Building Hope, in partnership with the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAFF), is proud to support the development of Elevate Academy Twin Falls, a new career and technical education (CTE) charter school in Twin Falls, Idaho. With a $3.5 million program-related investment, Building Hope is helping bring to life a $17.4 million campus that will serve 488 students in grades 6–12 by the 2028–29 school year.
The project includes the construction of two buildings on a 10-acre site, featuring 54,300 square feet of space modeled after successful Elevate campuses. Facilities will include academic classrooms, a cafeteria, a culinary arts kitchen, and state-of-the-art spaces for welding, woodworking, and construction trades, creating a powerful environment for hands-on learning that directly aligns with Idaho’s workforce needs.
Elevate Academy’s unique model serves students who often struggle in traditional settings by blending rigorous academics with career training and social-emotional support. Graduates earn industry-recognized certifications and are equipped to enter the workforce, continue their education, or serve in the military. In 2023, 100% of Elevate Academy seniors were placed in a job, post-secondary program, or the armed forces, a testament to the network’s impact.
This loan is the fourth collaboration between Building Hope and Elevate Academy and reflects our shared commitment to increasing educational equity and economic opportunity. It also represents another milestone in our program-related investment partnership with JKAFF, an Idaho-based philanthropic leader dedicated to transforming education through innovation and bold thinking.
Construction is set to begin in mid-2025, with the school welcoming its first students in August 2026. Building Hope is honored to be part of this effort to expand access to high-quality facilities and empower schools that change lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Elevate Academy Twin Falls?
A: It is a new career and technical education (CTE) public charter school in Twin Falls, Idaho, serving students in grades 6–12 with hands-on, workforce-aligned learning.
Q: Who is funding the project?
A: The $17.4 million project is supported by a $3.5 million program-related investment from Building Hope, in partnership with the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation (JKAFF).
Q: What will the new school campus include?
A: The 10-acre campus will include two school buildings totaling over 54,000 square feet, with academic classrooms, a culinary arts kitchen, a cafeteria, and modern shop spaces for welding, woodworking, and construction trades.
Q: Who does Elevate Academy serve?
A: Elevate Academy supports students who may not thrive in traditional settings by combining rigorous academics with career training and social-emotional support.
Q: What outcomes have Elevate Academy schools achieved?
A: In 2023, 100% of Elevate Academy seniors entered either a job, post-secondary education, or the armed forces.
Q: When will construction begin and when will the school open?
A: Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025, and the school plans to open in August 2026.
Q: Has Building Hope worked with Elevate Academy before?
A: Yes, this is the fourth collaboration between Building Hope and Elevate Academy.
Q: What is JKAFF’s role in this project?
A: JKAFF is a key philanthropic partner supporting this initiative as part of its broader mission to transform education in Idaho through innovation.
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
