The Arts & Innovation Hub and James Library

The Arts & Innovation Hub in Memory of Dianne Chase Monroe and new James Library are two dynamic and integrated spaces at the heart of campus that meet the educational needs of Chesapeake Academy students to invent, design, prototype, and create.  The beautiful spaces connect classrooms to the library and the innovation space, allowing for flexibility and collaboration between students, faculty, and ideas.

A lab space for design thinking, the A & I Hub houses technological equipment, such as iMacs with Adobe Creator software, a 3D printer, laser cutter, and multiple levels of robotics for students of all ages.  The Hub boasts a small recording studio for video and audio production, as well as a tutoring room for collaborative and small group work.  A wide variety of arts supplies, Legos, construction tools and textile art equipment round out the materials available to students for instruction and exploration.

The A & I Program, launched after a collaboration with the College of William and Mary’s Center for Innovation in Learning Design, implements an integrated skills sequence that combines tech skills and artistic skills.  There are five content threads throughout the program that are reinforced and applied in A & I classes and academic courses:  audio/video production, CAD and 3D design, robotics and computer coding, textile arts, and basic construction.

The James Library holds 7,000+ volumes in a light-filled and adaptable space that has a variety of seating options for whole class instruction, small group work, individual reading, and gathering.  Students of all ages enjoy the literature rich environment.  PreK 3 & 4 through fifth graders have weekly library classes for instruction in literary themes and research skills.

The Hub and library serve as a physical representation of Chesapeake Academy’s philosophy and approach to integrating arts, STEAM and other forms of innovation, media, literacy, and collaborative work.

Search the James Library holdings

Birthday Book Program

Honor your Osprey with the gift of reading! By donating a book to Chesapeake Academy’s library in your child or grandchild’s name, you help foster the love of reading in your Osprey and for all Ospreys. Simply fill out the Birthday Book Form, denoting your Osprey’s name and the amount you would like to contribute to the cause and then submit to Catherine Emry in the Development Office. Our school librarian will then select a special book for your growing learner and affix a name plate detailing your gift.