West Fallowfield Christian School (WFCS) is amidst a "Growing Together Capital Campaign" that is aimed at raising money for a renovation and expansion project at the school.

Located at 795 Fallowfield Road in Atglen, adjacent to Octorara Area School District's primary campus, renovations are already underway. The school projects that a total of $850,000 is needed for the project; $500,000 has been raised to date.

Originally a two-room schoolhouse, WFCS has greatly expanded over the past eight decades. The school originally served grades one through eight, now serves preschool through 11th grade, and plans to offer a full high school with the completion of the expansion project, which is hoped to be completed by the start of the upcoming school year.

"Our student body has steadily increased," said WFCS principal Heather Furlong. "We saw a little pause with COVID ... five years ago we had 110 students. Now, we're over 180."

The renovations will take place on the second floor of the school's additional building, which was constructed in 2006. The new project will include five new classrooms, a facilitator planning space, testing rooms and a mezzanine that is intended to serve as an event and collaboration learning space.

Completed items on the new project include the installation of a staircase, electric work and some plumbing. Steel framing is also in place, outlining the future classrooms.

"It'll really hit the ground running for the physical build once the school year is complete," Furlong said. "We're doing a big push right now for the finances to finish."

Aside from the capital campaign, the school is set to host its annual chicken barbecue fundraiser on Wednesday, June 17, from noon to 6 p.m. Along with the chicken, purchase of a meal includes applesauce, chips, macaroni salad, a drink and a dessert.

There will be a drive-through on campus to pick up the meal; a picnic area will also be set up for those who want to stay and eat the meal together. Delivery is also available for businesses that order at least 10 meals; the deadline to order delivery is Friday, June 5.

Proceeds will not go toward the new building project but will instead be used for the school's general operating budget to cover expenses such as utilities, payroll, and curriculum costs. This year's barbecue will be the 59th in the school's history.

WFCS, founded in 1941, serves students from the Avon Grove, Coatesville, Octorara, Oxford, Pequea Valley, Solanco and Unionville-Chadds Ford area school districts. Busing is provided, and financial aid is available.

For more information and updates about the expansion and chicken barbecue, visit http://www.facebook.com/westfallowfieldchristianschool or call the school office at 610-593-5011. Those interested may also visit http://www.wfcs.org.