Fortec's $100M Fund to Transform Early Childhood Education Real Estate

Pablo Barreiro, Chairman of Fortec, a national leader in early childhood education development, has transformed the overlooked real estate sector of early education into one of the most promising asset classes in the country. With over two decades of experience in commercial real estate, Barreiro has led Fortec to complete over $200 million in early education projects. Fortec's mission is to build purpose-driven schools that meet the unique needs of early childhood learning environments, addressing the critical shortage of quality early childhood education facilities. The company recently launched a $100 million fund to develop 50-60 schools across the U.S., targeting underserved communities and partnering with mission-aligned operators. Fortec's approach is designed to deliver schools that are not only code-compliant but also classroom-ready, licensing-optimized, and enrollment-aligned, thereby solving a systemic shortage in early childhood education.

Fortec's strategy involves identifying high-growth, underserved communities and developing facilities that align with the operational, licensing, and learning requirements of early childhood education. The company's proprietary development system ensures that each project is tailored to the specific needs of early childhood education, from zoning and traffic to classroom layouts and vendor needs. With the early childhood education sector at the intersection of demographic demand, public policy momentum, and social impact, Fortec is uniquely positioned to respond to the growing need for high-quality early-learning environments. The company's efforts are not just about financial returns but also about creating real estate that delivers performance and purpose, supporting educators, empowering families, and expanding access to early education.