Coming together to transform our campus, allowing IST to develop many new generations of lifelong learners and leaders!

 

The families that founded IST in 2013 made their vision a reality with grit, determination, and deep generosity.  Now, it is time for us to take IST into its next chapter – and onto a world-class, purpose-built campus with technology and facilities that match the unparalleled education that is our hallmark, and to accommodate the unprecedented growth and interest in our school.

With the support of our community, we will bring our students back together in a new state-of-the art Academic Building and Performing Arts & Athletics Center on our existing Middle School Campus in the heart of Bee Cave, Texas. When completed, we will be able to provide even more student-centered educational opportunities with the numerous additional classrooms and learning spaces.  Simply put, we will have created the home for today’s Trailblazers and the alma mater of tomorrow’s leaders.

The time to act is NOW — the global pandemic has caused construction costs to skyrocket. With the support of our IST community, we will be able to lock in our project costs before escalating expenses cause our dream to move beyond our reach. We already have had a handful of IST families come together to contribute more than $2.5M of our $4M goal. We hope that you will stand with them at this momentous time in IST’s history and contribute to Here We Grow.

Our goal is to raise $4M so that we can launch our $14M project to transform our school for future generations.

Here We Grow campaign priorities:

Innovative and Collaborative Learning Spaces With Room to Grow

The essence of an IST education is inquiry and movement.  Our students explore, build, create, measure, collaborate, and dream — every day.  We have designed a world-class Academic Building that provides a warm and open environment for true collaboration, learning, and fun.  We will also have enough room to support our growing, vibrant community.

State-of-the-Art Technology

We know that technology will influence every aspect of our children’s futures and careers.  That is why we are singularly dedicated to ensuring that our students have access to truly cutting-edge technology in the classroom, from SMART Boards to 3-D printers and beyond.  As they learn with technology as a tool, their skills and potential to create a meaningful future grow exponentially.  Our classrooms provide a hands-on, interactive learning environment that prepares our students to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Performing Arts & Athletics Center

Trailblazers are creators, and our Performing Arts & Athletics Center will give them the space to create in abundance.  The PAAC features a stage that will support full production drama events, a middle-school-sized competition basketball court, fine arts practice rooms for instrumental music, and a concessions stand to support public events.  We envision the PAAC as our creative hub for arts, athletics, and dreams.

The Natural World as a Classroom

We teach our students that the world is their classroom.  What better way to show them than to engage with it?  Our beautiful 7+ acre Hill Country campus will feature a working garden supported and maintained by students, an outdoor Science Lab, an outdoor Art “studio,” and nearly 2 miles of trails for exploring, cross-country practice, or simply taking a nature walk.

We've raised $2.5M of our $4M goal0%

IST's commitment to educating tomorrow's leaders embraces every aspect of the student experience -- and our dream campus will inspire Trailblazer moments for generations to come.

FAQs

Why are you raising $4M if the project costs $14M?

We have arranged for financing with a trusted local bank that requires IST to raised an additional $4M. Once we reach that threshold, we will be able to move forward with the project.

What happens if IST raises more than the immediate $4M goal?

The overall project costs approximately $14M, of which IST must raise $4M to facilitate the financing of the remainder. If IST raises more than $4M as part of its Here We Grow capital campaign, it will go straight into the campus expansion project. Depending on the amount of the overage, the school may be able to add features such as a rooftop learning space on the Academic Building, enhanced theatrical lighting for the PAAC stage, additional classroom technologies, outdoor athletic equipment, and many more options.

When is IST breaking ground on this project?

Well, as you may have seen if you’ve visited our Bee Cave campus, we have broken ground!  In order to avoid additional delays of unknown length, we have started groundwork and are happy to see the landscape of our campus changing as we move toward our goal!  The present schedule targets completion of the PAAC in December 2023 and completion of the Academic Building in summer of 2024.

How soon do you need the money?

IST has not been immune from the impact that the global pandemic has had on global supply chains. At the beginning of 2022, IST learned that the cost of this project had increased by a significant amount because of a sharp spike in construction costs. As costs continue to rise, there is a real sense of urgency for IST to be able to move forward quickly so that IST can shield itself against the impact of these uncertainties.

Can I make my gift in installments?

Yes. However, only the amount collected will count towards the $4M goal that will enable IST to move forward with this project.

Please contact Brandy Hoopaugh, Chief Business Officer, at (512) 351-3403 or b.hoopaugh@istexas.org with questions or for information on customizing payment arrangements.

What will happen to IST's existing Hudson Bend campus?

IST’s original and beloved Hudson Bend campus will be sold. Don’t worry, we’ll continue to enjoy the amazing views of Lake Travis until our new facilities are ready for us in Bee Cave.

Where is the ``dream campus`` going to be located?

Our amazing new Academic Building and Performing Arts & Athletic Center will be constructed on the grounds of our existing Middle School campus in Bee Cave located at 15506-C TX-71, Bee Cave, TX 78738.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Yes. IST is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity and 100% of your gift to IST is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

How can I give?

If you are interested in participating in the Here We Grow capital campaign, please reach out to IST’s Board of Trustee Co-Chairs, Chad Anson and Heather Bernard, at chair@istexas.org.

We appreciate your gift and the impact that is has on each student.  To learn more about giving to the Here We Grow capital campaign, contact IST’s Board of Trustee Co-Chairs, Chad Anson and Heather Bernard, at chair@istexas.org.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?