Imagine Schools Investing In Success

2/18/2010: PR Newswire/ Imagine to invest $105 million in its charter schools

ARLINGTON, Va. -- Imagine Schools, an organization that operates 71 charter school campuses in 11 states and the District of Columbia, announced today that it will invest $105 million of additional funding in academic and infrastructural enhancements to its already-successful public charter schools.

Imagine Schools raised the funds through the long-term financing of twelve of its school buildings. The two financings were completed as long-term sale-leaseback agreements, which allow Imagine Schools to continue to ensure high-quality, attractive, and educationally-effective buildings at each of its campuses -- one of the hallmarks of the Imagine educational experience.

The private investment will allow Imagine Schools to better serve its growing enrollment of current and future students, providing them with a challenging, effective program of study and strong moral development in a safe, nurturing environment.

"Imagine Schools is proud to provide beautiful, functional facilities for the students and families we serve," said Eileen Bakke, vice president of education at Imagine Schools. "We look forward to focusing this new funding on continued improvements in our current charter schools and on expanding programs related to reading advancement, character development, and professional opportunities for talented teachers. Our students and their families have started 2010 on a strong note, and we're excited to be a part of their continued success for years to come."

Imagine Schools is one of America's most promising charter school models. A survey last year determined that the students at nearly 90 percent of Imagine's public charter schools achieved reading and math learning gains greater than those experienced by their peers in traditional public schools.

In addition to strong academic results and high parental satisfaction, individual schools are making headlines during the first few weeks of 2010:

• In Florida, Imagine Kissimmee's principal was recognized as Osceola County's Middle School Just Read Florida Leader of the Year -- an honor that recognizes the school's commitment to reading instruction. The school will now advance to the state competition.
• Imagine Schools at South Lake in Clermont Florida was named a Character Education Partnership 2010 Florida School of Character by The Golden Rule Foundation in honor of its commitment to character education and development. The school will now advance to the national competition.
• A group of students from Imagine School in Avondale in Arizona won a nationwide healthy eating contest by the national "Produce for Kids" Classroom Challenge. Imagine Avondale's fourth grade teachers integrated nutrition information into lessons for all subjects -- leading the school to capture one of only three national first prizes.

"We look forward to even more top honors for our schools and students," Bakke noted.

Imagine Schools works with boards of the local charter schools to operate 71 campuses in Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Nevada. More than 3,500 educators are part of the Imagine Schools family.