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Blueprint

Blueprint

Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

  • WHO WE ARE
    • Our Approach
    • Our History
    • Commitment to Equity
    • Board of Directors
    • Team
    • Contact Us
  • WHAT WE DO
    • Our Services
    • Our Projects
    • Our Impact
    • Our Blog
  • WORK WITH US
    • School Partners
    • Philanthropic Partners
    • Internship Program
    • Careers
  • WHERE WE ARE
    • California
    • Washington
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Blog

Building Greener Schools: How Blueprint Integrates Sustainability into Every Project

April 21, 2025 by PCSD

At Blueprint, we believe that designing for students means designing for the future. From reducing our carbon footprint to improving air quality and conserving natural resources, we see school facility projects as an opportunity to ensure environmental responsibility.

Sustainability Is Not an Add-On—It’s Built In

Our approach to sustainable design starts at the earliest planning stages. We collaborate with school leaders to understand their values, priorities, and long-term goals, then weave in eco-friendly strategies as it makes sense for their site, budget, and students. Whether it’s installing solar panels, integrating water-saving features, or prioritizing natural daylight, we ensure that sustainability is more than a checklist.

One of the most powerful tools we have in our climate toolkit? Adaptive reuse.

Adaptive Reuse: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future

Adaptive reuse—the renovation and repurposing of existing buildings—is a major carbon reduction strategy. Instead of starting from scratch and generating tons of construction waste, we work to breathe new life into old buildings. This dramatically lowers the environmental impact of a new school facility while preserving community history.

A standout example is our project with Impact | Commencement Bay Elementary in Tacoma, WA. The school is located in the historic John Rogers Elementary building, originally constructed in the early 1900s and one of the first reinforced concrete elementary schools in the state. By repurposing the structure, we avoided the emissions and material waste associated with demolition and new construction, all while delivering a beautiful, modern campus that serves 600 students in grades TK–5.

Learning Through the Environment: Schools Where Sustainability Shapes the Curriculum

For some of our partners, sustainability goes beyond the facility—it’s embedded in the mission of the school itself. Two standout examples are Environmental Charter Middle School in Gardena and Golden Charter Academy in Fresno, where environmental education is a core part of the student experience.

  • Environmental Charter Middle School – Gardena, CA
    ECMS doesn’t just teach students about sustainability—it lives it. The campus is designed as a hands-on learning lab, featuring organic gardens, aquaponics systems, on-site composting, and rainwater harvesting. Students are engaged in environmental stewardship every day, whether they’re tending to drought-resistant native plants, working in the bike shop, or learning about resource conservation through the school’s low-flow fixtures and smart irrigation systems. The design supports their mission to develop future leaders who will protect and sustain the environment.
  • Golden Charter Academy – Fresno, CA
    Golden Charter Academy was built with a vision: to create a learning environment that fosters environmental justice and deepens students’ connection to the natural world. From day one, the facility is being designed with green building strategies and energy-efficient features, continuing their focus on a curriculum centered on environmental science and outdoor learning.

These schools exemplify how sustainable design and environmental education can work hand-in-hand to create transformative, mission-driven learning environments.

Green by Design: Partner School Highlights

Beyond adaptive reuse, many Blueprint-supported projects incorporate sustainable features designed to conserve energy, manage resources, and promote eco-conscious learning environments:

  • Citizens of the World LA – Silverlake Middle School
    Built with long-term sustainability in mind, this campus uses sensor lights and water faucets to minimize energy and water waste.
  • Ánimo Venice Charter High School – Venice, CA
    Designed with solar panels and sustainable materials, this school reflects a commitment to clean energy and thoughtful construction.
  • Lodestar – Oakland, CA
    A severely damaged field was transformed into durable turf to reduce water use. The school also added solar panels and ample bike storage to encourage green commuting and clean energy use.
Building Toward a Better Future

We know that today’s students are tomorrow’s environmental leaders. That’s why we’re committed to helping our school partners build campuses that reflect their values—not just educationally, but environmentally, too.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: adaptive reuse, earth day, environment, green building, sustainability

Expanding Our Impact: Blueprint’s Five-Year Strategic Plan

April 2, 2025 by PCSD

At Blueprint, we believe every student deserves access to a safe, inspiring, and high-quality learning environment—and that a facility should never be a barrier to educational success. As we launch our Five-Year Strategic Plan, we are doubling down on our commitment to ensuring charter schools have the facilities, financing, and support they need to thrive.

This plan outlines our vision for the next five years, focusing on three key priorities:

1. Expanding to New Regions

Access to affordable, mission-driven facilities remains one of the biggest challenges for charter schools, especially in emerging markets. We’re strategically growing into regions with high demand and urgent facility needs, starting with Colorado. By providing tailored solutions in these areas, we can help more schools launch, expand, and serve students long-term.

