St. HOPE

What St. HOPE does

St. HOPE is a Sacramento-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1989 by Kevin Johnson (former NBA player and Sacramento mayor) that operates as a family of non-profits across three integrated verticals: public education, economic development, and arts/culture. The education arm, St. HOPE Public Schools, is a preK-12 independent charter school district comprising PS7 Elementary, PS7 Middle School, and Sacramento Charter High School (Sac High), collectively serving nearly 2,000 students. Sac High reports a 96-99% four-year college acceptance rate among seniors, including placements at HBCUs, UC, CSU, and private institutions.

The economic development function is executed through St. HOPE Development Company, which owns and operates an extensive Oak Park real estate portfolio anchored by the 22,000-23,000 sq. ft. 40 Acres Art & Cultural Center (a renovated 1922 historic hotel). Adjacent owned assets include the St. HOPE Business Complex, Education Complex, Oak Park Victorian, St. HOPE Academy Building, the Huey P. Newton House, 3400 Third Ave, and St. HOPE Headquarters, together housing commercial tenants such as Sacramento Urban League, College Track, SETA Head Start, Asian Chamber of Commerce, City Year, Valley Vision, and various professional offices. The arts/culture arm encompasses the 200-seat restored 1915 Guild Theater, Underground Books (a non-profit bookstore described as one of few African-American owned bookstores in the nation), Esther's Park outdoor venue, and signature recurring events including the Oak Park Black Film Festival (established 2022), Sac BlkLit Book Fest, Juneteenth Block Party at 40 Acres, Christmas at 40 Acres, and the Underground Books Speaker Series.

Revenue is generated across five streams: per-pupil public funding for charter operations, bookstore/online retail sales (shop.underground-books.com), ticketed events and venue rental at the Guild Theater and Esther's Park, commercial property leases, and donations/sponsorships sourced through Big Day of Giving and event sponsorships (e.g., Golden 1 Credit Union, Sysco, Oak Park Business Association for OPBFF). The organization is led by CEO Cassandra Jennings with a leadership team that includes a COO, CFO, Director of IT, IT Manager, Properties Manager, and Guild Theater/Esther's Park management. Geographic operations are concentrated entirely in Sacramento, California. No proprietary technology platform is described; the technology footprint is limited to standard IT, e-commerce, and ticketing integrations (Eventbrite, FilmFreeway).

Name

St. HOPE

Legal name

St. HOPE

Website

https://sthope.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

St. HOPE is a Sacramento-based non-profit operating a preK-12 charter school district serving nearly 2,000 students, alongside a real estate development arm and cultural venues (Guild Theater, Underground Books bookstore, Esther's Park) revitalizing Oak Park through integrated education, economic development, and arts programming.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Education and Community Development

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Performing Arts Companies (7111)

SIC

Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs (BPAGAHAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Charter Arts & Performing Arts Schools (EDAJACAH), Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

Keywords

• Charter school education
• Community development nonprofit
• Cultural arts programming
• Commercial property leasing
• Event venue management

Headquarters

HQ city

Sacramento

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Education Services: St. HOPE Public Schools operates as a preK-12 independent charter school district providing high-quality education to nearly 2,000 students. Revenue derived from public school funding and tuition-related sources.
2. Bookstore Sales: Underground Books generates revenue through physical bookstore sales and online e-commerce at shop.underground-books.com, selling books, specialty items, greeting cards, calendars, apparel, and coffee products.
3. Theater Events and Venue Rental: Guild Theater generates revenue through ticket sales for events, comedy nights, author talks, and film festivals. Also offers venue rental options for the theater and recording studio.
4. Commercial Property Rentals: St. HOPE Development Company owns and leases commercial properties including office spaces, retail spaces in 40 Acres complex, and business complexes. Tenants include Sacramento Urban League, College Track, SETA Head Start, Valley Vision, Asian Chamber of Commerce, City Year, and Urban League.
5. Donations and Sponsorships: Non-profit organization receives donations through Big Day of Giving and other fundraising campaigns. Sponsors provide financial support for events like the Oak Park Black Film Festival.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

St. HOPE is a multi-faceted nonprofit that operates a preK-12 independent charter school district (PS7 Elementary, PS7 Middle, and Sacramento Charter High School serving nearly 2,000 students), runs cultural venues including the Guild Theater (a restored 200-seat 1915 theater with the Guild Record Studios) and Underground Books bookstore, manages an outdoor event space called Esther's Park, and develops and leases commercial real estate in Sacramento's Oak Park through its Development Company arm. It also produces signature annual cultural events — the Oak Park Black Film Festival, Sac BlkLit Book Fest, Juneteenth Block Party, and Christmas at 40 Acres — alongside an author speaker series.

Product overview

St. HOPE is a family of nonprofits committed to revitalizing Oak Park through high-quality public education, economic development, and arts & culture. The organization operates a preK-12 charter school district (St. HOPE Public Schools) serving nearly 2,000 students at PS7 Elementary, PS7 Middle, and Sacramento Charter High School. It owns and operates cultural venues including the historic Guild Theater (a 200-seat restored 1915 venue with Guild Record Studios), Underground Books bookstore, and Esther's Park outdoor event space. The 40 Acres Art & Cultural Center is a flagship mixed-use development housing multiple tenants. St. HOPE Development Company manages real estate properties throughout Oak Park. The organization also produces signature events including the annual Oak Park Black Film Festival, Sac BlkLit Book Fest, Juneteenth Block Party, and author speaker series. St. HOPE has contributed over $400 million to the local economy and helped attract and create 20 businesses while generating nearly 300 jobs in the community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Guild Record Studio: Recording studio managed by Guild Theater Director Dru Burks, offering affordably priced recording sessions and membership packages for vocal recording, music production, podcasting, voice overs, mixing and mastering.

Products and services

• St. HOPE Public Schools PreK-12 independent charter school district providing high-quality public education to nearly 2,000 students across PS7 Elementary, PS7 Middle School, and Sacramento Charter High School. Families enroll their scholars in this public charter network.
• PS7 Elementary Charter elementary school serving preK through elementary students in the St. HOPE Public Schools district in Oak Park, Sacramento.
• PS7 Middle School Charter middle school serving students in the St. HOPE Public Schools district.
• Sac High (Sacramento Charter High School) Charter high school serving approximately 2,000 students with 99% of seniors accepted to four-year colleges. Part of St. HOPE Public Schools district and offers college tours and dual enrollment programs.
• St. HOPE Academy The original St. HOPE program founded in 1989 as an afterschool program; provides educational support and enrichment activities for students.
• St. HOPE Development Company The real estate development arm of St. HOPE that revitalizes urban neighborhoods through economic investment. Manages properties including the 40 Acres complex, business complexes, and office spaces in Oak Park and leases commercial space to businesses and nonprofits.
• Guild Theater A 200-seat theater at 2828 35th Street in Sacramento's Oak Park Historic District. Hosts films, comedy shows, author talks, live performances, and the annual Oak Park Black Film Festival. Also offers venue rental for private events.
• Guild Record Studios Professional recording studio at the Guild Theater offering affordably priced recording sessions and membership packages for vocal recording, music production, podcasting, voice overs, mixing and mastering.
• Underground Books Nonprofit independent bookstore at 2814 35th Street serving as the literary hub of Oak Park, Sacramento. One of very few African-American owned bookstores in the nation. Features an extensive children's section, author talks, book clubs, specialty items, greeting cards, calendars, apparel, and coffee products, with online sales at shop.underground-books.com.
• Esther's Park Outdoor event space at 3408 3rd Ave in Oak Park hosting day parties with bar, live DJ, games, and community events. Available for private rentals and community programming with tent areas and food truck accommodations.
• Oak Park Black Film Festival (OPBFF) Annual film festival celebrating African-American stories and history through cinema at the Guild Theater. Features 20+ films across six days with Premiere Pass, Day Passes ($15-$100), and post-reception events.
• Sac BlkLit Book Fest One-day celebration of Black literature, culture, and community featuring author panels, conversations, book signings, and a VIP reception. $25 general admission and $25 VIP tickets available.
• Underground Books Speaker Series Author talk and speaker series at Underground Books and Guild Theater featuring notable authors and cultural figures including Rev. Al Sharpton, Donna Brazile, Walter Mosley, Roland Martin, Byron Pitts, Terry McMillan, Carla Harris, and Nikole Hannah-Jones.
• Juneteenth Block Party @ 40 Acres Annual Juneteenth celebration at the 40 Acres Complex featuring music, food, family-friendly experiences, and community celebration of freedom and culture.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96-99% of Sac High seniors accepted to 4-year universities including HBCUs, UC, CSU, and private institutions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SyscominorGTM or Marketing PartnerFood service company sponsoring the Oak Park Black Film Festival as a commercial sponsor.
