



INDEPENDENCE CLASSICAL ACADEMY COMMUNITY TURNS THE DIRT DURING UPPER CAMPUS EXPANSION GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
Independence Classical Academy (ICA) community members and Building Hope executives gathered at 2902 S. Jenkins Road last week to “turn the dirt” during a groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s Grades 6-12 upper campus expansion. More than 50 students, faculty, administrators, development partners, and local leaders joined Founder and Executive Director Sandy Howard outside on the new grounds. The upper campus expansion, delivered in two phases in June 2026 and 2028, will support ICA’s growth from today’s 550 students in Kindergarten through Grade 9 to an enrollment of more than 1,500 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 at full capacity. ICA will offer athletics, academic teams, agricultural and outdoor education, in addition to its hallmarks of academic rigor, leveled classes, and exceptional student education. The added space will allow the school much-needed capacity to meet the growing demands of competitive entry programs including Agricultural Education, Gifted & Talented Program, and the Fishing and Marksmanship teams. The expansion includes two phases and adds 61,000 square feet of space: Phase I will support ICA’s agricultural and athletic programming and include a gymnasium, full kitchen, concessions areas, field space, and marketing and entrepreneurial programming and debate team spaces. Completion is expected in June 2026. Phase II will support CTE programming such as Marine Corps JROTC and firefighter I programs, and performing arts programming, and include flexible, multi-purpose spaces for student use. Phase II completion is expected in June 2028. “We truly outgrew our current campus in 2023, and thanks to Building Hope’s support for the charter school mission in Florida and Paul Jacquin & Sons Construction’s dedication to seeing this project through to fruition for our community, we are finally able to expand and offer an amazing, tuition-free, classical education to many more students here in our area,” stated Executive Director Sandy Howard. “We continue to set a new standard of excellence in education by not only challenging students with our rigorous curriculum but also providing a virtuous environment in which to teach and learn. The virtues matter, and our campus of engagement, rigor, character, and patriotism truly sets us apart. ICA is an academy where there are many opportunities to seek the true, the good, and the beautiful. This expansion merely changes the number of families we can serve and allows us to meet more needs of our students.” “As we plan this project, we seek both to honor ICA’s heritage and original campus and to provide a new look that reflects its broader presence,” said Paul Mussman, President, Mussman Architects. “Each new space—from the gymnasium to the kitchen and cafeteria, outdoor spaces, and JROTC rooms—is designed to support ICA’s classical school mission and passion for community partnership.” The school was founded in 2020 with a mission to provide a disciplined and highly engaging learning environment rich in scholarship, character building, citizenship, moral virtue, civics, and liberal arts. ICA offers a family-friendly atmosphere, and its individual attention to students in a small learning environment is a hallmark. The school’s classical liberal arts education ensures students are highly prepared through rigorous and relevant core content that emphasizes literacy, to be highly productive and successful citizens with a strong sense of character and civic responsibility. “We’re honored to break ground on the next chapter of Independence Classical Academy’s growth,” said Michael Jacquin, President at Jacquin & Sons Construction. “This upper school expansion is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a commitment to classical education, to academic excellence, and to the future leaders of our community. As construction manager, Jacquin & Sons is proud to bring our expertise and craftsmanship to a project that will serve generations of students with purpose and pride.” “The additional programming that this new campus will position ICA and the families it serves for further growth and success,” said Building Hope Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development Jerry Zayets. “While today we see a blueprint for a new campus and community resource, tomorrow we will feel the impact of an ICA education that produces entrepreneurs in business, statesmen in government, and leaders in the community for years to come.”
ICA Expansion
Victor Hugo famously said "he who opens a school door closes a prison." With that in mind, Independence Classical Academy is proud to announce major plans for expansion!
Are you ready to be a part of a school that knows your name, understands your potential, and is dedicated to your success? Independence Classical Academy is thrilled to announce the expansion of our Upper School campus, bringing incredible new opportunities for our students!
Phase 1 Opening Fall 2026:
**28 state-of-the-art classrooms and labs for an exceptional learning experience
**Secured double entry with a vestibule, office, and administrative suite
**7,000 sq ft Gymnasium with retractable seating, concession, trophy displays, and locker rooms
**1400 sq ft Flexspace for board meetings, student lectures, conferences, and academic events
**Covered outdoor eating area with access to the gym, kitchen, and athletic fields
**Athletics field for team sports and physical education
**Advanced computer lab for EOC/SAT/ACT/CLT/PERT prep and on-site tutoring
**Modern teacher lounge and resource rooms
Phase 2 Opening Fall 2028:
**20 additional classrooms/labs for a wide range of subjects
**Flexible spaces for fine arts and electives
**Marine Corps JROTC training & classroom, including a rifle and pistol range
**Exterior learning lab spaces for outdoor education
**Student lounge and flexible learning hubs
**Student parking
In 2026, between Phases I and II, we will enhance our lower campus with:
- New cafeteria serving lines
- Built-in classroom storage to increase usable space
- Freshly painted vestibules and classrooms
- Revamped landscaping
We have been busy at work this summer as well!
This summer’s upgrades include:
- 12 modular classrooms for grades 6-9, almost TWICE the size of our current classrooms, with updated seating to foster Socratic discussions and create a collegiate atmosphere
- Significant HVAC repairs and installs
- Newly painted classrooms
- A state-of-the-art PA and bell system throughout the campus
At Independence Classical Academy, we offer a personalized education that you won't find in larger schools. We know each student individually, creating a nurturing environment free from the common issues seen elsewhere. When it comes to extracurriculars, imagine saying on your college application, "I started and led a successful ______ Club!" We empower our students to take initiative and create new opportunities. The sky's the limit!
Join us and be part of a community that values excellence and leadership. We are setting a new standard in education right here in Fort Pierce. Enroll today and be part of something extraordinary!
ICA is excited about our growth plans and believes that the expansion will provide a unique and high-quality education to more students in the Fort Pierce area, as our current campus is at maximum capacity with a growing waitlist. Our commitment to classical education and our focus on developing well-rounded and successful students is unwavering and has contributed to our success and popularity in the community.
These expansion plans come at a time when the demand for classical education is on the rise. Parents are looking for alternative education options that emphasize critical thinking, reasoning, and communication skills. Independence Classical Academy is well-positioned to meet this demand and provide a high-quality education to K-12 students in the Fort Pierce area.
Independence Classical Academy: The Best Choice for Education on the Treasure Coast.



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