High school students earing white shirt and tie uniforms sitting at desks in a classroom.

SLAM Academy of Nevada

Supporting SLAM Academy of Nevada’s campus acquisition

The Financing

Baird secured approximately $50.5 million in bond financing for SLAM Academy of Nevada, a public charter school serving students in Henderson, Nevada. The financing funded the acquisition of the school’s existing campus, a debt service reserve fund, and costs of issuance. The bonds received a BB+ rating with a Stable Outlook from S&P Global Ratings.

Baird successfully marketed the financing to institutional investors by highlighting SLAM Academy of Nevada’s established operating history, consistent enrollment growth, strong demand within the Las Vegas market, and experienced governance and management team. Investors also viewed favorably Nevada’s charter school funding framework and the school’s demonstrated ability to attract and retain students.

The bonds were marketed to a broad group of institutional investors, generating approximately $620,405,000 of orders from 21 investors. Strong demand resulted in oversubscription of the bonds by approximately 5-15x, allowing yields to be reduced by 4-16 basis points from initial pricing levels.

SLAM Academy of Nevada’s credit profile resonated with investors, resulting in participation from both existing holders and new institutional buyers. The transaction established the school’s investor base and successfully achieved its financing objectives.

The Project

Bond proceeds financed the acquisition of SLAM Academy of Nevada’s educational facility, which the school previously occupied under a long-term lease agreement with an option to purchase.

The campus consists of a 127,258-square-foot facility situated on approximately 5.5 acres. The property includes 77 classrooms, student laboratories, a multipurpose room, cafeteria and kitchen, administrative offices, a gymnasium, teacher lounge, outdoor playground area, and parking facilities. The campus has capacity for approximately 2,200 students.

SLAM Academy of Nevada

SLAM Academy of Nevada is a public charter school serving approximately 1,971 students in grades K-12 under a charter authorized by the Nevada State Public Charter School Authority. Founded in 2016, the school combines a college-preparatory curriculum with career-focused pathways in sports medicine, sports media production, and sports marketing and management.

Through partnerships with professional sports organizations and other industry leaders, students gain access to mentorship, internships, and real-world learning experiences that support college and career readiness.