In less than two years, Blueprint Colorado has grown to a three-person team supporting eight school facility projects and more than 1,700 student seats across the state.

When Blueprint expanded into Colorado in late 2024, we brought more than two decades of experience helping public charter schools navigate the complex process of securing and developing high-quality facilities. We also brought a commitment to building strong local partnerships and developing solutions that reflect the unique needs of each school community.

Today, less than two years later, Blueprint Colorado is making meaningful progress. With eight school facility projects representing more than 1,700 student seats delivered or underway, our growing team is helping more Colorado schools access the facilities they need to thrive.

Meet Our Colorado Team

Leading Blueprint’s Colorado operations is Joy Griffin, Executive Director, who joined Blueprint to establish and grow our presence in the state. Joy brings local knowledge, relationships, and a commitment to helping charter school leaders overcome the facilities challenges that can stand in the way of their missions.

As demand for Blueprint’s services has grown, so has our team.

Kelly Wilcox, Senior Project Manager, works alongside school leaders and development partners to guide facility projects from planning through implementation, helping schools navigate the many decisions involved in creating successful learning environments.

Our newest team member, Bryce Heitsmith, Project Manager, joined Blueprint in September 2026, further expanding our capacity to support schools and manage a growing portfolio of projects across Colorado.

Together, Joy, Kelly, and Bryce bring the expertise, collaborative approach, and determination needed to help schools turn their facilities visions into reality.

Building Momentum Across Colorado

Blueprint’s growing Colorado portfolio reflects the diversity of school communities and facilities needs across the state.

In Aurora, we recently celebrated the completion of a 31,000-square-foot expansion at Lotus School for Excellence, creating space for more than 400 additional PK–3 students. The new building includes classrooms, a makerspace, multipurpose space, and student support areas.

In Colorado Springs, we partnered with Colorado International Language Academy (CILA) to transform an existing office building into a 37,000-square-foot K–8 learning environment.

At Academy of Arts & Knowledge in Fort Collins, we’re supporting phased campus improvements that expand instructional and multipurpose space. And in Fairplay, we worked with High Rockies Community School and the Mountain Area Land Trust to transform a barn at Sacramento Creek Ranch into a Community Education Center that will provide an indoor home base for students.

Our work also extends to schools such as 5280 Recovery High School in Denver and Wildflower Montessori microschool communities, demonstrating the range of creative facilities solutions needed to support Colorado’s diverse public charter school landscape.

Each project is different, but our approach remains consistent: listen to school leaders, develop solutions tailored to their needs, and work collaboratively to deliver spaces that support students and educators.

Investing in Colorado’s Future

Building a strong local team is central to Blueprint’s long-term commitment to Colorado.

With dedicated staff on the ground, we can deepen relationships with school leaders, funders, and community partners while providing the hands-on support that complex real estate development projects require.

We’re grateful to the philanthropic partners and supporters who have helped establish and grow Blueprint’s presence in Colorado. Their investment, alongside the commitment of our school and development partners, is helping create lasting opportunities for students across the state.

As Blueprint Colorado continues to grow, we’re excited to build on this momentum, expand our partnerships, and help more schools find a place to call home.

“It’s been exciting to see how quickly our work in Colorado has grown. Having Kelly and Bryce on the team strengthens our ability to partner closely with schools, respond to their unique facilities needs, and help create learning environments where students can thrive.” – Joy Griffin, Executive Director, Colorado

Learn more about Blueprint’s work in Colorado and explore our school facility projects at blueprintfutures.org/colorado.