Bold Charter School (Bold) is a leading K-7 public charter school in the Bronx. By pairing rigorous academics with strong family partnerships and a culture of growth, Bold equips hundreds of South Bronx students each year with tools to thrive.
“Our mission at Bold is to build world-class public schools that challenge and empower all students to excel in college and in life,” says Andrew Foglia, Bold’s founder and executive director. “We believe in every child’s potential and design our curriculum to support and challenge our students to consistently perform at the highest levels.”
Bold students achieved proficiency rates of 85% in English Language Arts, 91% in Math, and 69% in Science – higher than New York State averages of 53%, 55%, and 45%, respectively.
NFF, alongside CIP and LISC, is contributing a $3 million source loan to a $24.6 million New Markets Tax Credit transaction to fund Bold’s new K-8 charter school, with Civic Builders overseeing construction. With this financing, NFF is supporting Bold’s expansion into a new permanent home that will welcome 700 students – more than 300 new seats for South Bronx families. The new building will house 27 classrooms, small breakout rooms, science labs, art and music rooms, a cafeteria, gymnasium and administrative offices, providing Bold with the permanent space it needs to continue serving its growing student body.
This project proudly marks NFF’s inaugural transaction utilizing funds through NY Green Bank’s Community Decarbonization Fund, which expands access to financing for emissions-reducing projects that benefit underserved communities in New York State. In addition to full electrification and a green roof, NFF’s financing is bringing a range of environmentally conscious features to life. The building is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout and access to natural daylight in all learning spaces. Each element intentionally contributes to Bold’s broader commitment to sustainability, student well-being, and long-term operational efficiency. NFF’s loan participation is also backed by a U.S. Department of Education credit enhancement, which gives us the opportunity to provide loans to early stage, single- or multiple-site charter schools for acquisition and construction.
We’re grateful for our partnership with NFF, CIP, LISC, JPMorganChase, and Civic Builders to create a learning environment worthy of our families’ aspirations and our students’ bold futures.
Bold takes pride in a learning model that develops knowledge and skills across both academic and co-curricular programs – and it actively creates opportunities for students to go beyond classroom walls to encourage growth, connection, and confidence.
Perhaps the clearest example of this is Bold’s chess program: what began as an introductory class has grown into a travel team competing – and winning – against some of the nation’s top scholastic players. Through daily practice, weekend tournaments, and the unwavering support of families and their coaches, the team radiates Bold’s values of excellence, teamwork, and belief in every student’s potential.
Bold’s advice for others hoping to create organizations that respond to the needs of their communities?
- Be clear in your vision and purpose – what you are and what you are not.
- Consistently listen to and gather input from community members to align on priorities that will support collective progress to goals.
- Build connections with organizations who have successfully implemented similar efforts.
- Surround yourself with smart, experienced people who share your commitment to the mission.
Interested in learning more about our work with charter schools like Bold Charter School? Visit the Charter Schools page of our website.