Immokalee-based Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a nonprofit provider of early childhood education throughout the state, plans to add a third charter school thanks to a $1,275,000 investment over four years from the Charter School Growth Fund.

Among the largest funders of charter schools in the country, the Charter School Growth Fund assessed the academic achievements of RCMA’s students, spoke with members of its leadership team and evaluated the nonprofit’s finances during visits to its schools over a three-year period. Charter School Growth Fund President Darryl Cobb came away impressed with RCMA’s work within its communities and described it as a model for others.

The 56-year-old nonprofit primarily serves migrant and agriculture working families living in poverty in rural areas. It operates 65 child development centers and partners with 19 family child care homes along with several afterschool care programs in 21 counties. While employing 1,600 people, it provides child care and education to more than 5,500 each year.

Charter schools operated by RCMA have 635 students. Immokalee Community Academy serves K-7 students while Wimauma Community Academy in Hillsborough County offers K-8. 

RCMA plans to open K-8 Mulberry Community Academy in Polk County with kindergarten and first-grade classes starting in 2023 followed by another site in 2024. By the 2026-2027 school year, RCMA estimates it will serve more than 1,000 students at five charter schools. “This grant commitment from the Charter School Growth Fund means that our impact on students, families and communities will be felt for additional generations to come,” Isabel Garcia, executive director of RCMA, said.