American Leadership Academy Lexington

American Leadership Academy Lexington (“ALA” or the “School”) is a rapidly growing K–12 public charter school located in Lexington County, South Carolina. The School opened in the 2023–24 school year and quickly achieved enrollment of over 1,500 students, reflecting strong demand within the community. ALA Lexington serves students in grades K–12 and benefits from a substantial enrollment base that is conservatively projected to grow to more than 2,500 students by the 2028–29 school year. The School operates with a mission, in support of the family, to provide the best educational experience to as many students as possible in a moral and wholesome environment.

The School is located on approximately 42 acres at and adjacent to 109 and 115 Innovation Place in Lexington, South Carolina. The campus includes a 64,000 square foot elementary school serving grades K–5 and a 73,000 square foot secondary school serving grades 6–12, with a combined current capacity of approximately 2,260 students. The facilities include modern classrooms and teaching laboratories, cafeterias and multi-purpose rooms, gymnasiums, administrative offices, and a 14,300 square foot gymnasium. The campus is currently owned by Lexington Charter LLC and leased by the School.

In December 2025, American Leadership Academy Lexington completed an $84,115,000 educational facilities revenue bond financing (the “Series 2025 Bonds”), with Baird’s National Charter School Finance team serving as sole manager. Proceeds of the Series 2025 Bonds were used to finance all or a portion of the costs of acquiring land and facilities located at the campus, renovating and further equipping the facilities for the continued operation of a K–12 public charter school, funding capitalized interest and working capital, establishing a debt service reserve fund, and paying certain costs related to issuance.

To support continued enrollment growth and enhance student programming, American Leadership Academy Lexington expects to utilize proceeds of the Series 2025 Bonds to complete additional capital projects at the campus, with completion anticipated by July 2027. Planned improvements include construction of a new classroom building consisting of approximately 12,500 square feet with 12 classrooms and capacity for approximately 300 additional students, a new 13,500 square foot gymnasium building, expansion of campus drive lines totaling approximately 2,100 linear feet of multi-lane asphalt, construction of a football stadium including field, bleachers, restrooms, concessions, and parking, and the addition of multiple walkway and drive line canopies to improve circulation and campus safety.

Baird structured the non-rated the Bonds with a maturity of seven years to take advantage of shorter term (lower) interest rates, resulting in lower annual debt service while the school continues growing to full capacity. The School has the option to refinance the Bonds starting in 2029. The financing was tailored to the School’s strong enrollment growth, developing operating history, and long-term facility needs. Through close collaboration with School leadership, Baird delivered a financing solution that supports American Leadership Academy Lexington’s continued growth, long-term financial sustainability, and mission-driven commitment to serving families in the Lexington County community.