INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Charter School Capital, the nation’s leading provider of growth capital and facilities financing to charter schools, announced today that its facilities arm, American Education Properties (AEP), has invested $300,000 to a 5.87-acre land purchase and initiated construction for Carpe Diem – Shadeland’s new home, a 25,000-square-foot charter school facility. Carpe Diem Learning Systems, LLC, currently operates two schools in Ohio and Indiana and plans to open four new schools, including Shadeland, in Fall 2015.
This will be the first time AEP funds will be used for ground-up construction of new facilities. Development of the $3.8 million facility is already underway with a projected completion date of August 2015. Bouma USA is the project designer and builder. The firm possesses some of the nation’s most in-depth experience in charter school facility development, with their team having constructed more than 200 schools during the past 20 years.
“We have big plans for this school," said Dr. Robert Sommers, CEO of Carpe Diem Learning Systems. "Starting this fall, we anticipate beginning with 220 students in grades 6-10, each with a personalized education plan with a focus on college and career opportunities, and eventually growing to serve 300 students in grades 6-12. We strive to educate with knowledge, empower with character and equip for life and that’s exactly what we will do for students at our Shadeland campus. It’s really incredible to see a vacant lot turn into a place where students can shine and make the most of each day's educational opportunities.”
Charter schools nationwide have experienced increasing demand year after year. Today, more than 1 million students find themselves on waiting lists for their local charter schools. To meet this demand, charter schools require facilities that address the unique growth needs of each school and community. That’s why Charter School Capital provides customizable facilities financing options that offer real, concrete solutions for schools without cumbersome restrictions. Charter leaders retain control of their buildings and are afforded the flexibility to make the modifications necessary to expand their enrollment and academic programs.
“We are dedicated to providing long-term solutions to charter schools and the communities they serve, whatever their needs may be. This is our first investment into a new construction project, and we’re excited to see it succeed,” explained Stuart Ellis, CEO of Charter School Capital and AEP. “Beyond the initial $500 million AEP investment for charter facilities, Charter School Capital has committed more growth capital than any other organization in the country to support the charter school movement.”
About Charter School Capital:
Launched in 2006, Charter School Capital delivers access to growth capital and facilities financing to charter schools nationwide, opening the funding options charter schools historically have not had. Charter School Capital has provided in excess of $800 million in funding to 450- plus charter schools providing high-quality education to 450,000 students across the United States. For more information, visit http://charterschoolcapital.org or email GrowCharters@charterschoolcapital.org.
