Texas

TCSD is launching a new Charter School Incubator Program! This initiative is designed to support newly authorized charter schools by helping them identify both short-term and long-term facility solutions. We’re committed to providing expert guidance and resources to ensure these schools can thrive and serve their communities effectively from day one.

We’re pleased to announce that our first investment under this program is with UP Excellence, a newly authorized operator in Houston. This partnership will help UP Excellence create an outstanding educational environment for their students, embodying our commitment to educational equity and innovation.

The RYSS Pasadena Campus celebrated with a Renovation Groundbreaking ceremony in June. They are undergoing a major renovation to create a state-of-the-art educational facility for PreK-12th grade. The revamped campus at full scale will accommodate 760+ students and feature a library, STEM and science labs, a large gymnasium, and a performance auditorium. This transformation underscores our commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for all students.

Texas Charter School Development (TCSD) has partnered with a newly authorized charter school in Houston – UP Excellence Academy.

Who is UP Excellence?

UP Excellence Academy is a newly authorized charter school that will open its doors in August 2024, serving 300 students from Kindergarten to 2nd grade. The school is led by Tamika Griffin, founder and CEO, who has 17 years in K-12 education. Her journey has been all about innovation and transformation, and she’s dedicated to making sure every student succeeds.

The school is dedicated to nurturing scholars for success in both their academic journey and life endeavors. They will achieve this by delivering an education steeped in an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering each scholar to discern and embark upon their distinct pathway to achievement.

The Big Challenge

Starting a school from scratch is tough. UP Excellence was in search of a suitable space in Houston’s 5th Ward that could be transformed into the joyful learning environment that they envisioned to serve their future students and the community, while also being conscious of maintaining affordability. But finding an affordable location that fit the bill was a challenge. There were no available facilities in the quickly gentrifying neighborhood and the big worry was that the school might have to delay its opening by a year.

The Solution

TCSD partnered with UP Excellence to find a facility solution which would allow the school to open on time for the 2024-2025 school year. We found a 55,000 square foot, former charter school facility in North Houston that was available. After careful review, it was clear this location could help UP Excellence achieve its mission.

Here’s what TCSD is doing to help make the facility a reality

• Low-cost financing: We provided an $800,000 below market rate loan.
• Project management: We handled the entire project, from coordinating with contractors, to managing the budget, to working with the City of Houston on obtaining the school’s occupancy certificate.
• Lease and legal support: We secured a 15-year lease with flexible renewal and purchase options, and negotiated a lower lease cost for the first three years which allowed the school to grow into the space at an affordable cost.

The Happy Ending

Thanks to TCSD’s efforts and our close partnership with UP Excellence, the academy is set to open on time for the 2024-2025 school year. It’s the only new charter school in Houston to hit this deadline, showing the power of dedication and hard work.

Wrapping Up

UP Excellence Academy isn’t just a new school; it’s a beacon of hope and progress. It shows how community-focused efforts and strong partnerships can make a real difference. We’re excited to see the amazing impact it will have on its students and the community.

Stay tuned for more updates on UP Excellence!

We are thrilled to announce a major milestone for PCSD as we have secured four grants totaling a substantial $13.5 million from the George W. Brackenridge Foundation, Charter School Growth Fund, The City Fund, and Ewing Halsell Foundation. These funds are earmarked to drive our expansion efforts in the vibrant educational landscape of Texas, specifically targeting charter schools in San Antonio and Houston.

The infusion of $13.5 million will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission to dismantle systemic inequality in education by expanding opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. We are dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable facility solutions that meet the unique needs of charter schools, fostering long-term educational impact.

Our commitment to fostering educational choice and addressing racial and educational inequity is reflected in this expansion initiative. By strategically focusing on Houston and San Antonio, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students in these diverse communities.

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to share in the excitement of this significant achievement. The grants secured not only signify financial support but also a vote of confidence in our mission to create a positive and lasting impact on education in Texas.

Stay tuned for further updates as we embark on this exciting journey to expand educational opportunities and dismantle barriers to success in Houston and San Antonio.

Together, we continue to build a brighter future for students in under-resourced communities.