Holy Trinity Lutheran School plans expansion
Big changes could be on the horizon for the only private school in the city of New Hope. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church has an infant through preschool program and a kindergarten through 8th grade school. Currently there are about 63 students at the school. Administrators are trying to double enrollment, but in order to do that, they will need to make space for additional students.
“We’re over capacity in our elementary school, “said Principal Ryan Rush. “The 7th-8th grade room is probably the third of a classroom. So, we have 10 kids in there and that’s all we’re able to have.”
There is no gym at the building. Currently, students use a large room as an indoor play area. the school doesn’t have a cafeteria, so students eat at their desks.
“We’re very full,” chimed Rush.
However, if things go as planned, next year, the school will have ample space, thanks to a $1.7 million dollar building expansion.
“I’m really excited this school expansion,” said Pastor Dennis Klatt.
Holy Trinity Lutheran is adding a second-floor addition, which also includes more classrooms, a large room for students to play ball and other games. Plus, they are upgrading the childcare center.
“There is a need in our community for this. This past year, we turned away 300 phone calls for our childcare center,” explained Klatt. “It’s something that we’re looking forward to reaching our community of New Hope in a way that allows people an option for a Christian private school in the city of New Hope.”
The New Hope Planning Commission approved the plans at a recent meeting. Meanwhile, the city council will weigh in on the plans during the October 22nd meeting.
If all goes well, crews will break ground next spring.
