Hilton Head School Breaks Ground on New $8 Million Building
In the charming town of Hilton Head, South Carolina, big changes are on the horizon for local students at the Hilton Head Christian Academy! The school celebrated a significant milestone this week as they broke ground on an exciting new building project that’s set to cost a whopping 8 million dollars. This new construction represents not just bricks and mortar but a commitment to meeting the educational demands of a growing community.
A Shift to Bluffton
It’s intriguing to note that despite its name, Hilton Head Christian Academy has technically called Bluffton home for the past three years. Head of School Doug Langhals 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 move has proven to be a smart decision! Since relocating, the school has seen an incredible 65% increase in enrollment. With the rising numbers, educators realized that they were outgrowing their current facilities.
Building to Meet Demand
Langhals further emphasized the necessity of the new building, stating, “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.” It seems they are ready to take action to accommodate the future generations of learners! The new structure will feature 16,500 square feet of space, including classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms aimed at enhancing the educational experience.
Future Leaders Gather to Mark the Occasion
At the groundbreaking ceremony, current seventh graders were notably excited as they will be the inaugural class to enjoy the new high school building. The construction is designed to blend seamlessly with the existing campus and will echo the aesthetics that students have come to love over the past few years.
Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations from Choate Construction, shared details about the project, saying, “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus.” This suggests a commitment to quality and continuity that should make the school feel familiar and inviting for all students.
Voices from the Student Body
Students can hardly contain their enthusiasm about the new building! Connor White, a senior at the academy, remarked on the transformative impact of the earlier construction saying, “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn.” It’s clear that the environment that educators are creating for their students is becoming increasingly tailored to their needs.
White, along with many of his classmates, had the pleasure of signing a beam that will be incorporated into the new high school building. And while he’s excited about his upcoming graduation and college plans, he can’t help but express enthusiasm for the younger students who will benefit from these enhancements: “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.”
Looking to the Future
So far, Hilton Head Christian Academy has managed to raise over 75% of the funds needed for this immense project. The goal is ambitious yet hopeful: they aim to have the building ready just in time for the fall of 2025. With growth on the horizon and plans in motion, it looks like the future is incredibly bright for students, educators, and the Hilton Head community!
