Hilton Head Christian Academy Embarks on Major Building Project

Hilton Head Christian Academy Breaks Ground on New Multi-Million Dollar Building

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – April 30, 2024

Hilton Head Christian Academy is making significant strides to accommodate its growing student population by breaking ground on an ambitious new building project. The school held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday for a new 16,500-square-foot building that will cost around $8 million.

Although the school bears the name Hilton Head, it relocated to Bluffton three years ago to cater to a larger demographic of students. According to Doug Langhals, the Head of School at Hilton Head Christian Academy, the decision to move was based on where the majority of students lived. “Demographic wise 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 explained.

Since that relocation, the school has experienced an impressive enrollment increase of 65%. However, with this growth, the school has now reached its capacity, prompting the need for the 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. “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.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by current seventh graders, who will be the inaugural class to occupy the new high school building upon its completion. “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus. It’s going to have classrooms, lab rooms, break rooms,” said Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, who is overseeing the project.

Students who have experienced the previously constructed buildings are eager to see the new facility. Connor White, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, shared his enthusiasm during the ceremony. “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,” he said.

White participates in a tradition where students sign a beam that will become part of the new building. As he prepares for college, he expressed excitement for 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 noted.

Funding for the project is well underway. The not-for-profit school has reportedly raised over 75% of the necessary funds for this project, showcasing strong community support. The school expects that the new building will be ready for students in the fall of 2025.

This new construction aims not only to address the space issue but also to enhance the overall educational experience for the growing student body. As Hilton Head Christian Academy makes these changes, the community remains supportive of the school’s initiatives in providing better resources for students.

In summary, the groundbreaking ceremony marks an exciting new chapter for Hilton Head Christian Academy as it embraces growth, adapts to community needs, and prioritizes the educational journey of its students moving forward.