Building Hope

Across the country, small schools are rethinking what education can look like, serving tight-knit communities and creating highly personalized learning environments. But too often, they face one major barrier: access to capital.

That’s where The Lending Lab comes in.

Powered by Building Hope Impact Fund, The Lending Lab provides below-market loans to small, independent schools that traditional lenders often overlook, helping them open, grow, and plan for the future with confidence.

We’re proud to share that 100% of loans from Cycle 1 are performing, and with the recent launch of Cycle 2, we’re continuing to build on that momentum.

We’re grateful to Stand Together and The Beth & Ravenel Curry Foundation for their support, and excited to welcome more partners into this work.

Schools, check your eligibility and apply now: https://ow.ly/9Mzt50YS3hM

When a longtime team member retires, it can create more than just a staffing gap... It can impact the systems that keep a school running every day.

For Countryside Montessori Charter School, that moment became an opportunity to strengthen operations, streamline processes, and plan for the future.

Here’s how they made the transition ➡️

Behind every strong school is a financial foundation that supports smart decisions, long-term planning, and day-to-day operations that run smoothly.

At Building Hope, our CFO services are designed to support school leaders with the systems and insight you need, from accounting and payroll to budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Because when financial operations are clear and consistent, leaders can focus on what matters most.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/YNEN50YOHV1

Because of their sacrifice, futures are possible. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service—and reflect on the responsibility we carry to build a better future in their legacy.

We are proud to announce William Quinby as the new Chair of Building Hope’s Board of Directors. Quinby has served on the Building Hope Board of Directors since its inception, succeeding Sheila Ryan-Macie, whose leadership and dedication have helped shape our organization for more than two decades.

We are also excited to welcome two new members to the Board of Directors: Robert L. Chagares and Stephanie Nellons-Paige, whose expertise in real estate development, infrastructure, workforce development, and community investment will help strengthen our work supporting schools and communities nationwide.

As demand for high-quality educational facilities continues to grow, Building Hope remains committed to creating spaces where students, educators, and communities can thrive.

Thank you, Sheila, for your extraordinary service and leadership. Welcome Robert, and Stephanie as we continue building brighter futures together.

Read more: https://ow.ly/xPv750Z2VZ2

Building Hope has been a leader in the charter school movement for more than 20 years, and at the heart of our work is a deep belief in the power of schools to transform lives and communities. 🏘️

As the education landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to leading with purpose, championing school choice, supporting career-connected learning, and partnering with the innovators and educators who are shaping what comes next. 🧑‍🎓

As we close out National Charter Schools Week, we celebrate the incredible work happening in schools across the country and renew our urgent commitment to keep pushing boundaries for students, families, and communities every single day.

The moment is here! 🎉

We’re proud to announce the Top 5 winners of the 2026 Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program.

Selected from more than 150 applications across 36 states and Guam, these schools are leading the way with innovative approaches that help students connect learning to real-world opportunities and meaningful next steps.

🏆Comp Sci High, New York, NY (Comp Sci High
🏆New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM (New Mexico School for the Arts
🏆UP Academy Dorchester, Boston, MA ()
🏆Utica Shale Academy of Ohio, Salineville, OH
🏆Old Brook High School Parma Campus, Parma, OH ()

Each of these schools represents what’s possible when strong ideas, dedicated leadership, and a clear vision come together to prepare students for the future.

We’re honored to recognize their work and support their continued impact through the Future Forward Schools Prize & Fellowship Program, in partnership with . Britebound applauds these 5 schools that are creating bold career-connected learning models and helping students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities.

👏 Congratulations to this year’s winners!

Learn more: https://ow.ly/4qV450YXGFt