ANDERSON — The Anderson Preparatory Academy is making plans to accommodate the increase in students it will have in the fall when it adds ninth grade to its curriculum.

The military-style academy will add two portable classrooms to its school at 3205 W. 25th St. this year to house classes such as music and computer technology that are needed for high school Core 40 requirements. In the coming years, however, the school plans to expand out into the community.

School Commandant Robert Guillaume said school officials wanted to build or move into a new high school building as the school continues to add grade levels.

“We’re kind of in the works on that right now,” Guillaume said at Wednesday’s Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, where the use of the portable classrooms was approved. “We think it will be a tremendous asset to the city of Anderson.”

Anderson Preparatory Academy started with sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. In the fall, eight students will move into the ninth grade level, Guillaume said. Outside students are on a waiting list.

“We are fully subscribed now,” Guillaume said. “This building is probably at capacity.”

In other BZA business, the board approved a special exception for Bridge Community Church to build a facility in the former Mounds Cinema building in the Mounds Mall parking lot. The 600-800-member church plans to renovate the theater and build a new sanctuary on the donated land.

Church officials anticipate three to five years before all phases of construction are complete.

Contact Aleasha Sandley: 640-4805, aleasha.sandley @heraldbulletin.com.

In other business, the board:

• Approved a special exception for an addition to the East Side of Church of God that will provide the church with a new gym, kitchen, catering hall, lobby and gathering room.

• Approved a special exception for an amended development plan for the Independent Federal Credit Union under construction at 38th Street and Scatterfield Road. The new plan includes an addition to the west side of the building.