May 27, 2026 Submitted By The Inly School
On Friday, May 15, the Inly School community reached a historic milestone with the official ribbon cutting of the new Donna Milani Luther Middle School building. The ceremony marked the successful culmination of the “Imagine More” campaign, transforming a long-held vision into a vibrant reality for the school’s seventh and eighth-grade students.
A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
The new structure represents a thoughtful architectural bridge between Inly’s history and its future. Built as an extension of the original historic home that long housed the middle school, the design preserves a community feel—a priority identified by Inly alumni—complete with two fireplaces and a fully equipped kitchen.
This warm foundation is seamlessly integrated with modern architecture defined by expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light. The environment is engineered to spark joy and inspire deep learning, with:
- Vibrant Learning Spaces: Colorful walls, inspirational messaging, and whimsical tree-shaped bookcases create an inviting atmosphere.
- State of the Art Science Lab: Equipped with advanced technology for experimentation and collaboration.
- The Shelley Sommer Writing Center: Named in honor of the beloved, longtime librarian and teacher.
- da Vinci Studio South: A fully-equipped maker space dedicated exclusively to middle schoolers.
- Collaborative Hubs: An amphitheater designed for morning meetings and presentations, alongside various flexible meeting spaces.
- Student Wellness: Comfortable seating and two “Destination Exploration” areas where students can pause, recharge, and find balance during the academic day.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
The speaking program opened with remarks from Interim Head of School Neal Brown, who reflected on the profound impact of the building’s namesake. He highlighted Donna Milani Luther’s decades of leadership and her unwavering belief in the potential of every student.
“This building reflects Donna’s deep love and respect for children and their capabilities,” Brown noted. “It reflects the very best of Montessori practice, where children develop an intrinsic love of learning, self-directedness, and hands-on experiences that make education meaningful.”
The student perspective was brought to life by seventh-graders Soli Russo and Jackson Lieberman. Lieberman moved the audience by emphasizing the school’s welcoming community and warm atmosphere, asking, “Who could forget the memories they made… at home?”
Board of Trustees Chair Ryan Peña shared the community’s collective pride before Donna Milani Luther herself took the stage. Reflecting on her tenure from 1996–2025, she noted that the project’s guiding principle never wavered: “Every decision—large or small—was made based on what was best for children.”
Exploring the Future
The ceremony concluded as Donna and Neal joined together for the official ribbon-cutting, ushering in a new era of Montessori+ education. The Donna Milani Luther Middle School stands as more than just an addition to the Scituate campus; it is a space dedicated to innovation, design thinking, and the confidence of the next generation. As the doors opened, it became clear that while the building is new, its heart remains rooted in the kindness, creativity, and innovation that have defined Inly for decades.
Inly School has limited openings at most levels for Fall 2026. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.inlyschool.org
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