News Summary
Renaissance Academy, a public charter school in Leon County, will shut down at the end of the 2024-2025 school year as Tallahassee Preparatory Academy, a new private institution, prepares to take over the property. The decision follows ongoing issues with underenrollment and financial viability. Tallahassee Preparatory Academy aims to foster advanced learners, accepting students up to grade 9 with rigorous admission requirements set to open in Fall 2025. This transition raises important discussions about the impact of private schools on public education in Florida.
Tallahassee: Renaissance Academy to Close as New Private School Takes Over
Renaissance Academy, a public charter school in Leon County, is set to close its doors at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year. The governing board of Renaissance Academy has signed a lease agreement to transfer the school property to Tallahassee Preparatory Academy, a newly established private school aimed at catering to advanced learners. Construction is underway, with plans for the new institution to commence operations in Fall 2025.
The decision to shut down Renaissance Academy comes from its management company, Charter Schools USA (CSUSA), which cited ongoing issues with underenrollment and financial viability as primary reasons for closing. At the time of the closure announcement, Renaissance Academy had a student enrollment of just 242, and a significant portion of its student body consisted of low-income families and Black students.
According to the most recent performance assessment by the state education department, Renaissance Academy received a grade of C. The closure, as explained by CSUSA’s State Superintendent, was a painful yet essential choice aimed at safeguarding the educational opportunities available to students in Leon County.
Tallahassee Preparatory Academy: Fostering Advanced Learners
Set to open in August 2025, Tallahassee Preparatory Academy plans to initially accept students up to grade 9 and aims to enroll a total of 600 students. Unlike Renaissance Academy, this new school will not be governed by a contract with Leon County Schools as it operates as a private institution. However, prospective students will face rigorous admission requirements, including achieving specific academic benchmarks. Students must score a 4 or higher on the state math exam as well as a 3 or higher on the English language arts exam. Those who do not meet these criteria will have to take an entrance examination to qualify for admission.
While the tuition for attending Tallahassee Preparatory Academy is set at $8,000 annually, students may face additional fees, particularly for younger grades. Notably, this tuition does not encompass some costs related to Advanced Placement (AP) exams or after-school activities. Additionally, the services provided for students with disabilities or those learning English as a second language will be limited at the new private school.
Transition from Renaissance Academy
Leon County Schools Superintendent expressed concern regarding the potential impact of this transition on student accountability and the implications of the state voucher program for public schools. The changes reflect an ongoing scrutiny of school choice policies and the ramifications of private educational institutions on the public school system.
Context of School Closures
The closure of Renaissance Academy and the creation of Tallahassee Preparatory Academy highlight the evolving landscape of education in Florida. With discussions surrounding school choice at the forefront, this situation raises critical questions about access to quality education, the influence of private schools on the public education system, and how future changes in enrollment patterns may affect Leon County schools.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Charter School Closure
- Tallahassee.com: Public and Private Schools Comparison
- WTXL: New Private School to Replace Charter School
- Keys News: Best Private K-12 Schools in Tallahassee
- Stacker: Best Private K-12 Schools in Tallahassee Metro Area
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
