News Summary
Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington, Maryland, has announced its closure just days before the new school year begins, affecting nearly 500 students. The school is surrendering its charter, leaving families scrambling for new educational placements. Parents express frustration over the abrupt decision, citing emotional impacts as students face uncertain transitions. The SEED/Excel nonprofit cites financial difficulties as the main reason for the closure, while Prince George’s County Public Schools is working to find new placements for affected students and staff.
Fort Washington, Maryland – Excel Academy Public Charter School has announced its closure just four days before the start of the 2025-2026 school year, impacting nearly 500 students enrolled from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school’s abrupt decision to surrender its charter on August 21 has left families frustrated and scrambling to secure new educational options for their children.
The announcement of the closure has caused a wave of disappointment among parents and students who were ready to return to school. Many families had already invested in school uniforms and supplies, making the news even more jarring. Parents are expressing shock and sadness over the sudden change, particularly those whose children have built lasting connections at the school. One parent indicated that her eighth-grade son, who has been at Excel since kindergarten, now faces the uncertain task of transitioning to a new school in his final year before high school.
With the start of the school year approaching, parents are concerned about finding new placements for their children. One mother of three voiced her worries about securing appropriate middle and elementary school options for her kids by the upcoming Tuesday deadline.
The Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has confirmed that the teaching staff from Excel Academy will be reassigned to other schools within the district. The administration is also working to ensure that students are placed in their designated home schools. Efforts are ongoing to provide a smooth transition for affected families and staff, as indicated by the Interim Superintendent.
The SEED/Excel nonprofit, which operated the school, has cited financial difficulties as the primary reason for the closure. Factors contributing to this decision include a decline in student enrollment, high costs associated with relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and budget changes that have disproportionately affected charter institutions. The leadership of SEED/Excel expressed deep regret over the sudden closure and has pledged to assist families in finding alternative school placements.
Excel Academy was established in 2005, making it one of the earliest charter schools in Prince George’s County. It was known for its focus on a college-preparatory curriculum, particularly emphasizing the academically challenging International Baccalaureate program. The school aimed to provide robust educational opportunities for its students, setting high academic standards and preparing them for future academic success.
The sudden closure has left many former students and parents feeling uncertain about the future. As families come to terms with the situation, the PGCPS has promised to communicate further details regarding educational placements and the next steps for the students impacted by the closure.
The disruption caused by this unexpected announcement has brought significant stress to the Excel Academy community. With just days before what was anticipated to be the start of a new school year, parents are now faced with the daunting task of navigating the transition to new educational settings. The school community, which had supported students for years, must now adapt as they search for solutions that meet the needs of their children.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delay in Start of School Year Due to Union Negotiations
Heavy Rain Disrupts Local High School Football Games
Sonoma Valley School District Votes to Close Flowery Elementary
Philadelphia School Board Addresses Transportation Challenges
Evadale ISD Cancels Classes Due to Electrical Problems
Irion County ISD Cancels Activities Due to Waterline Issue
Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat
Denver Public Schools Close 13 Schools Due to Extreme Heat
Top Chicago High Schools Ranked Among Nation’s Best
Kyrene de la Sierra Elementary School Closure
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
