#United States #Building Hope #Fort Pierce #Independence Classical Academy #Sandy Howard

Independence Classical Academy Expands Its Horizons

The community surrounding Independence Classical Academy (ICA) recently gathered to celebrate a pivotal moment in the school’s history—a groundbreaking ceremony that marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion project. Located at 2902 S. Jenkins Road, this ceremony, attended by over 50 attendees, including students, faculty, administrators, and local leaders, ignited excitement about the future of the academy, particularly for its Grades 6-12 upper campus.

Founder and Executive Director Sandy Howard expressed optimism regarding the expansion, stating, "We truly outgrew our current campus in 2023, and through the support of our partners, we can finally expand and provide an exceptional, tuition-free classical education to a larger student body." The expansion is set to unfold in two distinct phases, with Phase I expected to be completed by June 2026, followed by Phase II slated for June 2028.

Currently, ICA serves around 550 students from Kindergarten through Grade 9, but upon the completion of the expansion, it aims to accommodate an enrollment of over 1,500 students across all grades, extending to Grade 12. The new facilities will not just expand physical space but will also significantly enhance educational offerings, including athletics, agricultural education, and academic teams. This expansion is particularly vital for integrating competitive entry programs like Agricultural Education, the Gifted and Talented Program, and unique teams like Fishing and Marksmanship.

The first phase will add approximately 61,000 square feet dedicated to athletic and agricultural programming. Key features will include a state-of-the-art gymnasium, a fully equipped kitchen, concessions areas, ample field space, and dedicated rooms for entrepreneurial and debate teams. These facilities aim to foster an environment of active learning and engagement.

Moving to the second phase, this will include provisions for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming, Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC), firefighter training programs, and performing arts. Flexible and multi-purpose spaces will also promote varied student activities and collaboration. This intentionality in design reflects a commitment to the school's mission of creating a well-rounded educational environment.

Michael Jacquin, President of Jacquin & Sons Construction, emphasized the significance of this expansion: "This upper school expansion transcends mere construction; it symbolizes a deeper dedication to academic excellence and community development. We aim to create spaces that foster learning and motivation for generations to come." The collaboration with Building Hope has been crucial, as they are renowned for their expertise in developing charter school facilities tailored to meet specific educational goals.

Paul Mussman, President of Mussman Architects, also highlighted the architectural vision for the expansion. He noted that each new space—be it the cafeteria or outdoor areas—is designed to reflect the academy's classical mission and enhance community partnership.

Since its establishment in 2020, ICA has focused on nurturing scholarship, citizenship, and moral virtue within a disciplined learning framework. This expansion not only increases physical capacity but also strengthens the school's commitment to character building and civic responsibility—core tenets of its educational philosophy. The school prides itself on a family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring personalized attention for every student.

Overall, the ICA expansion project is expected to redefine the educational landscape in the region. It represents a proactive measure to not just meet current demands but to anticipate future needs, cultivating a new generation of informed citizens, entrepreneurs, governmental leaders, and community figures.

As Jerry Zayets, Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development at Building Hope noted, "Today marks the beginning of a blueprint for educational transformation, one that will profoundly impact the landscape of our community in the years to come." This partnership reflects a shared vision for the future where education meets opportunity, and every student can thrive.

In conclusion, as independence Classical Academy embarks on this exciting new chapter, it reinforces its dedication to providing a robust educational foundation that champions excellence and fosters an engaged community—all of which is hinged on the successful execution of this expansive initiative.