Success Tips for Charter School Operators: A Solid Real Estate Development Team

Whether you are an experienced charter school operator refining your approach or an enterprising newcomer ready to break ground in the charter school education sector, there is always more to discover and master to advance your institution and widen your impact. This series is crafted to deliver crucial insights and practical advice to drive your charter school projects and overall mission forward.

At the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations, which includes Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, Ventures Lending Technologies, and Momentus Securities, we are dedicated to expanding capital and opportunities for underestimated communities, including those innovating in charter school education.

Charter schools stand at the forefront of educational innovation, offering tailored learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of students. However, the journey from conceptualization to realization is complex, necessitating a deep understanding of community needs, financial intricacies, and the importance of a solid real estate development team. Inspired by the guidance provided in the report created by Capital Impact Partners, ‘The Answer Key: How to Plan, Develop, and Finance Your Charter School Facility’, this blog series distills critical insights and strategic advice, tailored to the unique challenges faced by charter school operators​​:

• A Thorough Concept: Discover the importance of crafting a comprehensive and compelling concept that aligns with community needs and educational goals.
• Meeting Lender’s Expectations: Navigate the financial landscape with confidence, learning what lenders seek in charter school projects and how to effectively present your vision.
• Assembling a Solid Real Estate Development Team: Understand the crucial role of assembling a skilled team to turn your educational vision into reality, from architects to legal advisors.

Closing out this series, we explore the crucial aspect of assembling a solid real estate development team for your charter school. A well-rounded team is necessary to navigate the multifaceted journey of opening a charter school​​.

The Core of Your Real Estate Development Team

A successful charter school project relies on the collective expertise of several key professionals and essential roles:

• Project Manager: Often the linchpin of the development process, a skilled project manager oversees the project from conception through completion, ensuring milestones are met and the project stays within budget. Their experience in charter school projects can provide invaluable foresight and problem-solving capabilities.
• Architect: The architect’s role is to translate your educational vision into a practical, regulatory-compliant design. Their expertise is crucial in creating spaces that are not only conducive to learning, but also inspire students and staff alike.
• Legal Counsel: Given the complex regulatory environment surrounding charter schools, having knowledgeable legal counsel is non-negotiable. They navigate zoning laws, compliance issues, and other legal aspects to prevent unforeseen challenges.
• General Contractor: Responsible for bringing the architectural vision to reality, the right contractor will manage the construction phase, ensuring quality, timeliness, and fiscal responsibility.

Selecting Your Team

Selecting the right professionals is about more than verifying credentials and experience. The Answer Key suggests that all team members should have/foster:

• Shared Vision: Team members should share your commitment to the school’s mission, understanding the broader impact of the project on the community;
• Experience in Charter Schools: Professionals with specific experience in charter school projects bring a nuanced understanding of unique challenges and opportunities;
• Community Engagement: Team members who value community input can contribute to a design and development process that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community your school will serve.

Fostering Collaboration

Collaboration among your team members can significantly influence the success of your project. Open communication and mutual respect among team members ensures that each professional’s expertise is effectively integrated into the project. Regular meetings and clear, shared goals help maintain alignment and momentum.

Building a solid real estate development team is fundamental to transforming your charter school vision into reality. By carefully selecting a team that not only possesses the requisite professional skills but also aligns with your educational mission and values community input, you set the stage for a successful charter school development. “The Answer Key” provides a framework for understanding the roles and relationships that will support your project from the ground up. 

Review “The Answer Key” in its entirety and use it as a resource as you plan and work through your charter school development. If you decide that you need financing, you can reach out to our Lending team to discuss your options; our Construction team is another resource to support you as your development progresses.

At Capital Impact Partners, we specialize in offering flexible and affordable financing to a broad spectrum of community development projects that yield significant social impact. We extend our support to educational projects that elevate communities and promote sustainable growth. Additionally, we provide extensive support and resources tailored to the unique needs of charter schools, helping to ensure equitable access to quality charter school education for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity.