Elevate Collegiate Charter School and Texas Charter School Development Celebrate Long-Term Space for Greater Third Ward Scholars
Houston, Texas, September 28, 2023 – Elevate Collegiate Charter School and Texas Charter School Development hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Elevate’s new home at St. James Episcopal Church (3129 Southmore Blvd). The 35-year lease allows the school to grow and house its PK through 5th-grade students in a place with extensive community history. Fourth grade students greeted elected officials, and community leaders to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the renovation. Council Member David Robinson was in attendance and congratulated the school on its new home. Immediately following the cutting of the ribbon, attendees had an opportunity to tour the school led by the school’s Founder, Rebecca Francis-Jones.
“St. James Episcopal Church has been a beacon in our community for over 75 years and we are glad to provide a safe learning space for our community’s children. We look forward to seeing them flourish into Houston’s future leaders,” expressed Reverend Thomas, St. James’ Rector.
For the past 5 years, Elevate Collegiate has co-located with another charter school and has outgrown the space. In 2022, Texas Charter School Development started its work in Houston and partnered with Elevate Collegiate’s Founder Rebecca Francis-Jones.
“We create long-term facilities solutions that expand educational opportunities in under-resourced communities. Elevate’s work in the Greater Third Ward community is inspiring, and our team is committed to solving their facility challenges while they focus on educating Houston’s children,” said TCSD’s CEO, John Sun.
Since 2019, Elevate Collegiate has served students from the Greater Third Ward area, but with Houston’s growth and development, it has been difficult to find a place that was available and move-in ready for the school.
TCSD believes that every child deserves a safe and inspiring learning environment, which drives their work. Over the last year, TCSD’s team has worked with numerous vendors to secure the lease, renovate the space, and pass City of Houston inspections. TCSD provided an investment of $2,000,000 which was secured through various funding sources, including support from Charter School Growth Fund.
The work continues with Phase 2 throughout the next year where 12 classrooms, offices, and the cafetorium will be prepared to house the entire school. Once completed the campus will have seats for 472 students. Elevate Collegiate and TCSD are investing in the future of its Greater Third Ward Scholars.
“Working with TCSD has been seamless and it feels like they are an extension of my team. They have worked through so many challenges to get our PreK through 2nd Grade spaces ready for this year, and I look forward to the completion of Phase 2 when I’ll have all of my students on the new campus,” said Francis-Jones.
About Texas Charter School Development
Texas Charter School Development (TCSD) is a non-profit, full-service real estate development firm. It offers an array of services tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each of our charter school partners.
About Elevate Collegiate Charter School
Elevate Collegiate Charter School equips all students with the academic knowledge and character development necessary to set forth confidently on the path to college and a life filled with opportunity. Elevate Collegiate empowers, educates, and elevates students in grades PK through 5th.
