Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center

Learning Reimagined with HGTV’s “Home Town” and KI

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Amanda Cooley, Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center is a tuition-free K-12 school that began as a way to support kids in her after-school program who were falling behind. The school now serves over 100 students and has quickly outgrown its original space.

A Space to Dream, Learn, and Grow

The school needed a larger facility. The HGTV series “Home Town,” hosted by Ben and Erin Napier, undertook the ambitious project of transforming a historic Victorian home into a functional and inspiring school building.

It was Cooley who insisted the school be in a house, “I want [the kids] to feel comfortable, not like they’re in a school setting,” she said, in an interview with HGTV.

According to the HGTV team, the Glory House was built in 1917, has four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and boasts 4,800 square feet, a significant increase in size over the school’s existing facility.

KI contributed to this transformation by donating versatile furniture solutions that seamlessly blended with the school’s unique character and met its evolving needs.

Historic Charm Meets Modern Learning

Converting a Victorian-era residence into a modern educational facility presented several challenges. The original design featured multiple small rooms – not ideal for classroom settings.

The goal was to preserve the home’s historical charm while creating functional, flexible learning environments suitable for a diverse student body. The newly renovated space includes five classrooms, a library, principal’s office, cafeteria, and an outdoor playground.

The opportunity to collaborate with HGTV arose when one of the “Home Town” designers reached out to her former design professor about recommendations for K-12 furniture.

“You only want the best, and that’s KI,” Al Lawson, associate professor of interior design at the University of Southern Mississippi, told her.

KI collaborated closely with the HGTV “Home Town” design team to select and provide furniture that addressed the school’s specific needs, including spacesaving versatility, enhanced engagement, and superior comfort.

“We were honored to play a part in creating a new home for Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center alongside the HGTV “Home Town” team,” said Bryan Ballegeer, vice president of education markets at KI.

Classrooms in the school were outfitted with Ruckus desks, chairs, stools, and lecterns which promote collaboration and engagement, allowing students to interact seamlessly with both peers and educators.

Ruckus desks double as dry-erase boards, and the chairs provide fun and flexible seating options so every student can feel comfortable.

The cafeteria in the school features Tributaire nesting tables and Doni seating with elegant design finishes that match the makeover completed by the HGTV “Home Town” team. Tributaire paired with Doni offers elegant design and practical functionality, accommodating various activities beyond just dining. Here, the school can host events, meetings or group activities and really maximize the versatility of the space.

The careful selection of furniture complemented the home’s architectural features, maintaining its historical charm while meeting contemporary educational needs.

The collaboration among Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center, the HGTV “Home Town” team, and KI exemplifies the successful fusion of historical preservation and modern functionality. By providing flexible and innovative furniture solutions, KI contributed to creating an educational environment that inspires and supports the growth of young minds in Laurel.

To watch the episode, check out HGTV’s Home Town television listings or stream it on Max and Discovery+.

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