Turnkey Development Program: ISLA
"We are in love with our new building. Parents tell me it's
wonderful. The positive energy is contagious."
ISLA is unique in that it combines full Spanish immersion with the
International Baccalaureate Program.
In 2009-2010, more than 90% of ISLA students tested proficient
in reading and 92% tested proficient in math.
ISLA's 98%+ retention rate, steady and consistent growth, and
waiting list illustrate the community's strong support.
The school utilizes its funding wisely, and
has completed each school year in a positive cash-flow
position.
"We are in love with our new
building, love being in it, and can't wait to start school in it.
Parents who have visited tell me it's wonderful. Those who
haven't can't wait for an excuse to stop by and see it. The
positive energy is contagious."
- Kate Shamblott, ISLA Facilities
Committee Chair
Turnkey Development Program: ISLA
International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA)
Minnetonka, MN
www.islacad.org
Project Profile: CSDC and ISLA identified, purchased and
renovated a former office building located on 5 acres of land to
establish a permanent facility for the school. In partnership with
Bouma Construction, CSDC remodeled the site at a total project cost
of $4,622,500.
International Spanish Language Academy (ISLA) was overflowing
its space in a church basement when it reached out
to CSDC to explore better facilities options. In
February 2011, CSDC acquired a vacant office building located
in Minnetonka, two miles away from the school's current
site. CSDC and strategic development partner and general
contractor Bouma Construction gutted and
redesigned the 33,400 square feet into a "dream" school campus for
ISLA.
The renovated facility offers 18 classrooms, as well as
administrative and multi-purpose space, including a staff
lounge, conference rooms, and dedicated art, Special Ed and band
practice rooms. ISLA's new space also provides the school with
much better access to public transportation, as well as a
customized music classroom and a large
state-of-the-art media center, none of which
were available at the school's former location.
This project was delivered on time and under budget,
with acquisition and construction financing provided by Western
Bank, and ISLA went "Back-to-School" in the new facility in
August 2011. The school's new location, in a more
underserved community within the Hopkins School District, has
allowed ISLA to reach out to more low-income
students, and enrollment currently stands at 258,
up from 208 last shool year. ISLA plans to grow to a
maximum of 350 students in grades K-6 over the next four years,
with no more than 25 students per classroom.
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