Hilton Head Breaks Ground on New Multi-Million Dollar Building
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – In an exciting development for the local community, Hilton Head Christian Academy officially broke ground on a new 16,500 square foot building on April 30, 2024. The school, which has recently expanded its reach beyond the island it is named after, is investing $8 million into the new facility to accommodate the growing needs of its student body.
School’s Growth and Development
Doug Langhals, the Head of School at Hilton Head Christian Academy, shared insights into the school’s recent move to Bluffton three years ago. “Demographically, the majority of our student body was coming from off-island, and so we decided to move out here where the student body was,” he explained. This decision has paid off, resulting in an impressive 65% increase in enrollment since the relocation.
Despite this growth, the school has now reached its capacity. “We’re in the midst of growth, and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have. 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,” Langhals added.
New Building Features
The new high school facility is designed with modern educational needs in mind, featuring classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms. Rick Parrish, Director of Operations at Choate Construction, described how this building will resemble other structures on campus, supporting a cohesive feel. The construction aims to enhance the learning environment for students, providing them with spaces that facilitate both collaborative and individual work.
Student Excitement and Community Impact
At the groundbreaking ceremony, current seventh graders were present, marking a special moment as they will be the first class to go through high school in this new building. Connor White, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “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.”
White, who is preparing for college, still looks forward to the experiences that the new building will offer students behind him. “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.
Funding and Future Goals
The not-for-profit school has made significant progress in funding this project, having raised over 75% of the required $8 million. The administration aims to have the new building ready for students by the fall of 2025, demonstrating their commitment to accommodating the needs of an expanding student population.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking event marks a pivotal moment for Hilton Head Christian Academy as it transitions into a new chapter of its development. With increasing enrollment and a strong focus on providing quality education, the academy’s new building is not just an investment in infrastructure but also a hope for the future of its students and the community.
