Building Hope, in collaboration with the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAFF), has finalized a $3.5 million program-related investment to support the development of Alturas Academy North, a new K–8 public charter school in Rigby, Idaho. This follows two other successful partnerships with Alturas, the Alturas International Academy and Alturas Preparatory Academy, bringing the total number of Alturas students served to more than 1,600 across grades K–12.
The $16.8 million project will result in a modern 52,000 square-foot campus featuring two school buildings, one for lower grades and one for middle school, accommodating up to 648 students by the 2031–32 school year. Facilities will include 28 classrooms, a multipurpose gym and cafeteria, spaces for special education and speech, administrative offices, and flexible learning environments designed to support project-based instruction and multi-age classrooms. Under the guidance of Executive Director Michelle Balle, the school will deliver an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum focused on academic excellence, global citizenship, and student empowerment. The school is expected to open in August 2026.
Building Hope played a pivotal role in the deal, working hand-in-hand with JKAFF, they structured the financing model, secured subordinate financing, and ensured mission alignment and sustainability. The project leverages additional support from Bank of Commerce and the Idaho Housing Finance Agency’s Revolving Loan Fund. The project team, Erstad Architects, Headwaters Construction, and Paradigm of Idaho, brings extensive experience with Idaho charter school development and a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery.
Since 2013, Building Hope and JKAFF have been collaborating to expand high‑quality charter school facilities in Idaho. JKAFF played a key role in seeding the facility program that enabled Building Hope to offer low-cost capital to mission-driven schools, together reaching over 20,000 students statewide. Building Hope then structures and manages the deals, ensuring schools receive affordable, long-term financing aligned with their missions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Alturas Academy North?
A: Alturas Academy North is a new K–8 public charter school coming to Rigby, Idaho. It will offer an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and serve up to 648 students once fully enrolled by the 2031–32 school year.
Q: Who is funding this project?
A: The project is being funded through a $3.5 million program-related investment from Building Hope and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAFF), with additional support from Bank of Commerce and the Idaho Housing Finance Agency’s Revolving Loan Fund.
Q: What role did Building Hope play?
A: Building Hope structured the financing model, secured subordinate financing, and ensured the project’s alignment with long-term mission and sustainability goals.
Q: What are the key features of the new school campus?
A: The $16.8 million project includes two school buildings totaling 52,000 square feet, with 28 classrooms, a multipurpose gym and cafeteria, administrative offices, and dedicated spaces for special education and speech services.
Q: When will Alturas Academy North open?
A: The school is expected to open its doors in August 2026.
Q: Who is leading the school?
A: The school will be led by Executive Director Michelle Balle, who will oversee the implementation of the IB curriculum and project-based learning approach.
Q: Has Building Hope worked with Alturas before?
A: Yes, this is the third partnership between Building Hope and Alturas. The first two—Alturas International Academy and Alturas Preparatory Academy—have successfully served over 1,600 students combined.
Q: Why is this project significant for Idaho?
A: Since 2013, Building Hope and JKAFF have worked together to expand high-quality charter school options across Idaho, reaching over 20,000 students statewide.
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