News Summary
University Preparatory Academy in West Palm Beach has announced its closure, affecting over 300 families just weeks before the new school year. The decision follows a series of poor academic performances, resulting in a final grade of F. Parents are left scrambling for new educational options, with many expressing frustration over the abrupt announcement. The Palm Beach County School District is offering assistance to help families transition to nearby schools, while the Florida Charter School Alliance notes there are public school alternatives available.
West Palm Beach – University Preparatory Academy, a public charter school in West Palm Beach, has announced its closure, leaving over 300 families seeking new educational options for their children just weeks before the start of the new school year on August 11. The decision was made due to the school’s prolonged poor performance, receiving grades below a “C” for three consecutive years, culminating in an F for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The official announcement regarding the closure was communicated to parents through a Facebook post and an email sent by Principal Dr. Mike Hill on July 14. In the message, it was stated that the closure was final and had been made after considering all possible alternatives. At the time of its closure, the school had an enrollment of 170 students.
Many parents expressed feelings of devastation and frustration due to the sudden nature of the news. They voiced concerns about having only a short time to secure new schooling for their children. This immediate need adds urgency to their search for alternatives, especially given many families had already incurred costs such as purchasing uniforms. For instance, one parent reported spending approximately $300 on uniforms that cannot be returned now that the school is closing.
As a result of the abrupt decision, affected families are now looking for suitable education solutions. The Palm Beach County School District has stated it is prepared to assist students and families by directing them to available schools in the area. Additionally, the Florida Charter School Alliance noted that there are 11 nearby public schools where displaced students can enroll before the upcoming school year begins.
University Preparatory Academy was founded in 2015 to offer a public charter school choice but has struggled academically since then. The school received a D grade for the 2022-2023 academic year, followed by an F in 2023-2024, and a D grade once more in 2024-2025. These grades reflect ongoing issues in meeting the educational standards set by state assessments.
The impact of the closure has been profoundly felt among parents. One parent recounted how they considered UPA to be a familial community for their child, who had attended since kindergarten. The school was noted for its supportive environment, including teachers who invested significant time and care in their students, fostering a sense of family and connection among the school community.
Even amidst the disruption, some students are looking to continue contributing positively to their new schools. One student, who made headlines in the past for donating toys to buy school supplies, plans to carry on these charitable efforts at Inlet Grove Middle and High School in Riviera Beach, her new institution.
Overall, the closure of University Preparatory Academy adds to the challenges faced by many families in West Palm Beach as they work to find suitable educational options for their children. The local school district and charter school organizations are stepping in to provide resources and assistance during this difficult transition.
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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
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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.
