The building and grounds at Stuart Country Day School are as unique as the education provided to its students. Once approval was given to build a Sacred Heart school in Princeton, the founders retained the services of Professor Jean Labatut of Princeton University as the architect. A parcel of land, known as the Monk Tract, was purchased off The Great Road and Stuart opened its doors in September 1963.
Labatut achieved his design goals at Stuart with a structure that seamlessly brings the outside world in. The main building remains the symbolic heart and soul of Stuart, and Labatut’s passion for sculpting can be seen in the front entry hall as the “Pillar of Christ” reminds all who enter of the spiritual nature of the work. Labatut’s use of symbolism is evident everywhere and his use of organic materials highlights the serene nature that lies outside.