Hilton Head Breaks Ground on Multi-Million Dollar School Building
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – In an exciting development for education in the Lowcountry, Hilton Head Christian Academy has officially broken ground on a new building that will cost approximately $8 million. This building is expected to significantly enhance the learning environment for students as the school continues to grow in response to the surrounding community’s increasing demand.
New Facilities to Accommodate Growth
Although the school is named after Hilton Head, it has actually been located in Bluffton for the past three years. Doug Langhals, the Head of School, explained that the decision to relocate was based on the demographics of their student body, which primarily came from off the island. “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,” Langhals noted.
Since relocating, the school has seen a remarkable 65% increase in enrollment, which has made the need for more space urgent. 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 part of the master plan.”
Exciting Features of the New Building
The new building, which spans 16,500 square feet, will include essential facilities such as classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms. Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations at Choate Construction, mentioned that the construction style will be similar to the other buildings on the campus, maintaining a cohesive look.
As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, current 7th graders in attendance expressed their enthusiasm for the planned high school building. According to senior Connor White, who is about to embark on his own college journey, he believes the new facility will greatly benefit future students. “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 shared.
Support from the Community
The not-for-profit school has been actively working to fund this new construction and has already raised more than 75% of the total cost. They aim to complete the building in time for the fall semester of 2025, ensuring that it will be ready for students soon after its completion.
With a growing school and student population, the new building represents not just a physical expansion but also a commitment to providing quality education to the community. Langhals emphasizes the importance of this development, stating that it is essential for the future of the school and its students.
Conclusion
As Hilton Head Christian Academy embarks on this exciting new chapter, community support and student enthusiasm only add to the momentum for this vital project. The new building is not just a place for learning; it is a reflection of the school’s vision to adapt and grow alongside the community it serves.
