Hilton Head Breaks Ground on New School Building
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – Excitement filled the air on Tuesday as Hilton Head Christian Academy broke ground on a new multi-million dollar building. This $8,000,000 project comes at a vital time as the school continues to grow, both in student numbers and facilities.
New Growth in Bluffton
Though the academy carries the name Hilton Head, it actually relocated to Bluffton three years ago. Doug Langhals, the Head of School, shared that the move was a response to the changing demographics of their student body. “The majority of our student body was coming from off-island, so we decided to move out here where the student body was,” said Langhals.
This decision has proved successful, as the school has seen a remarkable 65% increase in enrollment since the relocation. However, with this growth, the need for more space has become apparent. Langhals noted, “We’re in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have.”
Future Plans for the Academy
The new structure, set to be a 16,500 square foot building, is a part of the school’s long-term plan to better accommodate its students. It will include classrooms, lab spaces, and break rooms, mirroring the design of other buildings on campus. Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, stated, “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus.”
This spanking new facility will particularly benefit the current 7th graders, who will be the first class to progress through high school in the new building. Connor White, a senior at the academy, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn.”
A Vision for the Future
White also reflected on the impact the new high school building will have on future students. “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 shared, while signing a beam that will be incorporated into the new construction.
Funding the Project
So far, the academy has raised over 75% of the funds needed for the project. The goal is to have the new high school ready for students by the fall of 2025. Langhals noted the support from the community has been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
As the construction of the new building begins, it marks an important step forward for Hilton Head Christian Academy. The staff and students are excited about the upcoming changes, which promise to enhance the educational experience for years to come.
