Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Christian Academy has officially broken ground on a new multi-million dollar building, marking an exciting moment for the school and its community. On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, school leaders, students, and community members gathered to celebrate this important milestone for the academy, which has seen significant growth since relocating to Bluffton three years ago.
The Need for Expansion
Doug Langhals, the Head of School at Hilton Head Christian Academy, addressed attendees, explaining that as the school’s enrollment has soared in recent years, the need for additional space has become critical. “Demographically, the majority of our student body was coming from off-island, and so we decided to move out here where the student body was,” Langhals said. This decision has proved effective, with the school reporting a 65% increase in enrollment since the move.
However, with this growth, the school has reached its current capacity. “We’re in the midst of growth and we’ve filled up the building that we have,” Langhals mentioned. The new high school building, part of the school’s long-term plans, is expected to offer essential learning space for students.
Details of the New Building
The new $8 million high school facility will encompass approximately 16,500 square feet and will be designed to blend seamlessly with the existing structures on campus. Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, outlined the building’s features, including classrooms, labs, and break rooms that will enhance the educational experience for students.
Current 7th graders attending the groundbreaking ceremony expressed excitement about the new building. They will be the inaugural class to utilize the new resources as they progress through high school. Connor White, a senior at the school, shared his thoughts on the impact of prior building developments. “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn,” he stated, highlighting how these improvements have changed his learning environment.
Community Support and Funding
The not-for-profit school has made remarkable progress in raising funds for this new project. So far, they report achieving over 75% of their funding goal, demonstrating significant community support. Langhals and the school board hope to have the new building ready for students by fall 2025.
The Future of Hilton Head Christian Academy
As Hilton Head Christian Academy continues to grow, the leadership is optimistic about the future. White, reflecting on the prospects for younger students, said, “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.” This sentiment of hope and progress was shared by many at the groundbreaking ceremony, all eager to witness the next steps in the school’s journey.
With both current and future students in mind, the new high school building will be a significant addition to Hilton Head Christian Academy’s campus, fostering an environment conducive to quality education and community growth.
