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Over the next year, Kenston Forest School (KFS) is set to grow. The Blackstone operation has announced a $5.5 million expansion and facility improvement plan which officials say is the largest single investment in school infrastructure since it opened in 1966. 

The plan includes construction of a 12 classroom upper school building, a student courtyard, a large entrance/lobby area, improved campus lighting, and renovated administrative office space. This phase is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by August, 2024. 

The project also includes renovation of the gymnasium, renovation of the David Wade Wright Fieldhouse, and replacing the campus electrical service to accommodate growth. These projects are scheduled for completion prior to school opening in August of this year.

More details about KFS

Current enrollment at Kenston Forest is approximately 450 students and has soared in recent years – up nearly 40% in just the past four years. 

“Enrollment has grown considerably in the past several years,” school officials said in a statement. “(it) far exceeds historic numbers, resulting in classroom space challenges and the formation of student waiting lists.”

The project will be funded through private donations to its “Growing Strong: Today, Tomorrow, Together” campaign. School officials added in the statement that “the strength of Kenston Forest has always been its people – students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, friends, and community members – all coming together to support our next chapter. The campaign is about more than mere buildings; it’s about doing whatever it takes to provide the very best resources and facilities to help our students reach their full potential and thrive. Our children deserve no less.”

Kenston Forest serves a large market in Southside Virginia with students in grades Pre-K – 12 attending primarily from Nottoway, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Amelia, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Prince Edward, Prince George and Petersburg.