strong Sense of Community to the Next Level

With the recognition that we learn as much from each other as with each other— and because relationships are at the heart of the IMS experience — we often say that our community is our classroom. In June 2021, IMS broke ground on the new Athletic Center, and it officially opened on April 2023. This space not only redefines our athletic programs and facilities, it further strengthens our relationships in the community.

In October 2022, we celebrated our new building and turf field with a ribbon cutting ceremony during our Centennial Celebrations. In April 2023, the building officially opened for business.

Our two campuses are immersed in nature with breathtaking views, but despite our acreage, opportunities to gather as an entire school have been limited. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can now join together year-round to increase connections, build friendships, and enhance our vibrant and joyful community of learners.

The Athletic Center was designed with flexibility, creativity, and sustainability in mind following our 2017 strategic plan, Courage to Climb, and the ensuing campus master plan. It greatly enhances our residential life program, providing boarding students with additional places to gather and play on the weekends. It serves as a sizable indoor facility to host both campuses for all-school events. And, of course, the Athletic Center allows our student-athletes to compete at the highest level or hone their skills in brand new sport.

These modern facilities include:

two basketball courts and multi-use space
four international-size squash courts with spectator viewing gallery
state-of-the-art fitness center, fully equipped with Peloton bikes
training room
synthetic turf field for soccer, lacrosse, and other outdoor recreation

At IMS, we know that children who play, learn and live well in their community understand how to make a positive impact in the world, and we are thrilled to be able to provide our students, faculty, staff, and families increased opportunities to gather, learn, and grow during a time when connection has never been more important.

The Work

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Messages from Our Donors

Undoubtedly, these facilities will truly transform life on campus for all student-athletes and especially for members of the boarding community. We have witnessed firsthand how important relationships are to Whit's wellbeing and personal success at IMS, whether they are built inside the classroom, or outside through team sports. We feel that these state-of-the-art facilities will not only increase opportunities for students to reach new levels of competitive play and sportsmanship, but to develop skills and habits of mind that will stick with them for life. We're excited to be a part of this pivotal project. It's a game changer. Go Gray!

As an alum, a former parent, and President of the Board of Trustees, I have seen decades of growth and transformation at IMS. Community has always been the cornerstone of the IMS experience, and Nina and I know this Field House will shepherd the school into a new phase and positively impact future generations.

Our family sees the Field House as an opportunity for meaningful moments. When we as a community collectively build places to gather and spaces for defining experiences, we together create enduring memories that fold meaning into our lives and travel with us far beyond IMS.

When I was an eighth and ninth grader, I spent a lot of time in the gym playing basketball. When I joined the IMS basketball team, I remember spectators couldn’t get involved in supporting the team as the space and viewing opportunities were limited. The new Field House will offer future IMS students an even better experience (especially in the winter) and increase school spirit. Future generations, and hopefully, my son, will benefit from this.

23,000 Square Foot Facility

Our new Athletic Center includes two basketball courts (also used for volleyball and tennis), a fitness center, training rooms, four squash courts and a viewing gallery.

Centennial Field

Thanks to the generosity of Kathleen and Lou Hager (Whit Hager ’21) this synthetic turf field is used our boys and girls soccer and lacrosse teams, providing premier competition space for two of our signature programs and is especially helpful during the wet shoulder seasons.

Commitment to Sustainability

Much like our net-zero Outdoor Working Lab (OWL), our Athletic Center is designed with sustainability in mind. With geothermal wells and solar panels, this building is energy efficient.

The Importance of Community

In addition to the Athletic Center’s physical attributes, the ability for IMS to hold community gatherings year-round is critical to the healthy growth and development of our community.

Our View of the Future

Courage means something different to each student. Learn how it’s shaping the collective IMS experience now and in years to come.