As part of a previous Master Plan study initiated in 2021, Canterbury staff, community members, parents, and the design team collaborated to evaluate existing conditions, engage stakeholders, and establish a clear vision for the future of the main campus. The study also explored how the newly acquired Winkler Road property could be integrated into the school’s programs and potentially support increased student capacity. At that time, relocating the Lower School to the Winkler Road site was considered a viable option, which would have freed up space on the existing campus for future growth and additional programming. Following further discussion, however, the Canterbury community expressed a strong desire to keep the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools connected, preserving meaningful interactions and relationships across all age levels. As a result, the Master Plan was re-evaluated and priorities were reassessed.

Building on the original campus assessment, a series of focus groups representing the Canterbury community were organized to identify priorities for enhancing campus life. These discussions highlighted two primary priorities:

• Classroom expansion and reallocation

• Improved parking and vehicular circulation

Additional desired campus improvements included:

• Consolidated arts facilities

• A new Performing Arts Center

• Classroom innovation spaces

• Flexible meeting and gathering areas

• Enhanced athletic facilities

The updated Master Plan outlines a phased approach to campus improvements, allowing the most critical priorities to be addressed first. Modifications to the stormwater retention lakes improve overall site efficiency and vehicular flow, enabling expanded parking and future athletic field enhancements. These site improvements also support an expansion of the Middle School, including the addition of a new floor that had been planned since the building’s original construction.

The plan further accommodates expanded arts programming, including a new Performing Arts Center and a Sports Performance Facility. These improvements would allow for the reallocation of existing spaces to better support classroom needs, create collaborative and innovation-focused learning environments, and eliminate the need for portable classroom buildings.

Finally, the Winkler Road site continues to be studied for additional uses, with long-term plans envisioning expanded athletic facilities that could serve both the school and the broader community.