Financial Guidance Through a Pivotal Transformation

Independent schools face numerous challenges when planning for an expansion. Working with a financial partner that understands the not-for-profit, independent school space is invaluable during such a pivotal time in the life of the organization.

When Greensboro Day School needed assistance to execute its vision of a 21st Century Campus, SouthState stood ready to assist. With their value-added advice and hands-on approach, the Bank constructed a meaningful financial solution, culminating in a partnership based on trust and understanding.

A Community and Finance Partner

Since its founding in 1970, Greensboro Day School has grown into an institution that now enrolls close to 1,000 students. Thoughtful and strategic planning has positioned the School to now grow its campus and offerings to prepare for the next stage of its journey. To do so, the School would break ground on two new buildings: one housing its preschool program and the other, a center for the student community.

The School embarked on a Bold capital campaign to fund a majority of the construction costs; but it also needed a tailored funding solution. Some form of debt financing was necessary to deliver on the capital improvements and spread the cost over generations of students who would enjoy the new and improved spaces. Posed with this challenge, the School selected a new financial partner, one with extensive experience in bringing such visions to life.



A strong network exists within the independent school community in the Southeast. Based on proven relationships and past successes within this community, the School’s leadership turned to SouthState. Throughout the course of 2022, the School’s leadership team developed a relationship with David Adams, Director of Not-for-Profit and Government Banking Strategy and Courtney Friedlein, Sr. VP, Not-for-Profit and Government to craft the financial solution.

Executing a Dramatic Expansion

Courtney, David and the SouthState team helped Greensboro Day School devise expansion plans that incorporated two phases of financing. In the first phase, the School opened the Helen Monroe Preschool in August 2024. The second phase, constructing the new Center for Student Life, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, is scheduled to open in early 2026.

“Our relationship with SouthState Bank was formed during a pivotal time in our history. As a school, we were emerging from the pandemic, experiencing a lot of high-enrollment demand. We received a really large lead gift to move forward with several of the projects that we had outlined and identified in our campus master planning, and we were looking for a bank that was aligned with our mission and could service our needs during this pivotal time in our history" said Tracie Catlett, Head of School.

SouthState worked closely with Greensboro Day School throughout the entire process, upholding its Not-for-Profit Banking moniker of “Banking with Greater Purpose.”

Growing Together

SouthState’s unique emphasis on forging connections with clients helped Greensboro Day School realize the most dramatic growth plan in its 55-year history. However, this relationship building is not unusual for SouthState; forming connections is the cornerstone of its approach to banking. With dedicated experts in the not-for-profit sector, the Bank provides the dedicated, best-in-class service of a community bank with the resources and expertise of a larger regional provider.



Our bankers are ready to help your organization achieve its next major transformation. Through our dedicated approach, we endeavor to become true partners to our clients. We provide hands-on service and experience-informed advice to help your not-for-profit further its invaluable mission.

At SouthState, ‘Banking with Greater Purpose’ is more than a tagline, it is our passion. Contact us to discuss how we can help you guide your next project to success.