Major Changes for Schools in Tallahassee

Students playing at a school playground in Tallahassee

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News Summary

Renaissance Academy, a charter school in Tallahassee, will close after the 2024-2025 school year due to low enrollment and financial issues. The school, which serves many low-income students, has struggled despite receiving substantial funding. In its place, Tallahassee Preparatory Academy will open in fall 2025, targeting advanced learners, but will charge tuition and have specific admission criteria. The local educational landscape is shifting, raising concerns about the impact on public schools.

Breaking News in Tallahassee: Changes Ahead for Local Schools!

Big changes are about to unfold in the world of education right here in Tallahassee. Renaissance Academy, a charter school that has been part of the Leon County School District since 2012, is set to close its doors for good at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Why, you ask? Well, the school has been struggling with low enrollment and financial sustainability. It seems the governing board of Renaissance Academy has made the tough decision after signing a lease with a new player on the educational block—Tallahassee Preparatory Academy.

What’s Happening with Renaissance Academy?

Currently, Renaissance Academy is home to about 242 scholars, most of whom come from low-income households. The school received a hefty $1.8 million in tax funding during the last school year, but that hasn’t been enough to keep the school afloat. Classified as a Title I school, it has struggled to attract enough students to remain viable. The school earned a grade of C on the latest state assessment, which doesn’t bode well for its reputation.

In light of these challenges, many parents and staff were informed just last week about the impending closure. There is already a buzz among families as they start looking into other schooling options for their children. Some are eyeing local public schools, hoping to find a new academic home.

A New Beginning: Welcome Tallahassee Preparatory Academy!

So, what’s next for the property located at 4351 Mahan Drive? Enter Tallahassee Preparatory Academy, set to open its doors in the fall of 2025. This new private school is aiming for something a bit different; it’s designed specifically for advanced learners and will initially accept students up to grade 9. It’s also worth noting that the school’s management will come from Discovery Science Schools, located in Orlando, although they are yet to name a principal.

During the transition, operations will be temporarily overseen by someone at Discovery Science Schools until a new principal is appointed. There has been considerable excitement (and a few nervous whispers) as this new academy prepares to fill the educational void in the area.

What’s In Store at Tallahassee Preparatory Academy?

Tallahassee Preparatory Academy is hoping to enroll around 600 students by August. However, parents should be informed that the school will charge tuition, averaging around $8,000 per year, with additional fees for younger students. It’s important to read the fine print, too, as this tuition does not cover services like lunch, AP exams, or extracurricular activities.

Admission to this new academy will also come with some criteria—students will need to show strong academic performance, scoring a minimum of 4 or higher on the math exam and a 3 or higher on the English Language Arts exam. For students who don’t meet these benchmarks, an entrance exam will be required, raising the stakes for potential enrollees.

Concerns and Considerations

While the promise of a new school is exciting, the transition is not without its concerns. The Leon County Schools Superintendent has been vocal about worries surrounding the impact of private schools on public education. There’s a larger discussion at play regarding educational funding and accountability, particularly related to state voucher programs that some argue siphon funds away from traditional public schools.

As the local education landscape shifts, both teachers and students from Renaissance Academy are on the lookout for new opportunities. The conversation about the future of education in Tallahassee has begun, and it looks like it’s going to be an intriguing ride!