Premier Arts and Science Charter School in Harrisburg Shuts Down for the 2024-25 School Year

In a shocking announcement, Premier Arts and Science Charter School in Harrisburg has decided not to reopen for the 2024-25 school year. This decision was made after the school chose not to oppose charter non-renewal proceedings issued by the Harrisburg School District.

During a renewal evaluation period, the district found several issues with the school, including academic underperformance, low staff retention, and non-compliant programs. The school’s board of directors voted to cease opposition to the proceedings and begin the dissolution process immediately. This decision was made in the best interest of families, who will now have to find a new school for the upcoming school year.

Premier Arts and Science Charter School must now follow a “winding down” process as per Pennsylvania Charter School Law. This includes creating transition teams to help students and staff find new placements. The school’s office hours will remain the same, and summer programs will continue as scheduled.

This is not the first time that the district has initiated non-renewal proceedings against Premier. The first time was in 2018, but an agreement was reached to renew the school’s charter with certain conditions. As the school begins the closure process, its officials are committed to supporting students’ social-emotional health and wellness during this transition period.

The closure of Premier Arts and Science Charter School is a significant loss for Harrisburg’s educational community. However, families should take comfort in knowing that there are other schools available that can provide their children with a quality education.

In conclusion, Premier Arts and Science Charter School’s decision not to reopen for the 2024-25 school year comes as a result of issues found during a renewal evaluation period conducted by Harrisburg School District. The district had found several issues with academic performance, low staff retention rates, and non-compliant programs during this evaluation period. After reviewing these issues carefully, Premier Arts and Science Charter School has decided not to oppose non-renewal proceedings issued by Harrisburg School District.

As part of Pennsylvania Charter School Law, Premier Arts and Science Charter School must now follow a “winding down” process that includes creating transition teams to help students find new placements while maintaining office hours and summer programs as scheduled.

Families are encouraged to explore other schools in Harrisburg that can provide their children with quality education opportunities during this transition period.

Overall, it is crucial for families to prioritize their children’s social-emotional health and wellness during this challenging time while exploring other educational options available in Harrisburg area schools.