University Preparatory Academy closure impacts families

News Summary

University Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in West Palm Beach, is closing its doors due to poor academic performance, affecting over 300 families. This decision comes just weeks before the new school year starts, leaving parents scrambling for alternative educational options. The school’s persistent struggle with low grades ultimately led to its closure, as parents voice their frustration and sadness about the abrupt announcement. The Palm Beach County School District will assist affected families in finding new schools for their children.

West Palm Beach – University Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in West Palm Beach, has announced its abrupt closure, impacting over 300 families just weeks before the new school year begins on August 11. The closure will take effect at the end of the current school year, and the school will not reopen for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The decision follows the school’s persistent struggle with poor academic performance. University Preparatory Academy received grades below a “C” for three consecutive years, with a grade of D in 2022-2023, an F in 2023-2024, and another D in 2024-2025. These declining grades were significant factors leading to the decision to close the institution.

Parents received notification of the closure via an email from Principal Dr. Mike Hill and a post on social media on July 14. In his message, Hill stated that all possible alternatives to closure were considered before making the final decision.

The sudden announcement has left many parents feeling devastated and frustrated, particularly due to the timing so close to the start of the school year. Emily Vasquez, a parent of a student who has attended University Preparatory since kindergarten, expressed deep sadness over the closure, describing the school as a family for her daughter. Many parents echoed her sentiments, highlighting the personal and emotional toll of the school’s decision.

Tiffany Bassett, another parent, emphasized that over 300 families are now facing the urgent challenge of finding new educational options for their children, many of whom are enrolled in the school. Bassett had already invested about $300 in uniforms for her children that she cannot return because of the school’s closure. The distress felt by parents is compounded by the lack of advance notice, leaving them scrambling to find suitable alternatives.

In light of the closure, students are now required to seek new schools for the upcoming academic year. For many, relocating to a new school involves not only academic adjustments but also emotional and social changes. One student, who has been recognized for her charitable initiatives, plans to transition to Inlet Grove Middle and High School in Riviera Beach and continue her efforts to donate supplies to her new institution.

To address the needs of the displaced students, the Palm Beach County School District has stated its commitment to assist affected families by providing guidance on available schools in the area. Furthermore, the Florida Charter School Alliance has mentioned that there are 11 nearby public schools where students can enroll prior to the start of the school year.

University Preparatory Academy, founded in 2015, had an enrollment of 170 students at the time of its closure. As the academic landscape continues to change, the effects of this unexpected closure will likely be felt in the community for some time. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to school district officials to explore available options for their children’s education as they navigate this transition.

University Preparatory Academy Shuts Down in West Palm Beach

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Author: HERE LOS ANGELES