Skylight Replacement Shines Bright at Veritas Campus

As students returned to the halls of Veritas Prep this year, they noticed the halls shine a little bit brighter than they did before summer break. Headmaster Theresa Weiland was thrilled to share some exciting updates about recent campus enhancements, including the long-awaited replacement of the school’s iconic arched skylight. Thanks to funding from Great Hearts Arizona, the aged and yellowed glass that once cast a dark hue on the beautiful artwork that lines the halls, now shines clear and bright with the new installation.

Over the past 18 months, both Veritas Prep and Archway Veritas have been working closely with the Great Hearts Operations, Finance, and Development teams to develop a long-term facilities improvement plan. This plan evaluates community wants versus needs, prioritizes projects that enhance student and faculty satisfaction, and carefully accounts for costs and funding sources. The goal is to execute campus upgrades in thoughtful phases that minimize disruption to the school year while maximizing impact.

Among this summer’s most notable achievements is the replacement of the large arched skylight that runs along the main hall of the building. The original skylight, which had been in place since the property’s former life as a Motorola plant, were aging and difficult to maintain. The replacement not only enhances the aesthetic beauty of the campus but also improves energy efficiency and safety for students and staff. The new windows allow more natural light into the school’s interior spaces, creating a brighter, more welcoming environment for learning.

On the Archway side of the campus, Headmaster Megan Opitz said the front office was reconfigured to now include a second nurse’s office, an additional interventionist room, and added storage space, all funded as a planned expense by Archway Veritas.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 academic year, Archway Veritas has been awarded a grant from the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority to upgrade playground equipment. This grant will cover two-thirds of the total cost, with the school funding the remainder. Renovations are expected to take place over winter break or summer 2026.

As a public charter school, Great Hearts Veritas does not receive state funding for building improvements or expansions, relying instead on philanthropic support. Contributions to the Community Investment and AZ Public School Tax Credit campaigns make vital campus projects possible while also funding academic programs, faculty support, security, and extracurricular opportunities.

The campus has come a long way since the academy first moved into the former Motorola building in 2010. Replacing the arched skylight is a visible reminder of how far Veritas has come and how much more they can achieve together as a community. With your continued support, we can ensure this campus serves generations of scholars in pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

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