2. Delivering Comprehensive Facility Solutions for Charter Schools

Navigating facilities can be complex, but schools shouldn’t have to do it alone. At Blueprint, we serve as a one-stop shop—a trusted thought partner providing strategic advice for growth, stabilization, and long-term sustainability. Our support includes:
✅ Mission-aligned facility solutions with a focus on affordability and sustainability
✅ Project management for all phases of development, from tenant improvements to new construction
✅ Enhanced financial resources, including affordable capital, credit enhancements, and strategic financing guidance

By integrating expertise in real estate, finance, and strategic planning, we ensure that charter schools can focus on their mission while securing the facilities they need to thrive.

3. Advancing Access in Our Work and Partnerships

We are committed to ensuring that facilities solutions are equitable and accessible. Our work will continue to prioritize:
🔹 Schools led by diverse leaders and serving historically under-resourced communities
🔹 Strong partnerships that provide mentorship, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities
🔹 A team and network that reflect the communities we serve

Looking Ahead

Over the next five years, our goal is to support 100+ new charter schools, helping them secure affordable, high-quality facilities and expanding educational opportunities for thousands of students. By removing facilities as a barrier to growth, we’re ensuring that more students—regardless of zip code—can access the schools they deserve.

This is just the beginning. We invite you to join us in this journey as we build the future of charter school facilities together.

👉 Learn More About Our Strategic Plan

Filed Under: Blog

Breaking Ground on a Transformative Future: Golden Charter Academy’s New Campus in Fresno

March 19, 2025 by 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

Groundbreaking

Filed Under: Blog

Why We’re Now Blueprint

February 23, 2025 by Dean Purvis

A New Name, A Stronger Future

For nearly two decades, Pacific Charter School Development has worked to remove one of the greatest barriers to educational equity—access to high-quality school facilities. Today, we’re proud to announce our new name: Blueprint.

This is more than a rebrand. It’s a clarion call for our mission: to create learning environments that drive opportunity and transform communities.

Why the Change?

As we grew beyond the West Coast, we realized our name didn’t fully capture who we are or where we’re going. “Pacific” felt geographically limiting, and our work has never been about a location—it’s about a cause.
We needed a name that:

✅Is simple and strong—a single word that carries weight

✅Reflects our mission—creating intentional, access-driven learning spaces

✅Feels aspirational—because our work is about building brighter futures

✅Supports growth—we’re expanding nationally, and our name should, too

✅Distinguishes us—standing out in the education space is essential

What Stays the Same?

  • Our commitment to students, schools, and communities remains unchanged. As Blueprint, we continue to:
  • Develop transformational learning environments that give every student a fair chance at success
  • Expand access to facility financing to support high-quality charter schools
  • Partner with communities to build spaces that meet their unique needs

What’s Next?

We’ve already expanded beyond California, Washington, and Texas into Colorado, with more regions to come. Our mission isn’t just about geography—it’s about deepening our impact where it’s needed most.

We are more than developers. We are architects of opportunity. Blueprint is our foundation for the future, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.
Join us as we build more than schools—we build futures.

Explore our work at blueprintfutures.org.

Filed Under: Blog

Building on Success: PCSD Prepares Charter Schools and Their Districts for the CA Prop 2 School Facilities Program

February 7, 2025 by PCSD

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.

El Sol Academy used Prop 1D funding
Lazear Academy used Prop 51 funding
Caliber Beta used Prop 51 funding

Filed Under: Blog

Understanding Public Finance

December 2, 2024 by PCSD

Who did you meet with today?

Today we met with Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward.

Where do they work? What does the company do?

Rob Nickell and Jessica Ward work at HJ Sims, a private, family-owned company founded in 1935. HJ Sims works with schools and non-profit organizations. It finds investors for a school’s campus, negotiates a deal between both parties, raises funds for the project, and, in the end, the school has its new school building.

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

We learned that there are many different approaches to becoming an investment banker today. The greatest highlight was understanding that a school is like a business; it has to be run like a business for everyone in the school to be happy and for all students to have equal opportunities.

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

I learned the importance of investment bankers in school projects or any other business. Bankers help the schools tell their stories to find the best investors and help schools focus on the long-term goals they have set.

What did you find the most interesting about the field in the field after today?

The most intriguing thing I found out about investment bankers is that the process of becoming an investment banker now is such a great difference than what it was about 20 years ago. Now more licenses are required to be able to be able to do certain things whereas before those licenses were not needed.

PCSD interns with Jessica and Rob
Rob Nickell talking about HJ Sims
Rob Nickell talking about his career journey

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: internships, public finance

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Blueprint

Blueprint's mission is to dismantle systemic inequality in education by expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities.

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