News Summary
The University Preparatory Academy in West Palm Beach has announced its unexpected closure, impacting over 300 families just weeks before the new school year starts. Established in 2015, the school faced ongoing academic challenges, resulting in its decision to shut down. Parents, caught off guard, are now racing to find alternative educational options for their children as the Palm Beach County School District works to assist families in the transition. The sudden closure emphasizes the need for community support during this difficult time.
West Palm Beach
The University Preparatory Academy (UPA), a public charter school in West Palm Beach, has announced its abrupt closure, leaving over 300 families without educational options for the upcoming school year. The closure will take effect before the 2025-2026 year, with a last-minute notification issued just weeks before classes are set to begin on August 11.
Established in 2015, UPA had an enrollment of 170 students at the time of its closure. The school’s decision to shut down was primarily influenced by consistent poor academic performance, as indicated by its grades over the past three years. UPA received a grade of D in the 2022-2023 academic year, followed by an F in 2023-2024, and returned to D in 2024-2025, all well below the expected grade of C.
Parents of UPA students received the closure announcement through a Facebook post and an email message from Principal Dr. Mike Hill, dated July 14. The communication noted that after evaluating all alternatives, the decision was made to close the school.
Impact on Families
The closure has left many families scrambling for alternative educational arrangements just weeks before the school year begins. Emily Vasquez, a parent of a student who has attended UPA since kindergarten, expressed her heartbreak over the closing of a school she regarded as family. Vasquez highlighted the caring environment provided by the school’s teachers and the positive impact they had on her daughter, Luisita Cruz, who previously made headlines for her charitable efforts.
Another parent, Tiffany Bassett, articulated the devastation felt among families affected by the closure. Many families, including Bassett’s, have multiple children enrolled at UPA, contributing to the urgent need for immediate solutions as the new school year approaches. Bassett, specifically, noted that she had spent approximately $300 on school uniforms that are now unusable due to the closure.
Next Steps for Students
In light of the sudden closure, the Palm Beach County School District has pledged to support affected students and families by helping them find available schools. The district is prepared to guide families through the transition, ensuring that students can enroll in new educational settings without significant delays.
Additionally, the Florida Charter School Alliance has reported that there are 11 public schools located nearby where students can enroll before the upcoming school year starts. Parents are expected to take action quickly to secure new educational options for their children, given the limited time available.
As for Luisita Cruz, she has already identified her next step by planning to transition to Inlet Grove Middle and High School in Riviera Beach. Cruz has expressed a desire to continue her charitable activities by donating supplies collected for her new school, demonstrating her resilience in the face of this sudden change.
Conclusion
The abrupt closure of University Preparatory Academy represents a significant disruption for more than 300 families in West Palm Beach. With just weeks to find alternative educational solutions, the situation has emphasized the urgent need for communication and assistance from the school district. As families navigate this unexpected change, community support will play a critical role in helping these students transition to new schools smoothly.
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Additional Resources
- WPBF: Florida Charter School Closure
- Google Search: Florida Charter School Closure
- CBS 12: Charter School Closure
- Google Scholar: Charter School Closures
- Hoodline: University Preparatory Academy Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charter Schools
- WPBF: West Palm Beach Charter School Closure
- Google News: West Palm Beach Charter School
- Palm Beach Post: Family Sues Charter School
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.
