Families are left uncertain and anxious following the abrupt closure of Excel Academy.
Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington has announced its closure just days before the new academic year begins, leaving nearly 500 students and their families in distress. With many already equipped for the school year, parents are scrambling for alternative schooling options as Prince George’s County Public Schools prepares for student placements in local schools. The nonprofit organization operating the school cites financial challenges, including enrollment shortfalls and budget changes, as reasons for this sudden decision.
Fort Washington, Maryland — Excel Academy Public Charter School, which serves students in Prince George’s County, announced its immediate closure just four days before the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year. The decision to surrender its charter was officially made on August 21, leaving many families unprepared and distressed as they prepare for the season ahead.
The sudden surrender of the charter has caught nearly 500 students, ranging from kindergarten through eighth grade, in a state of shock. The school, known for its focus on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program—a globally recognized college-preparatory curriculum—was a significant educational choice for many families in the community. The closure left parents scrambling for alternative schooling options, many of whom had recently purchased uniforms and made other preparations for the upcoming school year.
Parents expressed feelings of disappointment and concern, highlighting the abruptness of the closure and its impact on their children’s education. One parent shared that her son, an eighth-grader who had attended Excel Academy since kindergarten, now faces the challenge of transitioning to a different school during his final year before high school. Another parent noted the difficulty in finding and enrolling children into new schools on short notice, with some indicating they would need to secure placements by the upcoming Tuesday.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), the district overseeing local education, confirmed that teachers from Excel Academy will be reassigned to other district schools. Meanwhile, students are expected to be placed in their designated home schools. The district has promised to communicate further details on student placements and will assist families in navigating the transition process.
The SEED/Excel nonprofit organization that operated Excel Academy attributed the closure to several financial challenges. These included enrollment shortfalls, the costs associated with relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent budget changes that disproportionately impacted charter schools. These financial difficulties ultimately led to the decision to cease operations after nearly two decades of service.
Lisa Butler McDougal, a representative from SEED/Excel, expressed devastation over the sudden closure and assured families that the organization would work to find alternative educational placements for affected students. Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph emphasized that district leaders are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and providing support to families and staff members affected by the closure.
Established in 2005, Excel Academy was among the earliest charter schools in Prince George’s County. It was recognized for its rigorous academic standards and focus on preparing students for college. The school’s closure has elicited concern and uncertainty among former students and parents who appreciated its educational approach and community presence.
Families impacted by the closure will receive additional guidance and communication from PGCPS regarding the placement of their children into new schools. District officials have committed to supporting these families through the transition period and addressing any issues arising from the unexpected shutdown.
The sudden closure of Excel Academy Public Charter School underscores the financial vulnerabilities and challenges facing some charter institutions, especially amid ongoing budget adjustments and pandemic-related disruptions. School officials and community members are now focused on ensuring students’ educational needs are met despite this unexpected change.
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