Independent Schools

Norwich Free Academy – Campus Master Plan

Norwich, CT

Founded in 1854, Norwich Free Academy (NFA) is a private, coeducational independent school for approximately 2,300 students in grades 9-12.

NFA is comprised of two  campuses, the main campus on Broadway (9 buildings, 14 acres), and a satellite campus on Sachem Street (2 buildings, 3 acres). A majority of the main campus buildings are in Norwich’s Historic District and range in ages from the mid nineteenth century to the early twenty first century and in size from 4,000 SF to over 62,000 SF. The school facilities total over 400,000 SF.

DRA completed a comprehensive assessment of all contiguous and non-contiguous facilities. The campus master plan addresses the maintenance, renovation, addition, and building replacement needs through capital improvement over the next ten years. In addition, the plan looks at energy conservation improvements and building consolidation feasibility. DRA led interactive information gathering sessions with students, staff and administration to listen and learn about the priorities of the campus.

Priorities and key concerns include Campus Safety (parking and vehicular traffic), Student Life (collaboration space and dining), Academics (classroom needs), and Athletics (indoor and outdoor).