Across Texas, educators are seeing an increased demand for high-quality science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) K-12 public schools. This demand is driven by a strong economy and need for skilled STEM professionals.
San Antonio-based nonprofit Riverwalk Education Foundation, through its charter network School of Science and Technology (SST), has stepped up to meet that demand. The foundation aims to create high performing charter schools with a focus on math, science, engineering, and computer technologies.
The 21 school facilities in the SST network are guided by a mission to provide a college-preparatory, STEM-based learning model anchored on 21st century skills, embraced by a character-building approach, and delivered in an enriching, safe, and student-centered learning environment. SST serves a diverse pre-K through 12th grade student population and has expanded beyond San Antonio to Houston and Corpus Christi. The school facilities are typically located in underserved communities, giving students the opportunity to excel in their studies in small classroom environments focused on providing the skills they need to succeed later in life.
To make the expansion of STEM-focused facilities possible and address the 25% average annual growth rate in enrollment, SST needed a school facility development partner that could support SST’s specialized learning model and build labs, tech-enabled classrooms, and collaborative spaces on tight timelines and budgets. SST found a long-term partner in Building Hope, and together they have built 11 schools (and have two more in development), renovated corporate offices, improved playgrounds at three different campuses and installed a modular campus to provide temporary space for enrollment overflow. A majority of SST’s enrollment is comprised of minority students and a significant percentage are economically disadvantaged. In fact, nearly half of students are also considered at-risk of dropping out. Yet, SST’s engaging models have mitigated that risk.
Since 2017, SST has trusted Building Hope to help it triple its enrollment capacity and create learning environments where Texas students thrive. With its deep understanding of what high-performing charter schools need, and how to deliver it, Building Hope was able to offer SST:
Here is a look at several of the purpose-built campuses that reflect the strength of this long-term partnership:
Building Hope initially led phase 1 development and construction efforts for a new 28,500 sq. ft. Pre-K-Grade 2 early education facility on 5.6 acres designed to serve 350 students beginning in 2021.
The collaborative, combined Building Hope Real Estate and SST team completed the build in just six months after breaking ground and close to $1 million under budget. The project is a testament to what collaborative teams can do to build school enhancements at affordable, competitive price points.
Just two years later, Building Hope delivered a second phase of the project in support of the school’s expansion up to Grade 7. This second phase of work included a 66,000 sq. ft., two-story building on 11 additional acres. The building included classroom space, engineering labs, maker space for collaborative activities like robotics, a gymnasium, cafeteria and sports fields. The team succeeded again in completing the work $1 million under the school’s budget.
SST Schertz emphasizes STEM education at all grade levels, and internet coding is taught as early as Kindergarten. The family-oriented and character-driven environment is ideal for students whose families are active-duty military, first responders, and English-Language Learners.
“The entire community rallies to support our school and our students, and we are so grateful for it. Local businesses regularly partner with us to host events, such as family dine-out nights, and public safety officials create opportunities for students to learn more about what they do in a fun atmosphere.” – SST Schertz Principal Charles Ramirez
Today, SST Schertz enrolls 859 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 7. Nearly 70% of students are BIPOC, and 38% of the student population is eligible for free and reduced price lunch.
Beginning in 2022, Building Hope led the development and construction of two new buildings totaling 86,000 sq. ft., designed to serve 840 students in Grades 6–12 on an 11-acre parcel of land. Additionally, during the process, Building Hope helped the school obtain utility services, saving the school $1 million in the process. In total, the project came in $2.2 million under budget.
The new campus delivered in 2025 features a 21,000 sq. ft. gymnasium with athletic, performance, and maker spaces, as well as a 63,000 sq. ft. academic building housing 30 classrooms, science labs, computer labs, special education spaces, a college and career center, and more.
Sustainability was central to the design, with features like a cistern system to recycle HVAC condensation for landscape irrigation, underscoring SST’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility.
Today, SST Sugarland enrolls 701 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 7. Nearly all – 93% – of students are BIPOC, and 79% are eligible for free and reduced price lunch.
In two-phases of development, Building Hope constructed and delivered first a Pre-K – Grade 7 campus, followed by a high school campus. The 66,500 sq. ft. two-story Pre-K – Grade 7 campus was constructed on 9.3 acres and included 38 classrooms, including an indoor recreation gym and cafeteria and outdoor playgrounds and soccer fields.
The second phase of development created the 67,000 sq. ft., three-story SST Hill Country College Prep High School that opened its doors in 2024. The nearly 600 student enrollment is fed by matriculating 8th graders from the K-Grade 7 campus and the two other SST schools nearby. The second phase of work delivered 34 classrooms and collaborative STEM labs, a cafeteria, gymnasium, play fields, and outdoor learning spaces. Combined, the two phases of work came in $2.5 million under budget.
Today, SST Hill Country enrolls 792 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 11. 77% of students are BIPOC, and nearly half are eligible for free and reduced price lunch.
Currently under construction and set to open in August 2025 for the 2025–2026 school year, SST Sonterra is the latest example of Building Hope and SST’s partnership. Located on a 5.58-acre site, the 49,600-square-foot, two-story facility will serve more than 700 PK–6 students. The thoughtfully designed campus will feature 29 classrooms, specialized labs for engineering, biology, and computers, as well as music and art rooms, a large multipurpose space, and flexible learning areas inside and out. Outdoor amenities will include a soccer field, playground, turf play area, open-air dining space, and ample queuing and parking to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for students and families.
In 2024, Building Hope completed the development and construction of a new 28,500 sq. ft. Pre-K-Grade 6 early education facility on 10 acres, designed to serve 350 students – in just eight months and under budget by $400,000.
A second phase of development and construction is about to begin and is expect to open doors in time for AY2026-27. This project will include a new 66,000 sq. ft., two-story building on 11 additional acres. The new facility will offer classroom space, engineering labs, maker space for collaborative activities like robotics, a gymnasium, cafeteria, and sports fields.
In April 2025, the Texas Education Agency released its 2023 Accountability Ratings, and all SST campuses received either an A or B rating. This accomplishment reflects the unwavering dedication of SST’s teachers, administrators, and staff.
Additional projects include delivery of a modular campus providing temporary space for enrollment overflow, playground, improvements, and other renovations.
“Our partnership with SST is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when mission-driven educators and purpose-driven development come together. At Building Hope, we’re honored to support their growth across Texas by delivering facilities that reflect the same excellence and innovation they bring to their classrooms every day.” Brady Hutchins, Director of Real Estate, Building Hope
The enduring partnership between SST and Building Hope offers a proven model for how charter school networks can expand strategically, sustainably, and without compromising their educational mission.
Charter networks like SST continue to choose Building Hope for:
For charter leaders looking to expand with confidence, Building Hope is the only partner you need for facility growth. Let’s build the future of education, together.
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