Despite overcast skies and “June gloom” typical of early summer in Southern California, Principal Wayne Longhofer led more than 200 students, teachers and parents in a joyful parade on June 9, the last day of school. Classroom by classroom they moved chairs and desks from the old San Diego Academy building to a new complex that replaces it a few hundred yards to the east.

Professional movers would arrive later. The June ceremony let students participate in the long-anticipated excitement of claiming the new facility as their own. “We don’t have occupancy permits yet,” explained Longhofer, “but moving desks and chairs symbolizes what’s coming.”

The two-story school is unusual for California. Since the plot of land is small—just 3.8 acres—the structure had to be compact. The handsome cluster of gray masonry buildings is enhanced with various walls being painted yellow and rust.

High school classrooms and a science laboratory are located on the second floor. Elementary and kindergarten children will be on the main level, near administrative offices, a music room and a dining area. The library and resource center is accessible on both levels. A much-desired gymnasium completes the 50,000 square-foot complex.

Ten Years and More

Talk of rebuilding the academy began in the early 1990s with the president of Paradise Valley Hospital and the academy principal.

“The hospital wanted to expand and the school property was the ideal location. At the same time, the academy was fighting a constant battle to maintain its aging buildings, most of which were constructed in the post World War II period,” explained Charles McKinstry, former superintendent of education for the Southeastern California Conference and a key player in negotiations.

The idea became a concept and the basis for a sale. Through a series of complicated transactions, land parcels were exchanged and lot lines moved. The hospital agreed to purchase the academy’s 7.5 acres for what was a generous price in those days, $4 million. The school’s constituents voted approval in 1995, believing the school could be rebuilt for that amount.

Then trouble struck. The hospital experienced the first of several changes in top administration. The economic environment for the hospital deteriorated. The conference was skeptical that the architect’s plans for a 73,000 square-foot school could actually be built for $4 million. And the principal left for another position. The transaction languished.

When stability returned to both institutions, negotiations began again in 1999 with the Southeastern California Conference taking the initiative.

By then, unfortunately, both the cost of property and construction had skyrocketed. Bids for a 37,000 square-foot school, with no gymnasium, came to $5.5 million, or $7 million with it. After lengthy debate, the school, local churches and conference agreed that the gym should not wait.

The total cost is expected to top out at $8 million. Half was covered by the hospital’s $4 million purchase. The school used a half million of its reserves. The conference is contributing $1 million. The 15 constituent churches have pledged a half million, and a $2 million loan will be retired through fundraising and other contributions.

The class of 2014—approximately 25 kindergartners sporting yellow hard hats and miniature shovels—broke ground Feb. 8, 2002, letting the dirt fly. Construction began that August.

Volunteers Make a Difference

Volunteers have made an important contribution. “A team of six remained for the entire project along with Gary Rusk, superintendent,” explained Longhofer. “Carl Rusk, Gary’s brother and a volunteer, was responsible for the entire electrical installation.”

In addition, a crew from Maranatha, under the direction of Carl Crawford, put the interior framing in the administration building. Rusk also oversaw the work of subcontractors and paid employees. While using volunteers meant construction took 36 months, rather than 14, it saved half a million dollars.

“The architect maintains that the quality and workmanship is outstanding,” Longhofer stated. The grand opening is set for Sunday, Aug. 21, and school begins Aug. 24.