History of Sycamore School

Sycamore School was founded in 1985 by parents and teachers who felt that the unique needs of their high-achieving children were not being met by existing public and private schools. Discussions within this small group led to the suggestion that they start a school dedicated solely to the education of academically gifted students. They decided that this mission could best be achieved through the creation of a private, independent institution, and thus, before the end of 1984, Sycamore School was chartered as a not-for-profit corporation in Indiana. Gene Eib, a highly regarded, recently retired public school principal, was hired as its founding Headmaster on Christmas Eve, 1984.

With Gene Eib's leadership and credibility, plus boundless energy from the parents and teachers, feverish preparations were made during the 1984-85 school year. A building was leased from a Unitarian Church near Butler University and prepared for use by the new school. Teachers were hired, some used furniture and a few instructional materials were gathered, and the school opened in the fall of 1985 with 110 students in Kindergarten through Grade Five.

Enrollment expanded rapidly, and the young institution quickly outgrew the church's available space. Portable facilities were rented, but it became obvious that a new location was needed. Board members pursued a lease on a vacant public school building. While these negotiations were going on, the Butler Preschool for Gifted and Talented Children, operating under the auspices of Butler University, was in the process of closing. Sycamore School completed its agreement with Washington Township to lease the Grandview School just in time for a number of teachers and families from the Butler Preschool to join Sycamore in its new, much larger building. Thus, in the fall 1989, the school moved to the site it occupies today. It was then a 14-acre campus with a 56,000-square-foot building. The campus is now 16 acres, and the building has 108,000 square feet under roof. This one building houses all of the academic facilities: classrooms, science and computer labs, music and art studios, gymnasium/auditorium and library. The grounds also contain athletic fields and play areas for younger children.

The school grew rapidly in enrollment, quality, and community recognition. In 1991, Sycamore became a provisional member of ISACS, the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. That school year also saw significant improvements in the library, which continues to be a priority, and the creation of an appropriately accelerated and differentiated math curriculum. The athletic program began substantial improvements the following year.

After Mr. Eib's retirement in 1987, Alice Bostwick became Head of School. Mrs. Bostwick had been one of the school's founding teachers. She was dedicated to the school and had boundless energy to devote to its success. When Mrs. Bostwick was appointed, the school had already outgrown its original building, and classes were being held in a collection of construction office trailers on that campus. When Sycamore School moved to the present location, Alice played a major role in assisting with the actual move, in addition to planning for the use of the much larger space. While Mrs. Bostwick was Head of School, enrollment grew to 385, nearly filling the building.

Alice Bostwick was succeeded by Dr. Nyle Kardatzke, who became Head of School in January of 1994. That school year, the student body reached 400 in Preschool through Eighth Grade, with over 50 faculty and administrators. Dr. Kardatzke's previous experience in independent schools led to restructuring the administration to allow for Division Heads, a Plant Manager, and a full-time Admissions Director. Long-range planning in the spring of 1994 and subsequent work by the Board of Trustees set in motion activities to strengthen and improve the school. Much of the school's history from 1994 to 2000 is a reflection of that long range plan, which led to the following developments:

• Clarification of the school's mission.
• Establishment of a regular cycle of curriculum writing and refinement.
• Introduction of non-salary benefits for all staff members in 1995
• Purchase of the campus in 1996
• Full accreditation by ISACS in 1998
• Successful completion of the school's first capital campaign, 1998-2000
• Expansion of the building, 1999-2000 to add an Early Childhood wing and expand spaces for art, music, computers, science, and Spanish. The Middle School wing of the building was totally renovated.

A new long-range plan was written in 2000 with the participation of 70 parents, teachers, alumni, and students. This new plan called for further improvements in the facilities, upgraded faculty compensation, expanded financial aid, and steps to assure continuity of the school as staff and Board members change over time.

A second capital campaign in 2004-2005 provided a new gymnasium and a new theater, a relocated and modernized library, plus renovation of the Lower School wing and creation of a new entrance. The old 1958 building could scarcely be found amidst the beautiful new surroundings, and the ways students now learn at Sycamore School would not be recognized by those who occupied this building in the mid-20th Century.

Sycamore School's 20th Anniversary in fall 2005 may have marked “the end of the beginning,” with newly expanded facilities, an outstanding record of student and alumni achievement, and a clear mission for the future. Members of the Sycamore community are ready to write the next chapters of the school's history in the years ahead.

Dr. Kardatzke completed a highly successful tenure as head in June 2006. His legacy at Sycamore includes a commitment to continuous improvement, pastoral concern for all members of the school community, embodiment of impeccable ethical standards, and a good-humored and gentle role model for students and adults alike.

After an extensive national search the Board of Directors of Sycamore School selected Leo P. Dressel to be the fourth Head of Sycamore School, effective July 2006. In the years ahead the Board of Directors and Mr. Dressel will focus on enhancing the already high quality of the school program, raising its presence and profile locally and beyond, deepening the financial sustainability of Sycamore, ensuring access to a range of families across the socioeconomic and cultural spectrum, and planning carefully and strategically for the school's preferred future.