Community members come together to advocate for students affected by the recent school closure.
University Preparatory Academy in West Palm Beach has announced its immediate closure before the start of the upcoming school year, affecting over 300 families. The decision stems from poor academic performance, with the school receiving consistently low grades. Parents are left to scramble for alternative educational options as they were notified just weeks ahead of school reopening. The local school district is offering assistance to help families transition to nearby schools amidst this abrupt change.
West Palm Beach, FL – University Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in West Palm Beach, has announced its immediate closure, which will take effect before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The decision was communicated just weeks before the scheduled return to school on August 11, leaving more than 300 families searching for alternative educational options.
The school, established in 2015, had an enrollment of approximately 170 students at the time of closure. The decision to shut down was based on poor academic performance, with the school receiving grades below a “C” for three consecutive years. Specifically, the school received a grade of D in 2022-2023, an F in 2023-2024, and a D in 2024-2025. These grades prompted officials to reconsider its operation as an ongoing educational institution.
Parents were informed of the decision through a Facebook post and an email from Principal Dr. Mike Hill dated July 14. According to the communication, the closure was made after evaluating all possible alternatives but ultimately determined to be the necessary course of action.
Local parents expressed deep disappointment and concern regarding the sudden nature of the closure, which occurred mere weeks before the new school year. One parent described the school as like family for her daughter, emphasizing the positive relationships with teachers and the community they built. The daughter, Luisita Cruz, has attended University Preparatory Academy since kindergarten and has been actively involved in charitable donations and school activities.
Another parent highlighted the over 300 families affected by the closure, many of whom have multiple children enrolled at the school. The short notice has caused families to scramble to find new educational placements for their children. Some parents reported having already purchased school supplies and uniforms, incurring expenses that now cannot be recovered. For instance, one parent mentioned having spent about $300 on uniforms.
Following the closure, students such as Cruz are expected to transition to nearby schools. Cruz will be enrolling at Inlet Grove Middle and High School in Riviera Beach and plans to continue her philanthropic efforts by donating collected supplies to her new school community.
The Palm Beach County School District stated it is prepared to assist families impacted by the closure, guiding them toward other available schools within the district’s network. The district emphasized its commitment to supporting students during this transition.
The Florida Charter School Alliance noted that there are 11 nearby public schools in the area where students can enroll before the upcoming school year begins. Educational authorities recommend that families begin the enrollment process as soon as possible to secure placements in suitable programs.
University Preparatory Academy has been operating for nearly a decade, providing publicly funded education in West Palm Beach. Its closure highlights ongoing challenges related to student performance metrics and accountability standards for charter schools. While the school’s grades reflect academic issues, the sudden shutdown underscores the importance of timely communication and planning for families affected by such decisions.
This event underscores the need for families to stay informed about school performance and to have contingency plans in place in case of unexpected closures. Support systems and alternative schooling options are critical to ensure educational continuity during these periods.
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