Fort Bend Christian Academy proposes expansion at Sugar Land campus for middle school students

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Sugar Land convened on July 24, 2025, to discuss the proposed expansion of Fort Bend Christian Academy, an existing school located on Lakeview Drive. This public hearing was primarily focused on the school's plans to add an 11,000 square foot annex, which will include eight classrooms and two administrative offices, aimed at accommodating seventh and eighth-grade students.

The expansion is designed to enhance student life by separating younger middle school students from older peers, thereby creating a more suitable learning environment. Currently, the school's second floor is congested with students from fifth to eighth grades. The new annex will also improve operational efficiency by providing dedicated classrooms for teachers, who currently do not have home bases.

Traffic concerns were a significant topic during the meeting. The city staff reviewed a traffic impact analysis and recommended conditions to mitigate potential negative impacts from increased traffic flow due to the expansion. These conditions include adherence to a detailed circulation plan, maintaining specific drop-off and pick-up times, and continuing to employ off-duty police officers for traffic enforcement during peak hours. The proposed maximum enrollment for the lower and middle school will be capped at 570 students, a slight increase from the current target of 530.

The school’s board emphasized that the expansion does not aim for significant growth but rather focuses on improving the educational environment and managing traffic more effectively. The board's strategic goal is to maintain a student population that fosters a strong school culture, with a total campus enrollment target between 850 and 975 students.

The commission plans to hold further discussions and is expected to take action on the proposal at their next meeting on August 12. The outcome of this expansion could have lasting implications for the school community and surrounding neighborhoods, particularly regarding traffic management and educational quality.