Hilton Head, S.C. Breaks Ground for New Educational Facility
Hilton Head, S.C. – On Tuesday, Hilton Head Christian Academy officially broke ground on a new multi-million dollar building aimed at enhancing the educational experience for its growing student body. With an investment of $8,000,000, the academy is responding to the increased need for space as its enrollment continues to rise.
Growth Driven by Community Needs
The school leaders highlight that much of this growth is a result of moving the campus to Bluffton three years ago. Doug Langhals, the Head of School, explained, “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.” This shift has proven beneficial as the academy has seen a staggering 65% increase in enrollment since the relocation.
Expanding Capacity for Future Students
As noted by Langhals, despite the growth, the academy has now reached capacity in its current facilities. “We’re in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have,” he stated. The new high school building was always part of the school’s long-term plans, but the current demand has made its construction urgent.
Building Specifications
The planned building will span 16,500 square feet and will include various classrooms, lab rooms, and break areas to accommodate students’ varied learning styles. Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, shared details about the structure’s design, assuring that it will blend seamlessly with the existing buildings on campus.
Students Excited for New Opportunities
Among those attending the groundbreaking ceremony were current 7th graders, who will be the first class to utilize the new high school facilities. Senior student Connor White expressed excitement about the future, stating, “The new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn.” He noted that both the innovative design and available resources have enhanced their educational experience.
Future Readiness
As students sign beams destined for the new building, they reflect on the importance of further educational opportunities. White mentioned, “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.”
Funding Progress and Timeline
So far, the not-for-profit school has successfully raised more than 75% of the funds required for this ambitious project. The academy is confident about completing the building in time for the school year starting in the fall of 2025.
Conclusion
With this new building, Hilton Head Christian Academy aims not just to accommodate its current students but also to embrace the future of education as it prepares for a growing number of students in the area. The groundbreaking marks a significant step toward a promising educational enhancement in the Lowcountry community.
