Building Hope is proud to provide critical early‑stage financing to support the launch of Red Barn Schoolhouse, a new tuition‑free public charter school in Crescent, Iowa. Red Barn Schoolhouse has been authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education and is set to open in August 2025, offering a unique, nature‑based approach to elementary education for local families.
Red Barn Schoolhouse was founded by Crescent Community School Alliance, Inc., a grassroots organization formed to expand educational choice in a community that lost its traditional district elementary school in 2023. The school’s mission is to create a sustainable, high‑quality learning environment that emphasizes outdoor, holistic, and project‑based learning, integrating nature, art, and community throughout the instructional day.
Building Hope provided a $250,000 line of credit to help cover pre‑opening costs and bridge cash flow while the school prepares for its first state funding payment. This support will be especially important as Red Barn Schoolhouse works to complete key pre‑opening activities and access its Iowa Charter Start‑Up Grant award.
Located on a 160‑acre site in the Loess Hills ecosystem, Red Barn Schoolhouse will offer an immersive learning environment that blends traditional academics with outdoor exploration. Students will learn foundational subjects through hands‑on experiences in nature, using the outdoors as a rich classroom to foster curiosity, resilience, and well‑rounded development.
In its inaugural year, Red Barn Schoolhouse plans to serve approximately 40 students in grades K–3, with expansion to grades K–5 over the next several years. The school’s model also embraces a year‑round calendar with a four‑day student week and strong community partnerships, including collaboration with the nearby Hitchcock Nature Center to support nature‑based programming.
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This project reflects Building Hope’s broader commitment to supporting mission‑driven charter school innovation nationwide, especially models that expand access to diverse learning experiences and community‑rooted education. By providing transitional financing, Building Hope helps emerging schools like Red Barn Schoolhouse open on schedule, serve students effectively, and build long‑term financial stability.
As Red Barn Schoolhouse prepares for its first school year, Building Hope is honored to partner with the Crescent community, educators, and families to expand public charter options in Iowa and bring this unique nature‑based school to life.
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