Transaction Details

The Renaissance Charter School 2

Municipal

Lead Bookrunner

Supporting Long-Term Stability Through Permanent Facilities  

The Renaissance Charter School 2 (“Ren II” or the “School”) is a New York City public charter school serving students in Queens. The Renaissance Charter Schools traces its origins to May 2000, with the granting of a charter to The Renaissance Charter School (“Ren I”). Ren I operates in a co-located facility with a traditional public school and currently serves approximately 600 students in grades PK–12, drawing families from northwestern Queens and surrounding communities. Following the success and demand for the Renaissance model, including a large waitlist at the Ren I campus, Ren II opened in September 2020 to serve more students in Queens. Ren II provides students and families a commitment to innovation, equity, and strong family partnerships and has since grown into a vibrant learning community that prioritizes academic achievement, social-emotional wellness, and leadership development. Ren II received a charter renewal from its authorizer in July 2025. 

Ren II operates from a purpose-built facility located at 45-20 83rd Street in Elmhurst, Queens. The facility was renovated and constructed by a developer and leased to Ren II. The School currently serves approximately 926 students in grades K–7 and 9–11, with enrollment approaching its authorized capacity of 1,053. Ren II is approved to serve students in grades K–12 and anticipates serving all grade levels beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The School’s mission is to provide a comprehensive academic program aligned with New York State learning standards that fosters educated, responsible, humanistic young leaders who, through their own educational development and personal growth, will spark a renaissance in New York City and beyond. Graduates are prepared to become global citizens with an abiding respect for peace, human rights, the environment, and sustainable development. As the School continued to grow enrollment and plan for its expansion to a full K–12 program, establishing long-term facility stability and a permanent financing solution became central to supporting its academic mission and operational needs.

In December 2025, The Renaissance Charter School 2 completed a $96,690,000 Revenue Bond financing (the “Series 2025 Bonds”), with Baird’s National Charter School Finance team serving as the sole underwriter. Baird structured a non-rated financing solution to provide long-term, fixed-rate capital for the acquisition of the School’s Elmhurst facility, fund a debt service reserve fund, and cover costs of issuance.

Through close collaboration with School leadership and transaction participants, Baird delivered a tailored financing that allowed Ren II to finance the purchase of its facilities to deliver long term stability for the School’s location in Queens and avoid lease escalation costs associated with building lease.