Building the Future, Learning in the Present

Every day at Saddle River Day School, we create experiences that empower students to take charge of their own learning and future.

The Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship is rapidly taking shape and is on schedule for completion in June 2026. It will serve as a state-of-the-art hub for Upper School learning, featuring advanced science labs, AI-driven classrooms, collaborative workspaces and specialized areas that encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.

The construction process itself has become an inspiring, schoolwide learning experience. Upper and Middle School students participated in a special session with the building project manager (and SRDS alum, parent and trustee) Bryan Hekemian ’83. Bryan guided students through drone footage, architectural plans and the vision behind the project. Students analyzed survey data, shared their feedback and asked thoughtful questions about design challenges, construction decisions and career pathways in architecture and engineering. The session highlighted students’ curiosity and engagement, making the building project a real-world learning experience.

 

Every Middle School student had the opportunity to speak with the builder and tour the construction site as part of a thoughtfully designed unit that integrated the new building into their coursework. In the Math in Motion elective, students extended this real-world experience into the classroom by studying architectural plans, exploring scale, proportion and geometry, and creating 3D models based on the building renderings. All eighth graders participated during advisory, engaging in conversations with the builder and viewing the site alongside their peers as part of a two-week unit focused on the new building and what they can expect in the year ahead.

Even our youngest learners in the Lower School embraced the excitement through their Community Helpers project-based learning unit. While studying the letter “C,” students dressed as construction workers, participated in themed literacy and math activities and enthusiastically acted out the roles of the builders shaping their new school.

Across all divisions, the construction of the Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship has inspired curiosity, creativity and connection—demonstrating how vision, learning and philanthropy come together to shape the future of SRDS.

 

Saddle River Day School Breaks Ground on the new Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship

Every day at Saddle River Day School, we create an entire experience designed for students to take charge of their future. Building an excellent education that will propel our students to success in college and beyond requires continual progress and innovation. On February 28th, the school held its groundbreaking for the Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship, a significant milestone in our commitment to educational excellence and student success.

The new Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship will serve as a hub for Upper School students, with cutting-edge science labs, collaborative workspaces, AI-driven educational environments and specialty learning spaces. Designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship and hands-on learning, the facility aligns with the school’s vision of transforming the campus of today to build the leaders of tomorrow. The event also celebrated the generosity of donors who made this transformative project possible through the school’s Building the Future capital campaign.

Head of School Jalaj Desai opened the ceremony with heartfelt gratitude to Saddle River Day’s supporters, especially the Walsh family, saying: “This is not just a building; it is the beginning of something extraordinary. To the Walsh family, we extend our deepest appreciation. Your passion for education and commitment to empowering the next generation are truly inspiring. This hall will bear your name, but more importantly, it will reflect your spirit and unwavering belief that every child should have the opportunity to explore, grow and achieve greatness.”

Dr. Kristen Walsh’s husband, Francis J. Walsh III, was joined by their son Francis J. Walsh IV, who added: “Education has always been at the heart of our family’s mission. We firmly believe that knowledge is the foundation of opportunity, and opportunity is what allows young minds to dream, innovate and shape a better future. This school is more than just a new building; it is a symbol of hope, learning and the boundless potential of every student who walks through its doors. Our greatest wish is that each student who studies here feels empowered to chase their dreams, overcome challenges and make a meaningful impact on the world." Saddle River’s Mayor, Albert Kurpis, spoke of the “symbiotic partnership between the school and the Saddle River community,” and the “lasting impact that the school would have for years to come.” Building and Grounds Committee Chair and Trustee Bryan Hekemian ’83 expressed his gratitude for the impact the school had on his life when he attended. Finally, SRDS Board President Weston Powell issued a call to action for the future sustainability and growth of SRDS as an “exceptional institution.”

The Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship is expected to open in the fall of 2026, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Saddle River Day School as it continues to grow and innovate.

 

 

Hall of Science and Entrepreneurship

• 33,000 square feet of new instructional space
• Advanced, modern faculty resources to provide outstanding academic experiences
• Exhibition space in the lobby
• Upper School commons
• Open, multi-use spaces to foster collaboration and social connection
• New admissions center
• Support for advanced math and science courses, applied physics and engineering, and AP courses
• A home for AI discovery, robotics, a financial lab, Coaching Academy, Saturday STEAM Bootcamps and more
• 15 additional classrooms
• 4 state-of-the-art science labs
• 3 speciality learning spaces

 

In addition, a brand new fitness center was completed in the fall of 2024, and a new turf field is slated to begin construction in the spring of 2025, along with increased parking. These enhancements will separate SRDS from its competitors and allow us to provide the absolute best for our students, our faculty and our community. At the end of the day, it’s about our students—those who came before, those here today and those yet to come; education that teaches our youth how to lead lives of character, purpose and achievement.

 

INNOVATORS have an entrepreneurial mindset.
THINKERS learn and grow by doing.
LEADERS excel with confidence.