The Explorer Elementary School is a kindergarten through fifth-grade charter school founded by parents and educators. During its early years, the school operated within a temporary space in the University City area of San Diego. Gafcon, Inc. assisted Explorer Elementary School with its $7M expansion by providing pre-construction and construction management services when they purchased a 100,000 SF building requiring extensive rehabilitation and upgrades. Located in the Point Loma Naval Training Center redevelopment known as Liberty Station, it was a challenging design and complex public entitlement process with unusual financing requirements.
Upon completion of the project, the Explorer Elementary School occupies approximately one-third of the building and leases the balance to commercial/retail tenants. It now serves over 350 students with an academic program focused on innovative educational methods. It is currently part of the High Tech High network of charter schools and has won numerous distinctions and awards.