Hilton Head Christian Academy Breaks Ground on $8 Million School Building

Hilton Head Begins Construction on New $8 Million School Building

HILTON HEAD, S.C. – Hilton Head Christian Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for a significant new project that is aimed at enhancing its educational facilities. The school is investing approximately $8 million in a state-of-the-art building that will cater to the growing needs of its expanding student body.

A Shift to Bluffton

Interestingly, although the school carries the name of Hilton Head, it has actually relocated to Bluffton. Three years ago, school leaders recognized that most of their students were coming from off-island, prompting them to make the move. According to Doug Langhals, the Head of School, “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 the move, the school has seen a remarkable 65% increase in enrollment, highlighting the need for more space. Now, they find themselves at capacity and in urgent need of additional facilities.

Plans for the New Building

The new structure will cover 16,500 square feet and will include classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms, among other spaces. Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations for Choate Construction, detailed the plans during the groundbreaking. He said, “Construction will look a lot like the other buildings on campus,” signifying an effort to maintain architectural consistency throughout the school.

Seated among the crowds at the groundbreaking were current 7th graders, who are particularly excited as they will be the first class to utilize the brand-new high school building.

Students’ Outlook

Connor White, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, shared his thoughts on the upcoming addition, stating, “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 expressed enthusiasm about the future opportunities this new facility will provide younger students.

White added, “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.” His sentiment reflects a broader hope within the community as they prepare for a brighter future for education at their academy.

Funding and Timeline

The school’s leadership notes that more than 75% of the funding for the new building has already been secured, demonstrating robust community support for the initiative. The academy aims to open the new building to students by the fall of 2025.

A Growing Community

As the city continues to develop and grow, the establishment of the new educational facility is a critical step in meeting the needs of students and families in the area. With the promise of enhanced learning environments, Hilton Head Christian Academy is setting the stage for future generations.

Overall, it’s a time of excitement and growth for Hilton Head Christian Academy and its stakeholders. The new building represents a bright path forward, focusing on education and adapting to the community’s needs.