News Summary
Renaissance Academy in Tallahassee will close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, making way for the Tallahassee Preparatory Academy. The new private school, set to open in 2025, will cater to advanced learners and has raised concerns about its impact on local public education. As many students from Renaissance Academy transition, the future of education in Leon County is shifting significantly.
Tallahassee, FL – Renaissance Academy, a public charter school located in Leon County, is set to close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, paving the way for a new private school to take its place. The governing body of Renaissance Academy, Charter Schools USA, has finalized a lease agreement with Tallahassee Preparatory Academy (TPA), which is scheduled to open its doors in time for the upcoming 2025 academic year.
The closure of Renaissance Academy follows years of financial strain and underenrollment, which have ultimately rendered the school’s operations unsustainable. The Academy, which has seen a reduction in its student enrollment, currently hosts approximately 242 students. This demographic largely consists of low-income backgrounds and Black students. Despite receiving $1.8 million in tax funding for the current academic year, the school’s recent performance has prompted concerns about its viability.
With its recent C grade in the state assessment, Renaissance Academy has struggled to meet educational standards, leading to the decision by Charter Schools USA’s State Superintendent for the school to permanently shut its doors. The new Tallahassee Preparatory Academy will step in, offering an alternative for families seeking a private education option in the area.
Initially, TPA will accept students through grade 9, focusing particularly on “advanced learners.” Managed by Discovery Science Schools (DSS), TPA aims to enroll approximately 600 students by August. Prospective students will face admission criteria, including a requirement to achieve a score of 4 or higher on the state math exam and a score of 3 or above on the English Language Arts exam. Those who do not meet these benchmarks will have to take an entrance examination to qualify for enrollment.
Annual tuition costs for TPA are projected to average around $8,000, in addition to various fees based on grade levels. It is important to note that TPA intends to offer limited services for students with disabilities or those learning English, as the school’s focus is aimed primarily at STEM and advanced studies.
Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of TPA’s opening on public education in the area. Leon County Schools Superintendent has expressed worries about the potential for the new private institution to selectively enroll students, potentially undermining the existing public school system. This sentiment reflects a wider conversation about access and equity in education amid a shifting landscape of schooling options available to families.
The transition for Renaissance Academy staff and students looks promising, as teachers have been encouraged to apply for positions either at TPA or within local public schools. Public school officials have also shown a willingness to welcome any transitioning students from Renaissance Academy, who may wish to continue their education within their established system.
The future of Renaissance Academy and the establishment of TPA represent significant changes in the Tallahassee educational landscape. The closure of one institution and the introduction of another will undoubtedly affect the students, families, and educators involved, creating a new dynamic in the community’s approach to education.
In summary, the closure of Renaissance Academy at the end of the 2024-2025 school year sets the stage for Tallahassee Preparatory Academy to emerge as a new educational option in the area. With plans in place for a focus on advanced learners, TPA will introduce a private learning environment that contrasts sharply with its predecessor, raising questions about the broader implications for public education in Leon County.
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Additional Resources
- Pasco News Online
- Wikipedia: Education in Florida
- Action News Jax
- Google Search: Tallahassee Preparatory Academy
- WTXL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Private School
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.
