Hilton Head Christian Academy Begins Construction on New Facility: A New Era for Local Education

Hilton Head Christian Academy Begins Construction on New Facility

Bluffton, S.C. – A New Era for Local Education

Hilton Head Christian Academy is taking a big step forward as it celebrated the groundbreaking of a new multi-million dollar building on Tuesday. With a price tag of $8 million, the school aims to provide more space and resources for its growing student population. The ceremony took place in Bluffton, where the academy relocated three years ago, leaving behind its previous home on Hilton Head Island.

Doug Langhals, the Head of School, spoke at the event and outlined the academy’s journey. “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,” he said. Since the move, the school has seen a remarkable 65% increase in enrollment, showing that the relocation has met a vital need in the community.

Addressing Capacity Issues

Today, Hilton Head Christian Academy faces a challenge: its current facilities are at maximum capacity. “We’re in the midst of growth and we’ve filled up the building that we have,” said Langhals. The new high school building, which will span 16,500 square feet, was always part of the long-term vision for the academy. Langhals emphasized the need for more space to accommodate the increasing number of students.

Learning Spaces Designed for Students

The new building is planned to include classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms, fitting seamlessly with the architectural style of other campus buildings. Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, shared details about the project and emphasized the importance of creating spaces for effective learning.

Current students are enthusiastic about the new facility. Senior Connor White expressed his excitement, noting how new buildings have transformed the learning environment. “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn,” White commented, highlighting the positive impact of modern educational spaces.

Looking Towards the Future

As students signed a beam that will become part of the new structure, they were filled with hope for future generations. Connor White believes that the school’s expansion will provide new opportunities for his peers. “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 said.

Fundraising Success and Goals

So far, Hilton Head Christian Academy has successfully raised over 75% of the funds needed for the new building. With the goal to complete construction by the fall of 2025, the school is optimistic about meeting this target and welcoming students into a state-of-the-art learning environment.

Community Growth and Support

This project is not just a win for the school; it’s a reflection of the growing community in Bluffton. As more families settle in the area, the academy aims to be a leading institution that can adapt and grow alongside the population. The new facility will serve to enhance both education and community engagement in the Lowcountry.

Overall, the groundbreaking of the new building marks a significant milestone for Hilton Head Christian Academy, indicating a bright future for students and the community alike as they continue to foster an environment of learning and growth.