Despite damp and windy conditions, more than 100 King School community members gathered on April 5 to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for King's new Early Childhood Center and Sullivan Family Playground. The event marked the completion of the first phase of the school's Master Plan, creating state-of-the-art spaces specifically designed for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students.

"These spaces are more than beautiful spaces – they are strategic investments in our educational approach. They are a testament to the generosity of our families and a sign of confidence in King School's future," said Head of School Carol Maoz.

The Sullivan Family Playground, made possible through a generous donation from Antoinette and Martin Sullivan ’25, features numerous elements designed for exploration and creative play. At its center stands a Viking ship complete with slides, climbing structures, and a space for outdoor classes. Prekindergarten parents Andraya and Keenan Spiegel ’38 generously gifted the ship, which was meticulously built by Keenan himself. 

"The ship is a playful yet powerful symbol of the school's mascot and spirit," Maoz noted. "These spaces will inspire generations of learners, creating a legacy of discovery, creativity, and growth that extends far beyond these walls."

Head of Lower School Sandy Lizaire-Duff emphasized how the new spaces support the school's educational philosophy: "In the Reggio Emilia approach, our environment is the 'third teacher' — working alongside parents and educators to inspire learning. Every detail here has been intentionally designed to support our educational philosophy."

The Early Childhood Center features Prekindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms filled with natural light, child-height bulletin boards, and interactive technologies. A time capsule created for the occasion will be unsealed during the junior year of current PreK students and the senior year of current Kindergarten students.

Board Chair Mi-Sun Freeman P’22, ’29 spoke about the transformative power of philanthropy: “Schools like King evolve not through wishful thinking but through the vision, commitment, and generosity of community members who believe deeply in our mission,” Freeman said. "These spaces support the extraordinary work of our teachers, allowing them to apply their expertise and stretch teaching and learning in more innovative ways," she added.

Maoz and Freeman cut the ribbon, accompanied by lower school students and surrounded by loud cheers and enthusiasm.

Lower school teacher Jessica Vigliotti expressed excitement about teaching in the new spaces and invited the Sullivan and Spiegel families to cut the playground’s ribbon. “I know I speak for my colleagues when I say how excited I am to teach in these new spaces. Thank you to all who have made this possible,” Vigliotti said. After the ceremonial cutting, she gave the eagerly waiting students the green light with the familiar phrase: "Be safe; have fun; go play!"

The celebration also featured a musical performance by Kindergarten and Grade 4 students who sang "Hooray for the World" and "Babala Gumbala," a traditional song from the Yaruba nation of Africa, under the direction of lower school music teacher Rachel Salem.

The new Early Childhood Center and Sullivan Family Playground represent King School's commitment to creating learning environments that spark curiosity and support the natural development of young children. They set the stage for future campus improvements outlined in the school's Master Plan.