PCSD

On March 8, 2025, Golden Charter Academy (GCA) celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of its new state-of-the-art facility in Fresno, California. Located across from Roeding Park and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, this facility project is set to redefine education in the area.

The new campus is designed to exceed Title 24 standards, emphasizing GCA’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The project includes approximately 27,000 square feet of interior educational space across 22 classrooms, with an additional 13,000 square feet of roof overhang area. Situated on a 2.31-acre site, the school’s new home has been carefully planned and developed to provide students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences, aligning with GCA’s mission to inspire powerful young minds. As an innovative TK-8 Environmental Stewardship Zoo Charter School, GCA will serve 518 students with a hands-on, nature-based curriculum.

Robert Golden, CEO of GCA and former NFL player, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting its significance for both the academy and the Fresno community. The groundbreaking ceremony was well-attended, marking a monumental day for all involved.

GCA was founded in August 2021 with the goal of breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty and undereducation for students in Fresno County. Currently operating grades TK-6 with 410 students at a temporary leased site, GCA will transition to its new campus upon its expected completion in Summer 2026. The school intends to expand to serve over 500 students in grades TK-8 by 2027. GCA serves a diverse student population, with 95% of students identified as socioeconomically disadvantaged and 61% identifying as African American.

A defining element of GCA’s approach is its unique partnership with the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, where students engage in place-based environmental education. The Zoo serves as an extension of the classroom, offering daily access to over 200 different species and exhibits aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Through this partnership, students develop environmental literacy and a deep understanding of global conservation efforts.

Blueprint is working closely with GCA to ensure that their facility needs are met with high-quality, sustainable solutions. Blueprint is proud to serve as both the project manager and a financing partner for this transformative school, working alongside Self-Help Credit Union, ExED, BlueHub Capital and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. The financing for facility includes $24.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits financing. By leveraging these resources, Blueprint has helped ensure that GCA can develop a top-tier facility while maintaining financial sustainability. This approach allows GCA to invest in educational resources and programming, rather than being burdened by excessive facility costs.

As construction progresses, GCA continues to focus on fostering a culture of excellence and preparing students for a bright future. With Blueprint’s expertise guiding the facility development, this new campus will serve as a transformative space for generations to come.

Photo credit: Golden Charter Academy

Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) has a proven track record of securing and leveraging state funding to create and improve educational facilities. Proposition 2 was passed by California voters in November 2024.  This half grant, half low interest program has a set aside for up to $600 million in charter school facility funding.  Our experience, particularly with past bond measures like Proposition 51, has positioned us as a leader in navigating the complexities of school facility funding for new construction or renovations. We’re now gearing up for the next opportunity: the Proposition 2 School Facilities Program.

In the past, PCSD spearheaded an unprecedented effort, bringing over $200 million in Proposition 51 funding to Bay Area district sites. These vital resources allowed us to complete nine Proposition 51 projects, working collaboratively with charter schools and their districts to positively impact the educational landscape for thousands of students. Our success wasn’t limited to the Bay Area. In Southern California, we proudly completed seven projects funded by Proposition 51, 1D, 55 or 47, demonstrating our ability to effectively manage and deliver projects across the state.

These past successes have provided us with invaluable experience and insights, preparing us for the current Proposition 2 funding round. We understand the intricacies of the application process, the importance of maximizing priority points, and the critical role of collaboration between schools, districts, and consultants.

With the application window soon opening, PCSD is actively engaging with school leaders as well as district staff and board directors. We’re committed to supporting schools through every step of the process. Our current efforts include:

• Program Education: We’re providing comprehensive information about the Proposition 2 program, ensuring schools understand eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the application timeline.
• Priority Point Maximization: Our team is working closely with schools to identify strategies for maximizing their application priority points, increasing their chances of securing funding. We understand the nuances of the scoring criteria and can offer tailored guidance to each applicant.
• Consultant Connections: We’re connecting schools with experienced application consultants who can provide expert assistance in navigating the complex application process. These consultants can help schools develop compelling applications and ensure all necessary documentation is in order.
• Building Plan Acquisition: We’re facilitating the process of gathering necessary building plans from respective districts, a crucial component of the application package. Our established relationships with district personnel streamline this often time-consuming process.

PCSD is dedicated to empowering schools to access the resources they need to create modern, safe, and inspiring learning environments. We believe that every student deserves access to high-quality facilities, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality through the Proposition 2 program. Stay tuned for further updates as we continue our work in supporting California’s schools.

Contact Jennifer Afdahl Rice for more information about this program and how to apply.