Washington Charter School Development

Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

As a full-service real estate development firm, we manage all aspects of a facilities project – including site search, design, construction, and financing. We leverage our expertise at each step of the facilities development lifecycle to bring to life the facilities vision of our charter school partners.

Additionally, we have raised a pool of philanthropic equity, which allows us to invest low-cost capital to help qualified charter schools sustain funding while their schools grow and stabilize.

Our Services

Strategic Planning

We advise on how to align short and long-term facilities needs with growth plans, financial affordability, and sources of capital and financing. Our recommendations take into account the unique mission, vision, and values of the charter partner we are advising.

Site Search & Selection

At the start of the project, we work side-by-side with our charter school partners to understand their vision for the project and any budgetary or programmatic constraints. Based on these initial explorations, we make recommendations to align short and long-term facilities needs with plans for growth and sustainability.

Our team will provide:

  • An assessment of space needs and evaluation of temporary and permanent facility options
  • A market feasibility analysis that examines the relevant factors that may impact the project’s completion
  • A preliminary budget, schedule, and affordability analysis
  • A recommended financing structure to support long-term objectives

Pre-Development & Design

In the pre-development stage, we work as project managers, strategic advisors, and problem solvers to help our charter school partners design a facility that prioritizes students’ learning and affordability. We leverage our years of experience and best practices to guide stakeholders and the project team to ensure the project’s plan is achievable, affordable and supports their priorities.

Our team will provide:

  • Leadership or assistance with site acquisition negotiations
  • Development and management of project teams to keep the project on track and on budget
  • Leadership of the entitlements process, from start to finish
  • Coordination with the architect to design to meet project needs and budget
  • Management of the environmental and city review processes
  • Management of the project budget and schedule

Financing, Construction & Occupancy

During the finance and construction phase, we maintain unwavering attention to detail and proactively identify potential obstacles as we work towards our partners’ long-term facility goals. Expert WCSD staff provide leadership, counsel, and guidance throughout the construction phase to ensure the project stays on schedule and on budget.

Our team will provide:

  • Coordination with the lender through loan closing-including lender due diligence packages
  • Management of the general contractor, including change order approvals invoicing, and payment processes
  • Coordination with inspections, and securing certificate of occupancy
  • Acquisition of a warranty
  • Project management of the budget and schedule
  • Training to school on systems

WCSD Investments

We leverage philanthropic support with community-based lending to create affordable, high-quality facilities for our charter school partners.

With WCSD investments in eligible projects, we are able to lower the cost of total debt required to keep the monthly payments affordable for our partners. Over our history, we have raised over $60M in grants to support development of school facilities for our partners.

See Our Projects

Our Services

WCSD offers strategic facilities planning, project management, and turnkey development services to help our charter school partners navigate the complex school facilities development process.