Zwevegem (24brussels) – On Monday, September 1, 2025, three classes from De Klim-Op (165 students) transitioned to the newly constructed Kappaert campus in Zwevegem, Belgium. This initiative, led by Principal Lieve Duck and Mayor Isabelle Degezelle, is part of a €12.3 million project destined to accommodate over 1,100 students.
According to VRT News, this marks the initial phase of relocating the special education primary school into a modern facility tailored for its students. “It’s quite special,” expressed Principal Lieve Duck, who emphasized the school’s involvement in the design process.
When will Zwevegem’s Kappaert campus fully open for students and activities?
While the main building is complete, ongoing work surrounds the facility. Principal Duck stated that the entire student body is set to move in by September 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of the new academic year. This phased approach allows staff adequate time to complete outdoor areas and finalize all necessary amenities.
Mayor Isabelle Degezelle (CD&V) took pride in the project’s progress, revealing that this year, the music and spoken word department of the Art Academy would also relocate to the new campus, with the remaining academy sections anticipated to follow in 2029. Furthermore, the municipality plans to transfer its holiday programs to the campus in 2027, which typically engage 250-300 children during school breaks and 75 for weekly childcare activities. The campus aims to serve as a hub for both educational and recreational pursuits.
“The classroom building, consisting of three floors, comprises 23 classrooms, six therapy rooms, and a large multipurpose refectory,” outlined Mayor Degezelle. Once operational, the campus will accommodate more than 1,100 students—165 from the Klim-Op special education school, alongside roughly 900 from the Art Academy.
The Kappaert educational project commenced planning in 2018 when the municipality approved the concept of a centralized location for educational and cultural activities. By 2019, architects were selected, and discussions with school staff and the Art Academy unfolded to ensure the design would meet diverse student needs, including those with special educational requirements.
Construction officially started in 2022, realizing a total budget of approximately €12.3 million. The 2025 opening of this inaugural phase welcomes the KLIM-OP special education school and the aforementioned department of the Art Academy into the newly established building.
