News Summary
Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington has closed just days before the school year begins, affecting nearly 500 students. Parents express dismay as they scramble to find new educational placements. The closure, attributed to financial challenges, raises concerns for families who were prepared for the upcoming academic year. The local school district is working to assist affected students in their transition to new schools.
Fort Washington, Maryland – Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington, Maryland, has announced its closure just four days before the start of the 2025-2026 school year. This unexpected decision has left parents and students in a state of shock and disappointment as they were preparing for the new academic year.
The school officially surrendered its charter on August 21, affecting nearly 500 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. Excel Academy, known for its emphasis on the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program, was established in 2005 and was one of the earliest charter schools in Prince George’s County.
Parents of students expressed their dismay at the abrupt closure, particularly those who had recently purchased school uniforms and supplies. Many families are now faced with the daunting task of finding alternative educational placements for their children just days before the school year begins. For some, like a parent whose eighth-grade son had attended Excel since kindergarten, the challenge is even greater as they prepare to transition into high school.
Marketa Robinson, a mother of three, highlighted her concerns regarding the time constraints for finding new middle and elementary schools before the upcoming Tuesday deadline. Meanwhile, the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has confirmed that teachers from the closed school will be reassigned to other district schools, ensuring continuity in staffing and education. Additionally, students will be placed in their designated home schools, with efforts underway to facilitate a smooth transition for affected families.
The nonprofit organization SEED/Excel, which operated Excel Academy, cited a variety of financial challenges as the reason behind the closure. These included enrollment shortfalls, difficulties associated with the relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and budget changes that disproportionately affected charter schools. The sudden nature of the school’s closure has prompted the organization to express its devastation and commitment to work with families in finding alternative schooling options for their children.
Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph has stated that PGCPS is actively coordinating with families to provide necessary information and support during this transition period. Families can expect further communications regarding the placement details and next steps for their children shortly.
Excel Academy’s focus on a college-preparatory mission made it a unique option for many families in the area. As this closure unfolds, former students and parents have expressed their uncertainty and distress over the sudden disruption to their academic plans.
In summary, Excel Academy’s closure leaves many families grappling with the need for urgent educational reassignment. As parents prepare for the impending school year, local education officials work to provide guidance and support during this unexpected transition.
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Additional Resources
- WUSA9: Excel Academy Closure
- Wikipedia: Charter school
- NBC Washington: Prince George’s Charter School Closure
- Google Search: Excel Academy closure
- Fox 5 DC: Excel Academy Closes Before School Year
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WJLA: Excel Academy Closure Details
- Google News: Prince George’s County school closures
- Washington Post: Excel Academy Closure
- DC News Now: Parents Frustrated by Closure
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
