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Expanding the Orchard

"We are thankful for this beautiful building and the additional space it will afford our second grade students. We are looking forward to creating an inviting and welcoming learning environment in which students learn, develop lasting friendships, and grow in their young faith." 
- Joy Ludwig, Head of Lower School

Delaware County Christian School is excited to announce that a second floor will be added to The Orchard, Summer 2023. The Orchard building at the DC Lower Campus has housed four first grade classes since it opened in the Fall of 2021, and students and faculty alike have loved the bright and sunny spacious classrooms. With prolific growth in the Lower School, bolstered by DC's flourishing ECC program, this second floor will provide much-needed additional classrooms. The Orchard will become a primary education wing, a special hub for our first and second grades. Faculty and students are especially looking forward to the interactive play spaces and the additional outdoor learning classroom that will extend learning beyond interior spaces.

What does the Orchard Expansion include?
Construction during the 2023 summer months will include adding the second floor which will house four additional classrooms, bathrooms, and will also address accessibility requirements by installing a lift to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Once the second floor addition is completed, the exterior finish can be added. This exterior work includes siding, entry ramp, and additional egress stairs. These finishes, in addition to landscaping, have been chosen to complement the existing school buildings and enhance outdoor learning areas.

Will the Lower Campus have a cafeteria space?  
The DC Administration is regularly reevaluating campus plans and strategies. After multiple discussions with the lower campus leadership, it was decided to leave the Orchard as a Primary Center to house 1st and 2nd grades. Future plans for renovating the Lower Campus Gym for use as a multi-purpose space will be shared in the near future.

This year, seasonal outdoor lunch space was added to our back fields with the addition of picnic tables. Future plans include a pavilion to extend its season of use. 

How will the summer construction affect DC Summer Programs? 
Our facilities team has worked hand in hand with our Summer Programs staff to ensure construction on The Orchard does not interfere with Summer Programs. During the initial Orchard construction in 2021, our safety protocols were effective and Summer Programs continued with minimal interruption. No Summer Program activities will be in close proximity to the construction area. 
 

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