GAINES TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Rapids South Christian High School students returned to class Monday in a brand new school building.

The school is the sparkling new centerpiece to the South Christian campus on Kalamazoo Avenue between 76th and 84th Street SE in Gaines Township.

The building has been under construction for months. At 177,000 square feet, it cost $43 million, money the school says will return big educational dividends.

The new school features 56 unique learning spaces with flexible classrooms and community spaces meant to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning.

“This building has significantly more community space…” Head of School Jim Peterson told 24 Hour News 8. “A space where kids can meet and get to know each other, and spaces that are intentional about bringing people together and helping them know who they are, which we also think leads to helping them know who God made them to be.”

The old school on 68th Avenue near U.S. 131 is being sold commercially. If you want to get a look inside, an open house is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday.