Florida Construction News staff writer

Ryan Companies US, Inc. and Red Apple Development recently held a ribbon cutting at Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy Lower School in Brandenton and launched construction of the upper school on the site last week.

The firm has been the primary general contractor for schools developed by Red Apple Development and managed by Charter Schools USA for not-for-profit foundations in Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina since 2011. Ryan will also break ground on four additional schools this year.

In addition to Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy’s second phase, the additional charter school projects are underway in Wesley Chapel, FL, Northport, FL, Youngsville, LA, and Indian Trail, NC. Schools are about 50,000 square feet each and are scheduled for completion by August 2023.

The new buildings incorporate design features including collaborative workspaces, community classrooms, specialty break-out rooms, gymnasiums, science labs, art rooms, athletic fields, music and theater spaces, and multi-use rooms for cafeterias and after-school programs.

“We are incredibly thankful for Ryan’s dedication to our mission of giving access to quality education to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade,” said Scott Woodrey, president of Red Apple Development. “Our entire team is committed to enhancing student learning through an innovative approach to all subject matters.”