BUILDING HOPE PROVIDES FINANCIAL ADVISORY SERVICES, HELPS BABCOCK NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL SECURE FUNDING FOR EXPANSION PROJECT

CHARTER SCHOOL IN PUNTA GORDA, FLA., TO ADD FACILITIES, CREATE INTEGRATED CAMPUS TO SERVE 1,043 STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12

WASHINGTON, DC – Building Hope, a non-profit foundation dedicated to creating high-quality K-12 charter school opportunities for students through its expertise in real estate, finance and operational services, announced its partner school – Babcock Neighborhood School in Punta Gorda, Fla. – secured funding for its expansion project that will add facilities and create an integrated campus serving 1,043 students in grades K-12. Building Hope served as a financial advisor in connection with the transaction.

Babcock Neighborhood School offers students in southeast Charlotte County a place-based, environmentally focused “greenSTEAM” education program that integrates science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics within a holistic learning environment. Last year, Babcock served 490 students in grades K-9. Babcock will continue to add high school grades and ultimately serve 1,043 K-12 students. The recently secured funds will be used to finance the acquisition of land and construction of additional education facilities.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity for our students to have the full experience of our greenSTEAM education,” said Babcock Neighborhood School Principal Shannon Treece.“I can’t imagine going through this process without Building Hope by our side. They helped to ensure that we secured the best possible deal, so we can be confident that we are operating on solid financial ground.”

Babcock High School will be located immediately south of the existing K-8 site and will consist of approximately 43,000 square feet of facilities on nearly 1.65 acres of land. The building, which is expected to be completed next summer, will include 26 classrooms, science labs, assemble areas, administrative offices and a media room.

“Growing a successful school like Babcock benefits an entire community, and lenders are eager to support quality charter schools,” said President of Building Hope Services Richard Moreno. “We help the schools find the financing mix that is the most affordable, so they can put more dollars towards education.”

Building Hope also helped Babcock Neighborhood School secure financing for its original building in 2018.

Building Hope helps charter schools identify, finance and build facilities customized to schools’ needs. The organization also provides support services that allow school administrators to keep their focus on educating students. For more information about how Building Hope helps charter schools nationwide with facilities, financing, and operational services, visit www.buildinghope.org.