Members of the Smyrna community are invited to the grand opening ceremony for the new Whitefield Academy Learning Commons on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 3 p.m.
The new 64,000 square foot multipurpose building will house a new dining hall, a student-run cafe, academic enrichment center, library, innovation center, campus store, podcast studio, prayer room, conference rooms, and the school’s administrative offices. This long-awaited Learning Commons will serve as a central hub for learning and gathering on the school’s 100-acre campus.
“This opening marks the start of a new era for Whitefield,” said Head of School, Dr. Kevin Bracher. “We’ve held the vision for this new campus addition for many years, and we’re excited for how it will enrich the educational experience for our students.”
Students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, and other members of the local community will gather together on August 10 to celebrate this milestone moment, which coincides with the school’s 30th anniversary. Attendees will hear brief remarks from Whitefield’s leadership and have the opportunity to tour the new space, open to the public for the first time.
This ribbon cutting and dedication comes as the culmination of years of work and dedication from the entire Whitefield community. Groundbreaking on the new space took place in February 2025, but visions for the new space developed long before that.
The journey started back in July 2021 when Whitefield introduced the Called Up Capital Campaign as a way to fund this phase of growth. Reaching the ambitious goal of $39.2 million was the largest fundraising effort in the school’s three-decade history. The Called Up Campaign funded renovations to the baseball and softball facilities which were completed in summer of 2025, as well as renovations to the upper and middle school buildings. The community exceeded the goal and raised nearly $40.2 million.
“Our team is unbelievably grateful for the generosity of the Whitefield family,” said Director of Development, Lauren Race. “We would not have been able to take this major step forward without the collective efforts of everyone who gave to this campaign.”
Students and faculty have endured extended time in temporary spaces and navigating construction closures. Opening the new Learning Commons will coincide with the start of the 2026-27 school year so the new space can be fully enjoyed by students and faculty. It’s also a timely next step with Whitefield Academy’s 30th anniversary around the corner in 2027.
No RSVPs are required to attend. Contact communications@whitefieldacademy.com for more information. Event photos and video will be available online after the event for those unable to attend.
ABOUT WHITEFIELD ACADEMY
Founded in 1997, Whitefield Academy is a Christ-centered college preparatory school located in Smyrna, Ga. Whitefield exists to bolster Christian families in rearing young people who go on to college and life with a passion for learning, for others ahead of self, and for the living and active Jesus. Whitefield’s campus is located at 1 Whitefield Drive in Smyrna.
