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
