Hilton Head Christian Academy Breaks Ground on New $8 Million Building
Hilton Head, S.C. – On a sunny Tuesday, Hilton Head Christian Academy celebrated a significant milestone by breaking ground on a new multi-million dollar building project. The new structure, which is projected to cost around $8 million, will meet the demands of a growing student population in Bluffton, where the school has relocated three years ago.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Community
Doug Langhals, the Head of School at Hilton Head Christian Academy, shared that the decision to move from Hilton Head to Bluffton stemmed from the changing demographics of their student body. “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,” Langhals explained during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Since the school’s relocation, enrollment has surged by an impressive 65%, reflecting the increasing need for educational facilities in the area. However, this rapid growth has led to a challenge: the current building has reached its full capacity. “We are in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have,” Langhals said. He noted that the new high school building has always been part of the school’s master plan and is now essential for accommodating more students.
Exciting Plans for the New Building
The brand-new structure is set to be 16,500 square feet and will include various facilities tailored to enhance student learning. Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations at Choate Construction, mentioned that the construction will reflect the aesthetic of the other buildings on campus, featuring classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms.
Students at the academy are thrilled about the prospects of the new building. Connor White, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, shared his excitement. “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 stated. He emphasized that the improvements in the learning environment have made a real difference in the educational experience.
Community Support and Vision for the Future
As Hilton Head Christian Academy embarks on this new development, school leaders report that they have already raised over 75% of the funds needed for the project. The goal is to have the building completed and ready for students by Fall 2025.
Students who participated in the ceremony were eager to show their support by signing a beam that will be incorporated into the new building’s structure. White added, “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.”
A Positive Impact on Education
The groundbreaking marks a hopeful chapter for Hilton Head Christian Academy as it continues to serve the educational needs of students and their families in the Lowcountry. School leaders are committed to providing a modern learning environment that fosters growth, creativity, and academic excellence. As the community evolves, the academy is poised to expand its footprint and further its mission of education, bringing new opportunities to both current and future students.
The new building at Hilton Head Christian Academy represents a critical step forward in ensuring that educational resources keep pace with the growing population in Bluffton and surrounding areas.
