Hilton Head Breaks Ground on New School Building
HILTON HEAD, S.C. – The Hilton Head Christian Academy made a significant step forward on Tuesday by breaking ground on a new building that will enhance the educational experience for its students. The project is set to cost around $8 million and is aimed at accommodating the school’s growing student population.
Growth in the Community
Doug Langhals, the Head of School at Hilton Head Christian Academy, explained that the decision to build a new facility comes from a clear necessity due to the increasing number of students. “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 said.
The school moved from Hilton Head Island to Bluffton three years ago, and since then, enrollment has skyrocketed by 65%. Langhals noted that the academy has now reached its maximum capacity, which prompted the need for additional space. “We’re in the midst of growth and we’re at a moment where we have filled up the building that we have,” he shared.
New Facilities to Enhance Learning
The anticipated new building will span approximately 16,500 square feet and will include classrooms, lab rooms, and break rooms designed to foster a more dynamic learning environment. Rick Parrish, the Director of Operations at Choate Construction, highlighted that the new facilities will be consistent with the other buildings already on campus.
Current seventh graders at the school will be the first class to attend high school in this new building. They eagerly participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, marking a milestone for their future educational journey. “This new building that we had about three years ago has revolutionized the way that I’ve been able to learn,” said Connor White, a senior. “Whether that be in an open common space or in a classroom like usual, I’m excited for the ones behind me.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Hilton Head Christian Academy is dedicated to adapting to the needs of its community, as shown by the financial effort put forth for this project. To date, the school has successfully raised more than 75% of the funds needed to complete the new building and aims to welcome students to the facility by the fall of 2025.
With the infrastructure in place and plans in motion, the leadership at the school believes that this new development will greatly benefit future generations of students. Connor White, reflecting on the positive changes, said, “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 Forward
As the Hilton Head Christian Academy takes these important steps toward its future, it continues to affirm its commitment to providing quality education. This new building is not just a structure but a promising foundation that will support the academic and personal growth of students in an ever-evolving community.
The school’s focus on adapting to the needs of its students ensures that it is well-prepared to meet any challenges that come with growth, both for the institution and its students.
