News Summary
University Preparatory Academy in West Palm Beach has announced its closure just weeks before the new school year, affecting over 300 families. The decision follows years of poor academic performance, resulting in a lack of options for parents and students. The Palm Beach County School District is working to assist those impacted by guiding them toward alternative schooling options in the area.
West Palm Beach Charter School Closes Abruptly, Leaving Over 300 Families Without Options
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — University Preparatory Academy, a public charter school located in West Palm Beach, has announced that it will not reopen for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The decision comes just weeks before classes are set to resume, leaving more than 300 families facing sudden education changes.
Immediate Closure and Notification
The school, founded in 2015, confirmed its closure through a statement shared on social media and via email from Principal Dr. Mike Hill on July 14. The message indicated that the school would close at the end of this academic year after evaluating its performance and considering all possible alternatives. This decision was finalized due to the school’s continued academic struggles over recent years.
Academic Performance and Reasons for Closure
University Preparatory Academy received academic grades below a “C” for three straight years, indicating persistent challenges in providing quality education. Specifically, the school earned a D grade in 2022-2023, an F in 2023-2024, and a D in 2024-2025. These grades reflect ongoing issues with student performance, which led district officials and school administrators to conclude that closure was the most appropriate option.
Impact on Families and Community Reactions
The impending closure has caused significant concern among parents and guardians who learned of the decision only shortly before the start of the new school year. Many expressed feelings of frustration and sadness, as they were unprepared for such a sudden change. Over 300 families are affected, with multiple children enrolled at the school, compounding the disruption.
One parent, Emily Vasquez, shared her disappointment, emphasizing how close-knit the school community was and describing UPA as a family. She highlighted the positive influence of caring teachers and noted her daughter, Luisita Cruz, had been enrolled since kindergarten. Cruz is known for her acts of generosity, including donations of toys to fund school supplies for classmates.
Another parent, Tiffany Bassett, described her devastation over the abrupt closure. She reported having spent approximately $300 on uniforms for her children, which she now cannot return. She mentioned the urgent need to find new schools for her children before the school year begins.
Next Steps for Affected Students
Following the closure announcement, students like Cruz will transfer to new schools. Cruz has been accepted at Inlet Grove Middle and High School in Riviera Beach. She plans to continue her charitable efforts by donating supplies collected at her new school, maintaining her commitment to community service despite the transition.
Support from Local Authorities and Nearby Schools
The Palm Beach County School District stated it is prepared to support families impacted by the closure. District officials are actively guiding affected students toward available school options to minimize disruption.
Furthermore, the Florida Charter School Alliance has noted that there are 11 public schools in the vicinity where students can enroll before the start of the new school year. These options aim to provide prompt solutions for displaced students and their families.
Background and Broader Context
University Preparatory Academy served the West Palm Beach community for nearly a decade, fostering a focus on college preparation and academic achievement. Despite these efforts, the school’s continued performance issues ultimately led to its closure. The decision underscores ongoing challenges within the charter school sector, where maintaining high academic standards remains a concern for some institutions.
Families affected by the closure now face the immediate challenge of securing new educational placements for their children amid a short time frame, highlighting the importance of district and state support systems in managing school closures and ensuring continued access to quality education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, 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 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
