Colorado International Language Academy (CILA)
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Grades

K - 8

Seats

450

Completion Year

2026

Project Details

Type
Elementary School, Middle School

Address
450 Elkton Drive
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919

General Contractor
Elder Construction

Architect
Adragna Architecture & Development

Square Footage
38,000

Project Overview

Scope of Work: renovation of 38,000 square foot commercial office building to accommodate a K-8 charter school including 33 classrooms, administrative offices, student support service areas, elective classrooms, multipurpose room, and commercial kitchen, and playground

Colorado International Language Academy (CILA) is a language-immersion public charter school in Colorado Springs serving students in grades K–8. CILA delivers a rigorous, content-rich academic program designed to develop bilingualism, cultural fluency, and strong character, preparing students to thrive academically and as engaged global citizens. The school serves a diverse student population, with approximately 45% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and nearly half identifying as students of color. Academically, CILA is a performance-level school in Colorado, meeting state expectations in both achievement and growth.

To support its long-term growth and educational mission, CILA is developing a new permanent campus at Elkton Drive in Colorado Springs. The project includes the adaptive reuse of an existing three-story office building, totaling approximately 38,000 square feet on a multi-acre site. The building is undergoing a full interior demolition and tenant improvement to create modern classrooms, administrative offices, a multipurpose space, and a commercial kitchen, while adjacent land will be transformed into outdoor play and recreation areas.

Blueprint is providing full project management services, supporting CILA through site acquisition, design coordination, construction planning, and financing strategy. Blueprint has also sourced capital for the project and is providing a low-interest loan and credit enhancement. Construction has begun and completion is targeted in advance of a Fall 2026 school opening. When complete, the new campus will support enrollment growth to more than 450 students, ensuring CILA has a high-quality, mission-aligned facility that can serve its community for decades to come.

Two construction workers in safety vests work in a hallway under construction at Colorado International Language Academy. The walls are covered in exposed insulation, sunlight streams through windows, and scaffolding is also visible.
Two construction workers in safety vests work in a hallway under construction at CILA.
Interior view of Colorado International Language Academy (CILA) under construction, with exposed ceiling, construction materials, carts, ladders, and workers in safety vests. The floor is partially unfinished with dirt and tools scattered around.
Interior view of CILA under construction.