How it Works
Traditionally, charter schools have been at the mercy of expensive developers. Round Table changes that. We provide low-cost financing and professional facility development guidance to new and expanding charter schools. Here is how it works:
Become a qualifying school
Our professionals have decades of experience in the charter school and finance industries. We identify schools with a high probability of succeeding, who are just starting or expanding their facilities. We can help shore up any weak areas.
Round Table secures your funding
Our reputation with investors and our ability to navigate school facility financing, allows us to secure the capital you need to build. The best part is that you will own your building from the start.
Get support from design to opening
We will help you engage the right architects, contractors and project managers. Our work will ensure you get the building you need, stay within your building budget and occupy on-time.
Pay your teachers what they deserve
When it’s all said and done, you will save significantly and be in control of your own building. No lease escalations, no paying a sales premium, no landlord; just partners you can trust and more resources to make the vision of your school a reality
What A Successful School Looks like
Public charter schools have been around long enough now for us to know what makes them tic. Regardless of your mission and educational focus, there are 5 elements that can make or break a new or expanding charter school. Round Table Funding takes a deep dive into these key elements to determine the probability of a school’s success. We can help shore up weaker areas. This will determine a lender’s willingness to take a financial risk on your school.
Clear Vision and Plan
- Are you using a proven educational model?
- Do you have strong Authorizer support?
- Is the charter well written and organized into an executable plan?
- Have you made clear provisions for the professional development of staff?
Leadership
- Is your board committed to your mission and fully engaged?
- Is your board the right size and of the right experience level?
- Have you identified your school leader early?
- Are all the appropriate legal documents in place?
Finances
- Do you have a proven Business Services provider or experienced Business Manager?
- Will your building make you “house poor”?
- Does your budget benchmark to other successful and rated schools?
- Do you have a solid plan for start-up capital?
Enrollment
- Does your financial & risk plan match the grades you serve?
- Does your planned enrollment provide for enough resources to support your vision?
- Is there verifiable demand for your program and grades in your area?
- Do you have a proven marketing plan to reach enrollment goals?
New Facility Plans
- Are you in the right location for your demand and desired demographic?
- Are there provisions for a qualified, experienced project manager?
- Are the contractor and architect working together?
- Are you planning for the right cost, including contingency?
What if you already have a lender or developer?
If you have already committed to a lender, investor or developer, make sure you are informed. You should know all of the terms, understand how they compare to market norms and not be afraid to negotiate. Here are a few to consider:
- % of total project cost being used to calculate lease
- # of months rent deferred in start-up years
- Annual lease escalators
- Purchase option calculation
- Purchase option exercise date
- The premium you will be paying when you purchase
- Developer or other fees that have been added into the closing costs
- Who pays property taxes
- Provisions if enrollment goals are not met
- Covenants and ratio minimums
- Default provision details
