The Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons
The Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons reflects Mrs. Holton’s vision of a school that feels as warm and welcoming as a home, with cozy furniture and shelves of books. We carry on this tradition, creating a space where everyone feels comfortable, inspired, and at home.
What impact can a thoughtfully designed place have on mission delivery? How will the opening of the Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons enhance our ability to foster a love of learning, curiosity, and sisterhood? Made possible through the generosity of philanthropic donors and fiscal management, this space has the power to nurture our time-tested and future-focused programs, designed to grow excellence.
The space is intentionally designed, featuring cozy reading nooks, a variety of workstations, and areas for both quiet reflection and dynamic collaboration. Here, third graders might share beloved books with seniors, middle schoolers will harness presentation skills, and our entire community will gather for collective learning and individual growth. More than just a physical space, the Learning Commons embodies our core mission—providing an education that nurtures not only the mind but the soul and spirit of each student.
Our hope is that this space will indeed be a place for all of these things and more that we can't yet envision, as we practice fulfilling Mrs. Holton's vision of an "Open Door" that fosters the "urge to learn and the joy of overcoming obstacles." The Commons is more than just a beautiful building - it's a physical manifestation of our commitment to fostering connections between women and people of all ages as we continue to shape Holton's bright future.
When visiting campus, it's impossible to miss the genuine passion our girls have for their learning community. Libraries become a different kind of destination when schools reimagine them as open, transparent spaces that invite student communication and collaboration.
At Holton, we rejoice when a student opens a door and seizes an opportunity.
The Susanna A. Jones Learning Commons is designed to:
Create a physical heart of the School that is accessible to all.
Put students at the center of learning with a design that encourages engagement.
Use state-of-the-art technology for research, multi-media learning, and presentations.
Promote creativity in a bright, light-filled, modern space.
Offer flexible indoor and outdoor spaces.
Provide areas for collaboration, quiet study, and reading.
Include the reimagined Alice S. Marriott Library, the new Freeman Cafe, and Warner/Seawell Student Commons!