The Cambridge University Dictionary defines vista as “a view, especially a beautiful view from a high position” and “a possible future action or event that you can imagine.” At Pomfret, vista — or VISTA, the new Venue for Innovation, Science, Technology, and Academics, — means these things and more. 

For decades, a new science building was a topic of conversation on the Hilltop. Science and Math Teacher Ellen Browne recalls discussions of building a new facility when she joined the faculty more than twenty-five years ago. 

“I’ve been waiting for this building since 1997,” she says. At that time, none of our students, and even some faculty, were not even born yet. It wasn’t until the Amplify campaign quietly began in the fall of 2017, and was then publicly launched in the fall of 2022, that the concept of VISTA, so aptly named, became a reality. 

When the Monell Science Building first opened back in 1958, the space comprised three laboratories, a large lecture hall, two small classrooms, two darkrooms, and various workshops. At the time, three science teachers taught just four basic science classes. Today, twelve different teachers offer twenty-seven unique courses in eleven distinct fields — everything from aquaponics, robotics, and forensics to astronomy, engineering, and environmental design. 
 

VISTA is a three-story, 22,000-square-foot facility double the size of Monell. The centerpiece of the building has an airy space called the Hamilton Hub, with expansive windows stretching two stories, bathing the space with natural light. It is staggered seating built into the walls and comfortable furniture that encourages collaboration and conversation.

Beyond the Hub, the building branches into a labyrinth of classrooms, labs, and community gathering spaces. On the top floor is a dedicated laboratory prep space with two pass-through chemical fume hoods. In each classroom, suspended electrical outlets are ready to be pulled down and used to power microscopes positioned on the moveable lab benches. The ground floor commons and physics classroom have a rigid unistrut grid for hanging all kinds of pendulum and ballistic experiments, as well as an environmental science lab with a boot washing station ready for students to return from exploring Pomfret’s outdoor class — the Pomfret Woods. “The amount of potential packed into this building is massive,” said Science Department Head Josh Lake.

The construction of VISTA took eighteen months to complete. Shawmut Design and Construction did an excellent job bringing Annum Architects’ concept to life. At the end of August, Science faculty began moving into their new academic home. 

“I’m so pleased that the building was completed over the summer, right in time for school to start, and that we can be in the new space on day one,” commented Lake. “It will be an exciting year as we move in, get artwork on the walls, and complete those first lab experiments.” 

When students arrived a week later, they were in awe. “It is a shock to see the new building,” said Finn DeNapoli ’26 — whose father, Ted DeNapoli ’89, attended classes in Monell. “I love the new space. It’s cool that we have this giant facility where I can do all the sciences I love.” 

His classmates agreed. “I love glass and modern architecture,” said one student. “I can’t wait to take all my science classes here,” commented another. “It’s beautiful,” chimed Science Teacher Brian Geyer. 

A ribbon cutting was held during Convocation. Before School President Sebastian Arreola '25 and School Vice President Charmaine Chinodakufa '25 used a pair of giant gold scissors to mark the ceremonial opening of the new space, Lake offered some brief remarks. “This new science center VISTA will open a wide horizon for thousands of young scholars to discover their potential as they seek to understand the world.” He acknowledged Pomfret’s long dedication to teaching all students essential core science skills and knowledge, allowing passionate scholars to study deeply in their fields of interest, and creating dynamic elective courses to give many students a unique pathway to future studies. 

A formal dedication event will be held at the end of September. 
 

See More Stories