• Restaurant TechnologiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOPBFF sponsor providing restaurant technology services.
• Oak Park Business AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business association partnering with and sponsoring Oak Park Black Film Festival events.
• Golden 1 Credit UnionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsoring the Oak Park Black Film Festival as a regional financial institution supporting community events.
• Sacramento Urban LeaguecoreOthersTenant in St. HOPE Business Complex providing workforce development and civil rights services to the community.
• College TrackcoreOthersEducational nonprofit tenant in Education Complex providing college preparation and support services to students.
• SETA Head StartcoreOthersGovernment-funded early childhood education program tenant in St. HOPE Academy Building.
• Valley VisioncoreOthersCommunity development organization tenant in 3400 Third Ave facility, focused on regional community initiatives.
• Asian Chamber of CommercecoreOthersTenant in St. HOPE Business Complex serving Sacramento's Asian business community.
• City YearcoreOthersEducation-focused national service organization tenant providing students support and mentoring services.
• Old Soul CoffeeminorOthersCoffee shop operating at 40 Acres complex within the commercial ecosystem developed by St. HOPE.
• Fixins Soul KitchenminorOthersSoul food restaurant at 40 Acres complex serving the community with family recipes from Oak Park residents. Co-backed by Kevin Johnson.
• Oak Park Brewing CominorOthersBrewery operating at 40 Acres complex as part of St. HOPE's commercial ecosystem.
• World Class Faders BarbershopminorOthersBarbershop at 40 Acres owned by Lonnie Horne, providing grooming services within the commercial complex.
• Celebration ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheater production company presenting performances at Guild Theater. Partnership includes decade-long collaboration for theater productions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program): National preK-12 charter school network focused on college preparation for underserved students. Directly comparable to St. HOPE Public Schools in mission, college-acceptance outcomes, and charter operator scale.
• Green Dot Public Schools: California-based charter management organization operating multiple schools serving predominantly low-income communities of color. Strong peer on the charter school side given shared California operating environment.
• Uncommon Schools: Northeast-based nonprofit charter network operating preK-12 schools with strong college persistence outcomes. Comparable to Sac High's 96-99% college acceptance positioning and preK-12 charter structure.
• Harlem Children's Zone (HCZ): New York-based nonprofit operating a preK-12 charter pipeline plus a wide array of social services in Harlem. Directly comparable to St. HOPE Public Schools' college-prep focus and the broader community-wrapping service model.
• East Lake Foundation: Atlanta-based nonprofit built by a former professional athlete (Tom Cousins) that combines education, housing, and community wellness in a single neighborhood. Closest peer to St. HOPE's integrated school + real estate + community development model.
• Purpose Built Communities: Atlanta-headquartered nonprofit that supports a network of holistic neighborhood revitalization efforts built around a cradle-to-college education pipeline. Direct peer in the integrated education + real estate + community development thesis.
• Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation: Brooklyn-based nonprofit combining education, housing, economic development, and arts/cultural programming in a single neighborhood. Highly comparable to St. HOPE's integrated community ecosystem model in a different geography.

Broad incumbents

• The Community Builders: National nonprofit developer of affordable housing and mixed-use community real estate. Direct peer in the property-led neighborhood revitalization model, with broader geographic reach.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National community development financial institution supporting neighborhood revitalization through real estate, housing, and small business financing. Comparable in the St. HOPE Development Company / commercial-property strategy, though at much larger scale.

Emerging players

• Self-Help Credit Union / Self-Help Ventures Fund: CDFI and nonprofit that combines community development finance, real estate development, and small business lending in underserved neighborhoods. Comparable to St. HOPE Development Company's community-focused real estate and small business incubation role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/sthopeoakpark
• Facebookfacebook.com/StHOPEOakPark
• Instagraminstagram.com/sthopeoakpark
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/st.-hope

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St. HOPE