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By Cole Trahan

Since its start in 2018, Lafayette Christian School’s Collaborative School has grown to more than three times its original size.

To accommodate its growth, the collaborative school will move across the street from the main campus to a new campus in August, according to a press release from LCS.

Its new location at 1921 Hamilton Rd will be in a building that used to house Oakside Baptist Church’s own Christian school, which closed in 2004. Oakside Baptist Church will let Lafayette Collaborative School use the campus free of charge.

“I believe strongly in a Biblical foundation, which teaches core curriculum and Judeo-Christian values,” said Oakside Baptist Church Pastor Tim Tidwell in the press release. “It is such an amazing work of God that Christian education is coming right back to the campus on which it began in Troup County 50 years ago! We are blessed to partner with Lafayette Christian.”

John Cipolla, superintendent of Lafayette Christian School, estimated that the Lafayette Collaborative School has 60 students, whereas Lafayette Christian School has 500 students. By moving across the street, he said that the Collaborative School will free up three classrooms for the main campus.

“And it’s going to give them six classrooms on the new campus,” he added, “So we’re gaining six classrooms total.”

Cipolla said that many people are drawn to the Collaborative School model because it allows students to enjoy the benefits of traditional schooling and homeschooling.

“It achieves goals that many times are mutually exclusive,” Cipolla said.

Collaborative School students attend class on campus three days a week. On the other two days of the week, Monday and Friday, the students’ parents teach them at home with lesson plans and activities provided by the teachers.

Cipolla explained that on in-person days, students get to learn with certified teachers in physical classrooms, interact with peers, and take extension classes such as music, art, music and physical education.

“But they’re also getting to have a close family relationship that builds… it strengthens their families,” said Cipolla, referring to homeschooling days. “It draws them closer together rather than apart. So, they’re getting the best of both worlds.”

“We’re just excited to be able to serve the community with all our various programs,” Cipolla said. “And that’s been our heart — not only to be serving traditional students and strong academic students but also to be able to help other families in the community. Those that want more of a homeschooling environment, those that have children with special needs, those that need care … good, quality activities for their kids in the summer. And that’s been our heart, to be able to serve this area.”

Everyone is invited to the open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony that will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m. at 1921 Hamilton Road. Refreshments will be provided.