Building Futures
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A seed was planted in 1979 by a few families who desired to see Christian education offered for students in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Since then, HHCA has grown and flourished - educating students and impacting thousands of families in our community and around the world.
HHCA broke ground on a 27.7-acre site in Bluffton, S.C. near Buckwalter Parkway and Bluffton Parkway in May of 2019 (see the Groundbreaking Ceremony FUN below). The new campus opened in January 2021.
The project was led by local architect Court Atkins Group. HHCA also partnered with international experts in education design, Fielding International. Fielding has built more than 600 schools in 47 countries.
Our campus in Bluffton, S.C. is among the top 1% of schools in the world designed from the ground up to provide the best learning environment for tomorrow's leaders.
Fielding International, (FI) is an award-winning, global leader in education planning and architectural design. The firm has built over 600 schools in 47 countries and is considered a world leader in experiential learning design.
HHCA partnered with FI to bring the best in architecture as well as the best in curriculum design to our new campus. Our faculty and staff were immersed in FI's comprehensive training program for educators over several years so they can equip students to be ready for the modern world.
Our school not only looks different, it is different.
"We build and renovate school facilities for today and tomorrow with one primary goal in mind — to improve learning." -- Randy Fielding
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Alongside FNI as the design architect, HHCA partnered with local architectural experts, Court Atkins Group. (CAG)
Court Atkins has serviced the Lowcountry for nearly 20 years and earned an excellent reputation for quality design and local expertise. Their talented and diverse team brings together over 50 years of architectural experience for selected clients throughout the coastal Lowcountry, as well as in Florida, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, and North Carolina. Court Atkins has won numerous design awards for both commercial and residential architecture.
James Atkins, Court Atkins Group, gave an update in July 2020 about some of the new campus features and spaces:
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The general contractor, Choate Construction, was founded in 1989 in a basement, as our nation’s economy headed into recession. What might have looked like insanity to the world, to Choate felt like a mission: to learn, to grow, to forge relationships, to build - according to the company's website - "not just buildings but essential parts within ourselves, our team, and our community."
Using an integrated, collaborative, and proven approach, Choate's construction teams are able to eliminate waste, keep clients engaged, and optimize value. The company's mission is "to forge lasting relationships by creating construction solutions that result in exceptional outcomes."
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On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Choate Construction celebrated its ceremonial "topping off party" for a historic project they have been dedicated to for well over a year.
Site Manager Wayne Gray expressed how proud they were to have worked on a project like this that would house "the next generation of leaders and souls".
We are incredibly thankful for the partnership and unwavering commitment to excellence our partners gave to this project.
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Breaking Ground | May 2019
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The HHCA community celebrated the groundbreaking of our new campus in Bluffton in May 2019.
More than 400 gathered for worship, prayer, food and fun!
Here are a few memories from the special occasion:
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FAQs:
Where is the Bluffton campus located
HHCA's Bluffton, S.C. campus is located at the corner of Bluffton Parkway and Masters Way.
Thanks to generous donors, we have 27.7 amazing acres in a prime location.
The new location allows us to double the size of our campus and reach more families who want an excellent, faith-based education.
Why move to Bluffton?
The move to Bluffton gives us the opportunity to grow every aspect of our school - from state-of-the-art academic spaces and learning communities to designated areas for the arts and top-notch athletic facilities.
Perhaps more important than the growth of our physical space is the desire to share our vision -- "to know Christ and make Him known" -- with as many families as possible.
The Bluffton area is the fastest growing area in South Carolina and among the fastest growing communities along the East Coast.
Currently over half of HHCA's student body resides in Bluffton. The city has experienced explosive growth in recent years, and growth is expected to continue, especially among young families.
This move paves the way for the next generation of HHCA graduates to continue to impact the world for the glory of God.
How is HHCA funding the new campus?
- Proceeds from the sale of the Hilton Head campus
- Eagles' Wings: Elevating Excellence Capital Campaign
- Fiscally responsible financing as needed
Where can I get answers to additional questions
We want to answer any questions you may have during this exciting time of our school.
Please direct any additional questions to Dorothy Guscio, Director of Advancement, at dguscio@hhca.org.
How can I help?
We need you. We need everyone involved to continue to make this a reality.
Here are ways you can help:
- Prayer
- Donations
- Services or “in-kind” donations
- Time
What about transportation?
Daily bus service is offered to our Hilton Head Island students.
For information about bus service, please contact Rachel Bagenstose.