On August 21, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School celebrated a meaningful milestone with the ribbon cutting and blessing of its new Lower School. More than a beautiful new building, it is a place where young Saints will grow, discover, build lasting friendships, and develop a lifelong love of learning. The project is a result of many people whose vision, generosity, and hard work made this extraordinary addition to its campus possible.

Built around engaged teaching and learning, the new building has modern classrooms and separate wings for each grade with shared spaces for collaboration outside the traditional classroom structure. Green spaces and natural light are emphasized in the design.

For a school approaching its 80th year, the milestone comes as a step toward a future worthy of its illustrious past. Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Stephanie Garriga, Associate Head of School for Advancement and Community Relations, underscored the forward-facing philosophy that has been a hallmark of St. Andrew’s throughout its history.

“This ribbon cutting isn’t about finishing something,” she said. “It is about beginning something. The building is finished. But the learning is just beginning. The wondering is just beginning. The dreaming is just beginning. And the lives that will be shaped in these spaces are just beginning.”

The impacts of the project go further than the walls of the new building. The presence of St. Andrew’s in the larger Jackson community has long been a positive for the city. Reflecting that reality at the ribbon cutting was the presence of Jackson Mayor John Horhn. Mayor Horhn highlighted what a point of pride it is to have the school and what an impact it has on quality of life for Jacksonians.

“Quality schools help attract families, businesses, and opportunity,” he said. “By choosing to grow here, in the heart of Jackson, St. Andrew’s affirms its confidence in our people, our neighborhoods, and the strength of our capital city. Congratulations to the St. Andrew’s community on this exciting milestone.”

By the time Garriga and Head of School Kevin Lewis took the oversized scissors to the ceremonial ribbon, the mood was one of excitement and optimism. Lewis, who has served as Head of School since 2021 and been with the school since 2004, beamed with pride during his remarks.

“We have become an educational leader in our state and a school that stands alongside the finest independent schools in the country,” he said. “What we’re opening today is much more than a building. We are opening doors to new possibilities for our students, our teachers, and our community. We are honoring the vision of those who came before us, and we are making a promise to the generations of Saints who will come after us.”