Crete Academy Appeals Charter Renewal Denial

Students at Crete Academy engaged in collaborative learning.

News Summary

Crete Academy, a charter school in South Los Angeles, is appealing the LAUSD’s decision to deny its charter renewal due to low academic performance concerns. The school serves mainly low-income and unhoused students, emphasizing the importance of addressing students’ emotional and physical needs to improve educational outcomes. The appeal process is underway, with potential further appeals available if necessary. This situation highlights the challenges faced by charter schools serving vulnerable populations.

Los Angeles, CA

Crete Academy, a charter school located in South Los Angeles, is appealing the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)‘s decision to deny its charter renewal due to concerns regarding its low academic performance. The school, which serves primarily low-income and unhoused students, has claimed a demographic that includes 98% socioeconomically disadvantaged students and 30% of students who are unhoused, with 70% identifying as African-American.

The LAUSD voted against renewing Crete Academy’s charter in January 2024. The district cited California Education Code sections 47605 and 47607.2, which classify the school as a low-performing charter. According to LAUSD officials, the school’s petition for renewal did not meet the necessary criteria for approval, and they indicated that the institution was unlikely to implement its educational program successfully.

Key Services Offered

Crete Academy has an enrollment of 280 students and provides a variety of critical services tailored to its unique student demographic. Among the essential services are:

On-site mental health specialists: The school employs 20 mental health professionals who are present daily across two campuses to address the emotional and psychological needs of students.
Monthly medical checkups: In collaboration with UCLA, Crete Academy offers monthly health services to families, ensuring access to basic healthcare.
Laundry facilities: The school provides access to washers and dryers at both campuses to help families manage their everyday needs.
Transportation services: Transportation options are available for families to ensure students can attend school without barriers.

School’s Acknowledgment of Academic Performance

Brett Mitchell, the executive director and co-founder of Crete Academy, has acknowledged the school’s struggles with academic performance. However, he emphasized the institution’s dedication to addressing the children’s basic needs as a foundation for potential improvements in educational outcomes. The belief is that by focusing on physical and emotional well-being, the school can gradually enhance its academic performance.

Appeal Process and Future Steps

The timeline for when the LA County Board of Education will make a decision on Crete Academy’s appeal remains uncertain. In the event that the board upholds the LAUSD’s decision to deny the charter renewal, Crete Academy retains the option to further appeal to state authorities. This next level of appeal could potentially offer another opportunity for the charter school to continue its operations and efforts to improve educational outcomes for its students.

Context and Background Information

Crete Academy has operated under a charter system that allows it autonomy in terms of curriculum and operations in exchange for accountability regarding academic performance. Charter schools like Crete Academy are intended to provide innovative educational environments that can cater to the needs of specific communities. However, when performance concerns arise, as has been the case with Crete Academy, the consequences can lead to renewal denials that threaten their continued operations.

The case of Crete Academy exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by charter schools, especially those serving vulnerable populations in economically disadvantaged areas. Stakeholders, including parents and educators, continue to advocate for the importance of such educational institutions in providing vital services beyond just academic instruction.