JICS Campus Expansion Project

Rooted in faith, the Building Up Campaign aims to create the essential space needed to accommodate our expanding Middle and High School program while also enhancing our offerings for students across all ages.

We must expand our facility to meet fulfill our mission.

The need to equip our child has never been more urgent. This generation is surrounded by countless opposing messages that challenge their beliefs. At James Island Christian School, we are committed to creating an environment where students grow both spiritually and academically, cultivating a Christ-centered worldview that equips them to lead confidently in their future homes, churches, and communities.

Our student body in grades K5–8th has grown by an incredible 64% over the past five years, with even more growth expected in the years ahead. To continue providing excellent, Christ-centered education, we must expand our facilities to meet the needs of our growing student community.

We need room to expand program offerings across EVERY grade.
Take a peek inside to see what the new building will look like.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 K4 - 5th Grade Parents

 6th - 12th Grade Parents

Why are we expanding?
The greatest challenge to our children's Christian worldview today is a lack of understanding of how to stand strong against the pressures and values of the world. While this understanding starts at home, it is nurtured and deepened through every aspect of learning at James Island Christian School.

Expanding our physical space and program is the only way for us support this vision to foster leadership and spiritual development in future generations.

Watch the Full Video Explanation

Why are we building a new building?
To accommodate the new high school and the growing upper elementary and middle school classes, we need more space to expand. Currently, every square inch of our campus is utilized by both the school and the church. While this is a wonderful testament to our vibrant community, it also presents significant limitations. Additional space is essential to support our expanding upper school and to enhance program offerings across all grades. This growth can only be achieved with the necessary expansion.

What is the scope of the new building?
The planned expansion includes a 2-story addition at the front of the existing gym, encompassing a total of 14,000 square feet. 
Key features of the project include:
  • Welcome/Reception Space
  • 11 Full-Sized Classrooms
  • Modern Science Lab
  • Weight Room
  • Student Life Center & Collaboration Lounge
  • Covered Walkways seamlessly connecting all buildings
  • ADA Compliance with full accessibility, including an elevator
Do all JICS students benefit from the new building?
Yes! The expanded campus will feature modern facilities with dedicated collaboration and classroom spaces, providing Elementary, Middle, and High School students with designated areas for age-appropriate learning and experiences. One of the most immediate benefits will be the opportunity to expand programs across all grades. Click the link below to view a side-by-side comparison.

PROGRAM EXPANSION COMPARISON
Are tuition dollars being used to support the new building?
The Building Up Campaign has a goal of $6 million to achieve a building that meets the needs of both the church, school, and the full upper school program. We have designed a 2+2+2 plan to reach our goal.

  • $2 million will be coming from James Island Christian Church
  • $2 million from the Building Up Campaign
  • $2 million to be borrowed as a short-term note covered James Island Christian School
How can I give?
All members of the James Island Christian family, including alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to give.

Click here to give a one-time or recurring gift.
Why are we expanding?
The greatest challenge to our children's Christian worldview today is a lack of understanding of how to stand strong against the pressures and values of the world. While this understanding starts at home, it is nurtured and deepened through every aspect of learning at James Island Christian School.

Expanding our physical space and program is the only way for us support this vision to foster leadership and spiritual development in future generations.

Watch the Full Video Explanation

Why are we building a new building?
To accommodate the new high school and the growing upper elementary and middle school classes, we need more space to expand. Currently, every square inch of our campus is utilized by both the school and the church. While this is a wonderful testament to our vibrant community, it also presents significant limitations. Additional space is essential to support our expanding upper school and to enhance program offerings across all grades. This growth can only be achieved with the necessary expansion.

Why did JICS decide to re-open the High School?
In 2022 the JICS School Board in agreement with James Island Christian Church decided that with school growth and a heart for Christian education, prayer and deliberation, to re-open the high school to offer a Christ-centered, Biblically-based, academically excellent and service-driven offering all the way through High School graduation.
What is the scope of the new building?
The planned expansion includes a 2-story addition at the front of the existing gym, encompassing a total of 14,000 square feet. 
Key features of the project include:
  • Welcome/Reception Space
  • 11 Full-Sized Classrooms
  • Modern Science Lab
  • Weight Room
  • Student Life Center & Collaboration Lounge
  • Covered Walkways seamlessly connecting all buildings
  • ADA Compliance with full accessibility, including an elevator
Do all JICS students benefit from the new building?
Yes! The expanded campus will feature modern facilities with dedicated collaboration and classroom spaces, providing Elementary, Middle, and High School students with designated areas for age-appropriate learning and experiences. One of the most immediate benefits will be the opportunity to expand programs across all grades. Click the link below to view a side-by-side comparison.

PROGRAM EXPANSION COMPARISON
Are tuition dollars being used to support the new building?
The Building Up Campaign has a goal of $6 million to achieve a building that meets the needs of both the church, school, and the full upper school program. We have designed a 2+2+2 plan to reach our goal.

  • $2 million will be coming from James Island Christian Church
  • $2 million from the Building Up Campaign
  • $2 million to be borrowed as a short-term note covered James Island Christian School
How can I give?
All members of the James Island Christian family, including alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends are encouraged to give.

Click here to give a one-time or recurring gift.

Building Update

We've come a long way in the last 12 months!
See what we've accomplished.

Make a Gift

One-Time or Recurring Gift

Continue your support with a one-time or recurring monthly gift. Click the link below or contact the Development Office at (843) 795-1762 or buildingup@jics.org.

Planned Giving

JICS recognizes the generosity of those alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends who have remembered James Island Christian School in their estate plans through wills, trusts, and other planned giving vehicles. Connect with Director of Development to learn more. 

Gifts in-Kind 

Gifts in-kind are welcomed and encouraged! If you have a product or service you can donate, please contact the Development Office. 

Corporate Matching Gifts

You can double or even triple the value of your contribution by taking advantage of your employer's Matching Gifts Program. Simply consult your HR office to obtain a matching gift form and inquire about the details of your employer’s matching gifts program. Send the completed form to the Development Office and you will receive recognition for the combined amount of your gift and your employer’s matching gift. 

Memorial Gifts

You may make a gift in honor of a loved one, a graduating senior, a grandchild or a favorite teacher or coach. You also may want to remember a loved one with a memorial gift. Let us know the name of the person you wish to honor or remember when you make your gift. We will send you a receipt for the gift, and we will notify the honoree or the family of the loved one of your kindness. 

Checks

Checks should be made payable to James Island Christian School with the memo "Building Up" and mailed to:

James Island Christian School
c/o Development Office
15 Crosscreek Dr
Charleston, SC 29412
Contributions are solicited with the understanding that JICS has complete discretion and control over the use over all donated funds.

Want to learn more?

Contact Director of Development at (843) 795-1762 or by email at  gclay@jics.org