A charter school in Washington D.C. that started in 2003 and was known for its services to students with disabilities closed suddenly, giving little notice to students, teachers, and parents.
The school had been struggling financially for some time, with a decrease in enrollment. However, the abrupt closure took everyone by surprise.
The Network for Public Education recently released a report titled “Doomed to Fail” which highlighted the high rate of charter school closures. Unfortunately, parents cannot be certain that the charter school they select will remain open for an extended period of time.
The Washington Post reported that on the day Eagle Academy shut down, teachers were setting up classrooms and preparing for the new school year. Despite rumors of financial issues, the school leaders had assured families of a plan for another charter school to take over Eagle’s campuses. However, the D.C. Public Charter School Board blocked the plan, resulting in the unexpected closure of Eagle Academy just days before the new school year.
Eagle Academy had been struggling financially for years, relying on credit cards at times to stay operational. Despite receiving emergency funding during the pandemic, the school made budgeting errors and failed to attract more students as promised.
Public records and interviews revealed that both the city and Eagle’s board were unaware of the school’s dire financial situation, raising questions about whether more could have been done to prevent the closure or facilitate a smoother transition for families. The city’s charter school board announced a review of its oversight practices in light of the situation.
Founded in 2003 by Cassandra S. Pinkney and Joe Smith, Eagle Academy aimed to provide a quality education for Black children from underserved communities, including those with special education needs. The school initially focused on early childhood education and later expanded to include students up to the third grade.
Declining enrollment and financial challenges ultimately led to the downfall of Eagle Academy. The school’s higher-than-average spending per student, coupled with a high percentage of students from low-income households and children with disabilities, strained its finances.
In conclusion, Eagle Academy’s closure serves as a reminder of the financial instability faced by many charter schools, impacting students, teachers, and families alike.