With the purchase and reconstruction of the property at 817 Varnum Street NE, Mundo Verde will complete the replication of its academic programming, encompassing students in PreK through 5th, at the Calle Ocho campus. 

Beginning in the Fall of 2024, the Calle Ocho campus will have additional space at Varnum for classrooms, along with flexible spaces for play and learning, and community events. An improved carline and parking are also part of the plan. With the completion of this project, students at Calle Ocho will have access to fresh, healthy meals cooked on-site in a new commercial kitchen.

Students will be able to enjoy more outside space for play and learning, opportunities to physically experience the outdoors, enhanced nature play, and expanded urban farm and community gardens. Core to the Mundo Verde experience, outside spaces create varied opportunities for learning and embedding sustainability elements into the curriculum.

Background: This purchase takes place as a part of the school’s recently approved comprehensive facilities and financing plan that will also make possible the purchase of the main Calle Ocho campus (4401 8th Street NE), and the refinancing of the existing debt owed for the J.F. Cook campus (30 P Street NW).

What’s the plan?

We are in the last phase of obtaining bank loans to make possible our comprehensive facilities and finance plan. We are also conducting in-depth studies of the property, and currently seeking approval from DCPCSB to amend our charter to locate the addition at 817 Varnum St NE. In order to be able to move full steam ahead with construction upon accessing the funds and obtaining final approvals, we have begun work with an award-winning architectural planning and design firm with deep experience in developing sustainable / green schools.

Mundo Verde forecasts construction beginning in mid 2023, with the goal to welcome students in time for the 2024-2025 school year. To ensure that the extensive work needed to successfully develop this project does not drain resources from current operations, we hired a project manager with both relevant experience and deep familiarity with Mundo Verde.

Who’s involved?

The core project team for this exciting project is jointly led by Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director and Katherine Park, Chief of Operations and Sustainability Officer. Legal, financial, engineering and design support is being provided by external vendors. The school’s board of directors are also actively involved in strategy and oversight related to this project. 

Beyond those leading the active development and implementation of the project, our community of stakeholders is broad and varied. 

Mundo Verde is excited to collaborate with our local officials, neighbors, staff, and families, along with working with partners at Eagle Bank, Providence Hospital, and VMDO architects.

What does it mean for our community?

With this growth, Mundo Verde continues to deliver on its commitment to make high quality education available to students and families in the district who have often not had this opportunity.

Beyond the walls of the school, neighbors in North Michigan Park/Michigan Park are important stakeholders in this process. Established 10 years ago with a very explicit values-based mission, Mundo Verde is committed to being a good neighbor and to contribute positively to the community. The school recognizes the potential disruptions this project and growth may bring to the community, and we are committed to careful planning and scheduling in close consultation with the community. 

Update Blogs

Calle Ocho Gowth Fact Sheet

Growing with Our Students: Calle Ocho Campus, Winter 2022 (ENG / SPA)

Quick Updates

5-24-2023 Great news! After the due diligence period under the purchase and sale agreement for 817 Varnum St., Mundo Verde annouces the purchase of this property. In addition to this, Mundo Verde has also secured an incredible financial plan with an interest fee fluctuating between 3.69% - 3.39% for the next 20 years.

05-01-2023 Providence Hospital is redeveloping their site. They are excited to get started engaging with the community to reimagine the Providence Hospital campus in a way that provides much needed community benefits and open space to the entire neighborhood. A joint venture between EYA and the Menkiti Group, has been selected by Providence Hospital to lead this project. Visit ProvidenceReimagined.com to register for updates and find the schedule of upcoming community meetings.

03-31-2023 After a public bidding process and a thorough review, Mundo Verde has chosen to work with Gilbane Construction as the general contractor for the construction of our 817 Varnum St NE building.  Among the factors that set Gilbane apart are 1) sustainability expertise, 2) commitment to DEI, 3) community engagement strategies, and 4) commitment to transparency in pricing.

3-20-2023 DC Public Charter School Board unanimously voted to approve Mundo Verde’s Facility Charter Amendment to operate a building at 817 Varnum St NE. Click here for the meeting agenda, recording, and materials.

2-27-2023 The DRAFT Mundo Verde Community Agreement on parking and traffic, developed in collaboration between Mundo Verde leadership and members of the surrounding community represented by SMDs 5A03 and 5B05 now has the support of neighbors and the ANC 5A. The agreement was published widely in neighborhoods surrounding the school as part of the ANC Single Member District and full 5A meetings last month. School leaders will be circulating it with parents/caregivers and relevant Comunidad points of contact for questions, feedback, and to identify areas of collaboration. 

2-22-2023 Discussion during ANC-5A February 2023 Monthly Meeting of DRAFT Mundo Verde Community Agreement on parking and traffic, developed in collaboration between Mundo Verde leadership and members of the surrounding community represented by SMDs 5A03 and 5B05. Meeting details available https://anc5a.org/.

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