DC parents frantically search for new schools after Eagle Academy Public Charter School closes

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Just days before the first day of school in D.C., a public charter school in Southeast is closing its doors.

This comes after years of financial mismanagement and declining enrollment at Eagle Academy Puclid Charter School in Congress Heights. Despite the school’s issues, parents are shocked at the decision to close.

More than 300 kids’ families need to find a new school and, of course, staff need to find new jobs.

“I’m devastated. I mean, trying to locate another school for my child to go to,” said Laquanda Russell.

Russell is not only a parent of a student but lost her job as a special education dedicated instructional aide.

“I feel like, you know, blindsided by a lot of things that happened, the decisions that were made in regards to the financial mismanagement. And we were basically put at fault for something we didn’t have no part to play in it,” Russell said.

Parents are left scrambling after getting short notice of the closure.

“What we going to do? School’s Monday. Where are the kids going to go?” said Cecelia Ginyard.

On Monday, the D.C. Public Charter School Board rejected a proposal for Friendship Public Charter School to take over and operate Eagle Academy.

The board’s executive director announced plans to revoke Eagle Academy’s charter.

But late Tuesday, the Eagle Academy Public Charter School Board announced it relinquished its charter, meaning Eagle Academy will close.

Debbie Cozier, a nurse for 19 years at Eagle Academy, is devastated.

“I loved my job. I loved coming here. I don’t know what it’s going to feel like Monday morning, after 19 years of giving,” Cozier said.

Enrollment fairs are happening at both Eagle Academy locations through the end of the week where the District will work with affected families to ensure placements for their children, including at their by-right neighborhood school.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education said the following:

“If families show up to their by-right school on Monday morning, they will get a seat. Other schools with open seats will also be present at this week’s fairs. Our dual-sector system strengthens what the District offers to families, but stability and reliability are critical. Going forward, the District is committed to working with the Public Charter School Board to ensure no family faces changes to their charter enrollment as they prepare to begin the new school year. Most importantly and immediately, we will work with partners across our education system to support the families of Eagle Academy PCS to transition schools and begin the 2024-2025 school year.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.