Giving

Accessible By Design

- Accessible By Design
  
  ABD Banner

At Roeper, education is more than academics—it’s about belonging. Every child, every family, and every educator should be able to fully access and experience the life of our school. That’s why we’ve launched the Accessible by Design Campaign, a transformative project reshaping our Bloomfield Hills Campus.

- Groundbreaking, August 2025

Why It Matters

Our Lower School campus has long presented challenges for those with mobility needs. Physical barriers don’t just limit access. They impact community, equity, and the sense of truly belonging. Guided by our mission of social justice and diversity, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community can move, learn, and thrive without obstacles.

- All renderings credited to Michael J. Dul & Associates, Inc.

Campus Improvements

• An accessible pathway connecting as well as a road behind the Middle, Duplex, and Quad Buildings

• Inclusive seating and a welcoming ramp

• Improved landscaping and drainage for safety and beauty

These visible changes symbolize something deeper: Roeper’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and equity.

Named Gift Opportunities

Gifts made at $10,000 may be recognized in honor of a loved one, family, or friend. These donations will be acknowledged on commemorative tiles with the provided custom inscription. A pledge card will be provided to ensure accurate honoree information.

Support Accessible by Design

Thank You

A heartfelt thanks and acknowledgement to these special supporters for making these improvements possible: Julie & Robert Hertzberg, Joel & Carol Appel, Rick Porter ’91 & Richard Porter, Jr, Mark & Amy-Beth Fleischer, Timothy Hefferon & Leeann Konrad, Joshua Turner ’91 & Rachael Turner, Jay Must, Donna Ancypa Holmes ’87, Frances O'Laughlin, Morris & Rychee Brown, and 2024–25 Stage III Students.

Special thanks to our Campaign Steering Committee, Donna Ancypa Holmes ’87, Morris Brown, Jenny O’Laughlin, Eric Peterson ’95, and Amie Sweet.

FAQ

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

How long will the construction take place?
- HARDSCAPES & DRAINAGE
  Structural elements such as walkways, paving, and walls will be completed within the first two weeks of school. (Heavy construction equipment & machinery)
- LANDSCAPE Plantings and lawn restoration will be completed before the end of September. (Light construction equipment & machinery)
- HANDRAILS/RAMP RAILING Stainless steel railing will take two months to complete. The contractor will work on 10–20' sections at a time, isolated to each work section at time. This time window will consist of both on-site work and off-site work at their local fabrication shop. Weekly scheduling can be provided throughout the process to notify staff when the crews will be on site. (Manual labor with portable welding equipment and shields)
Will it be noisy?

Yes. Unfortunately the required machinery will generate noise. As the project progresses, less machinery will be needed, reducing any potential disruptive impact.
Will it be safe for the students and staff?

A bulk of the heaviest equipment work will be completed prior to students arriving on campus. Any hardscape work that occurs during school will be isolated with fencing, separating and limiting access to those areas. Work will be completed in sections with each section being completed prior to beginning the next. Each of the Middle, Duplex, and Quad buildings will always maintain a minimum of one safe access point and an alternate emergency exit.
Will staff be able to park along the southern road behind the classrooms?

No. All vehicles will be restricted to the main campus parking lot during construction until all paving work is completed.