Hilton Head Christian Academy Begins Construction on New Multi-Million Dollar Building
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Hilton Head Christian Academy took a significant step towards expansion by breaking ground on an impressive new building project on Tuesday, showcased with an estimated budget of $8,000,000. School leaders highlighted the need for more space as the community continues to grow around them.
Moving to Meet Demand
Interestingly, the school, though named after Hilton Head, is currently located in Bluffton. Three years ago, school administration decided to relocate to better serve its population. Doug Langhals, the Head of School, explained that most of the student body was commuting from off the island. “Demographic-wise, the majority of our student body was coming from off-island, so we decided to move out here where the student body was,” he stated.
This strategic move has proven successful, as enrollment has surged by 65% since the relocation. However, this growth also led to the rapid filling of their existing facilities, prompting the need for a new building. “We’re in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have,” Langhals added, pointing out that a dedicated high school facility was always part of their plan.
Design and Layout of the New Building
The new building, planned to cover 16,500 square feet, is designed to blend in with existing structures on campus. Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations at Choate Construction, noted that the facility will include classrooms, laboratory rooms, and spaces for students to take breaks and collaborate.
This new construction is strongly anticipated by the students, especially a senior named Connor White. He shared his experiences with the enhanced learning environment provided by the school’s recent facilities. “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn, whether that be in an open common space or in a classroom like usual,” White expressed enthusiastically.
Commitment to Future Generations
While many current students are preparing for college, senior students like White feel a sense of pride in what the new building will offer future generations. “As our school grows and our world grows, I think these kids are going to grow up and they’re going to have all these new experiences,” he added, sharing his hopes for the incoming classes.
Funding and Timeline
The not-for-profit school has made impressive strides in funding, with over 75% of the necessary amount already raised. The administration aims to complete the building by fall 2025, reinforcing their mission to provide quality education and improved facilities for their expanding student population.
Conclusion
As Hilton Head Christian Academy embarks on this exciting new project, stakeholders and families are eagerly looking forward to what this means for the future of education in the area. With a focus on meeting the growing needs of the community, the new high school building will play a vital role in fostering an enriched learning environment for years to come.
