JICS - JICS Campus Expansion

JICS Campus Expansion Project

Meeting the Need: Expanding Our Campus

Rooted in faith, the Building Up Campaign provides the funds to add a 14,000-square-foot, two-story addition to the front of our existing gym. This state-of-the-art facility will provide much-needed space for our expanding student population while enabling us to offer enhanced programs for all grades.

Take a sneak peek at the new building!

Building Update

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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

K4 - 5th 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.

At the same time, we are experiencing remarkable growth. Over the past five years, our Kindergarten through 8th-grade enrollment has increased by 64%.

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

How does the new building impact K4 - 5th grade?

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, especially our elementary school programs. Click the link below to view a side-by-side comparison.

PROGRAM EXPANSION COMPARISON

What is the scope of the new building?

The planned expansion includes a 2-story addition at the front of the existing gym, encompassing 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

Are tuition dollars being used to support the new building?

The Building Up Campaign has an overall goal of $6 million. We have designed a 2+2+2 plan to reach our goal.

$2 million will come 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

6th - 12th Grade Parents

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.

Why are we expanding?

The need to equip our children has never been more urgent. This generation faces countless opposing messages that challenge their beliefs. 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 to support this vision from K5 all the way through High School graduation.

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

TESTIMONIALS

Derik Hemingway

JICS Board Member & Father of Two at JICS

“JICS has allowed my family to foster and grow relationships that allow real life to happen. Not just surface level friendships, but meaningful and deep relationships to celebrate the good and share the burden of the bad. This has been instrumental for the mental/emotional/spiritual development of my boys.”

Pam Brueck

JICS Board Member & Mother of Two at JICS

"In a city where school choice is plentiful, our family is grateful to have found JICS. The commitment to teaching scripture and the comrade among families, has allowed our girls to grow socially, academically and most importantly spiritually. There is an invaluable peace when you can walk through the halls and know many of the faces that are pouring into your children on a regular basis. We are so grateful to get to do life with so many families at this school and for the school’s commitment to partnering with us in instilling biblical values into our children."

Jenny Justice

JICS Board Member & Mother of Two at JICS

“I love that JICS is one big family— the students, teachers, and parents are all united in their love of Christ. My kids can’t wait to go to school every day, and there is nothing better than knowing they are in a place where they are learning about the Lord from teachers who value, appreciate, and most importantly, love them because they were created in His image.”

Ways to Give

CASH OR CHECK

Checks may be sent to:
James Island Christian School Advancement Office
15 Crosscreek Drive
Charleston, SC 29412

Make checks payable to James Island Christian School

CREDIT CARD OR BANK TRANSFER

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. You can also make a donation via your bank account online.

Choose a one-time or recurring donation option.

CLICK TO GIVE ONLINE

GIFTS IN KIND

The Building Up expansion project gratefully accepts donated and discounted construction services.

For a complete list of needed services contact Ginger Clay, Advancement Director at 843-795-1762 or by email gclay@jics.org.

LEGACY GIVING

Establish your legacy with James Island Christian School by including a planned gift in your estate plan. Create a charitable bequest to James Island Christian School that will make a difference in the lives of our students for years to come.

ENDOWMENT

Give the gift that keeps giving. JICS Endowment Fund supplies on-going need to our biggest and most important projects.

CLICK TO GIVE TO THE JICS ENDOWMENT

Giving QUESTIONS

What's the most popular way to give?

Most donors give online as a one-time or recurring gift. Giving is easy. Click the link below and choose your preferred giving method.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-make-a-difference-in-the-lives-of-future-generations

If I can only make a small gift, is it really worth it?

All gifts large and small matter!

We encouraged you to give in a range that is comfortable for your family, remembering that our gifts, when combined, add up to provide critical support for the School. Your support sends a powerful message that you believe in the mission and goals of JICS.

Does it matter when I make my gift? Can I give now or later?

A one-time or recurring gift made early in the school year is a great advantage to the School for budgeting purposes. Because of this, we ask donors to commit. Early donations allow us to build faster and reach out goals of opening sooner.

May I pay my gift in installments?

Rather than making your gift all at once, you can set up to pay your gift on a recurring or monthly cadence. To get started, click online donation:

Choose any amount that fits your budget.
You can start, change, or cancel your gift at any time.
You will receive a convenient annual giving receipt at the end of the year for tax purposes.

Contributions are solicited with the understanding that JICS has complete discretion and control over the use over all donated funds.