Hilton Head Christian Academy Breaks Ground on New Building
Bluffton, SC – April 30, 2024
On a sunny Tuesday morning, Hilton Head Christian Academy took a significant step forward by breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art facility valued at $8 million. This new building aims to accommodate the growing number of students as the community expands around it.
Despite its name, Hilton Head Christian Academy has not been located on Hilton Head Island for the past three years. The school moved to Bluffton to better serve its student body, which predominantly comes from off the island. Doug Langhals, the Head of School, stated, “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.” Since the relocation, the school has seen a remarkable 65% increase in enrollment.
As the student population has continued to rise, the need for additional space has become essential. Langhals emphasized, “We’re in the midst of growth, and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have. This high school building has always been a part of the master plan, but we’re in need of it just for space for students.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, a group of enthusiastic current 7th graders eagerly looked forward to being the inaugural class to utilize the planned 16,500 square foot facility. The new building will include classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms, designed to mirror the aesthetics of the existing structures on campus.
Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, explained, “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus. It’s going to have classrooms, lab rooms, break rooms.” This commitment to quality and consistency in design reassures students that their learning environment will be both functional and inviting.
Connor White, a senior at the academy, expressed excitement about the forthcoming building. Reflecting on his experiences in the school’s previous new facilities, he said, “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, along with his classmates, participated in the event by signing a beam that will be integrated into the new building. He feels optimistic about the future, stating, “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.”
The school has successfully raised more than 75% of the projected costs for the new building, demonstrating strong support from the community. Their goal is to complete the construction by fall 2025, allowing students to benefit from the new resources quickly.
Hilton Head Christian Academy’s commitment to enriching the educational experience for its students is clear through this major investment in infrastructure. As the school evolves to meet the needs of an expanding population, the community eagerly anticipates the positive impacts this new facility will bring.
