Hilton Head Community Welcomes New Educational Building
Hilton Head, S.C. – April 30, 2024
In a significant development for local education, Hilton Head Christian Academy has officially broken ground on its new multi-million dollar building. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, marked a pivotal moment for the academy as it looks to expand its facilities in response to increasing enrollment and community needs. The new structure will cost around $8 million and aims to serve a growing student body.
Despite its name, the school moved to Bluffton three years ago. This decision came as school leaders recognized that the majority of their students were living off the island. According to Doug Langhals, the Head of School, the move was essential to better serve the student population. He stated, “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.”
Since relocating, the academy has experienced a remarkable enrollment increase of 65%. However, with this growth, the school reached its current capacity, leading to the urgent necessity for expansion. Langhals added, “We’re in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have, and this high school building has always been a part of the master plan.”
The planned high school building will encompass 16,500 square feet and is designed to include classrooms, lab rooms, break rooms, and more, mirroring the architecture of the rest of the campus. This thoughtful design approach aims to create a cohesive environment that enriches the learning experience for students.
Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, shared insights about the new building’s features, promising that it will enhance the educational experience considerably. He said, “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus.”
At the groundbreaking event, current seventh graders, who will be the first to attend high school in this new facility, expressed their excitement about the upcoming development. Among them, Connor White, a senior, reflected on the positive impact of the academy’s existing newer buildings. “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.
As the community gears up for this new chapter, White emphasized the significance of the upcoming facilities 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 remarked. His optimism echoed the sentiments of many students who see this expansion as an opportunity to enhance their educational landscape.
The not-for-profit school has successfully raised over 75% of the funds needed for the project so far, showcasing strong community support and commitment towards education. The administration’s goal is to have the new building ready to welcome students by fall 2025.
The groundbreaking of the new building is seen as a great step forward for Hilton Head Christian Academy, allowing it to continue fostering educational excellence while meeting the needs of its expanding community. As the construction progresses, there is a palpable sense of anticipation among students, parents, and faculty alike.
