Calvary Christian School kicked off a major expansion and construction project Friday, Aug. 4, for a new 50,000-square foot school building, which has been “powered by so many stories of God’s hand, working behind the scenes,” Head of School Ryan Hyde said.
The $8.5 million phase two building at 1673 County Road 9, Bellefontaine, will incorporate 25 classrooms, along with a full-sized gymnasium, full-service cafeteria, specials classrooms for programs like art and music, library/media center, intervention space and locker rooms. Earth moving began right away after the ceremony by Link Construction Group.
When the facility opens to students in about 1 1/2 years, it will join the phase one building on the grounds, which also will expand with the addition of several classrooms during this new construction phase.
Financing has been provided for the project through The Middlefield Banking Company, with fundraising and community pledges currently ongoing as well through the Building on the Rock campaign.
Logan County Chamber of Commerce Director Lydia Hess said the project is “a huge investment in our community.
“These types of investments in our youth we’ve found are the most successful.”
The school, which first opened in the late 1970s at 1140 Rush Ave. campus, has experienced exponential growth in recent years, following the school’s accreditation, along with parents wanting new educational avenues for their children during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Assistant Head of School Dan Bragg noted.
“Previously, our enrollment was around 100-200 students. Now our current enrollment stands at 450, and with the completion of the phase two building, our projected enrollment will be 750.”
Hyde noted that CCS strives to educate its students “at the crossroads of faith and culture,” incorporating “excellent academics and a Biblically-focused worldview.”
Sharing scriptures that are helping to propel the project forward, Bragg also related that “we want to be that Biblical light here in Logan County.”
Reno Stapleton from Link Construction Group said the company is looking forward to being involved in the large-scale project, with the framework to be completed in just a few short weeks.
“We’re honored to be part of the bricks and the mortar for this project, but there’s so much else going on here,” he said. “It’s neat the situation that I’m in; I get to know the people involved behind the scenes, the administrators and the teachers.
“I’m thankful to be a part of the new facility and I pray that God blesses it.”
Bragg also noted that the EdChoice program recently has been signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, making “a Christian education accessible to everyone.” CCS has several spots still open for the 2023-24 school year.
“Everyone will get their tuition discounted to some extent. It’s very helpful to our families,” the administrator noted.
Anyone under 450 percent of the federal poverty level is entitled to over $6,100 for K5-8th grade and over $8,400 for high school, CCS notes in a Facebook post about the EdChoice program.
“If you make over 450 percent of the poverty level you still receive scholarships, with the absolute minimum to receive is $1,000 per year.”
lVisit https://www.ccsspartans.com/ for more information about the building project and the school.
Calvary Christian School students and future pupils dig their shovels into the dirt for the ceremonial groundbreaking Friday for the school’s phase two building project, which involves the construction of a 50,000 square foot school building at 1673 County Road 9, Bellefontaine. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
Logan County Chamber of Commerce Director Lydia Hess, right, presents a letter of commendation from Secretary of State Frank LaRose to Dan Bragg, Calvary Christian School assistant head of school, Friday during the groundbreaking ceremony. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
Phase 2 rendering of Calvary Christian School’s new building.