Fort Washington, Maryland, August 24, 2025
News Summary
Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington, Maryland, has announced its closure just four days before the new school year, affecting approximately 500 students and their families. The decision, attributed to financial difficulties and low enrollment, has left parents and students shocked, particularly those preparing for a crucial transition year. Prince George’s County Public Schools will assist in placing affected students in home schools while reassigning the teaching staff to other district schools.
Fort Washington
Excel Academy Public Charter School, located in Fort Washington, Maryland, has announced its closure just four days before the commencement of the 2025-2026 school year. This sudden decision came on August 21, when the school officially surrendered its charter, leaving nearly 500 students and their families in a state of shock and disappointment.
Parents and students had prepared for the new school year, with many already purchasing uniforms and school supplies. The closure affects students from kindergarten through eighth grade, who were enrolled in a school that specialized in the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program.
Among the parents expressing their dismay is a mother whose eighth-grade son has been at Excel Academy since kindergarten. She discussed the difficulties her son faces transitioning to a new school during his final year before high school. Other concerned parents voiced similar frustrations about the limited time left to find alternative educational arrangements for their children.
Following the school’s closure, the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) stated that teachers from Excel Academy would be reassigned to other district schools. The students are set to be placed into their designated home schools to facilitate a smoother transition. Families will receive additional communications regarding placement details in the coming days.
The closure was attributed to financial difficulties experienced by the SEED/Excel nonprofit, which operated the school. These challenges included a significant shortfall in enrollment numbers, high costs linked to relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and budget changes that have had a disproportionately adverse effect on charter schools. The organization expressed its devastation over the closure and committed to assisting families in finding alternative school placements.
Excel Academy has been part of the community since it was established in 2005. It was renowned for its college-preparatory mission and was one of the earlier charter schools in the county. The abrupt closure has left many former students and parents feeling lost and uncertain about their educational paths.
PGCPS has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the transition for both affected students and staff occurs as smoothly as possible. Efforts will be made to provide support and guidance to those impacted by the sudden decision.
As families grapple with this unexpected news, they await more information from PGCPS about next steps regarding their children’s education.
FAQ
What caused Excel Academy to close?
Excel Academy closed due to financial challenges, including low enrollment, relocation costs during the pandemic, and adverse budget changes impacting charter schools.
What will happen to the students of Excel Academy?
Students from Excel Academy will be placed in their home schools by Prince George’s County Public Schools. The district will provide more information to families about placement details soon.
How many students were at Excel Academy?
Approximately 500 students enrolled in grades kindergarten through eighth grade were affected by the closure.
What kind of programs did Excel Academy offer?
Excel Academy focused on the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program, preparing students for college-level academics.
Who will take care of the teaching staff from Excel Academy?
Teachers from Excel Academy will be reassigned to other district schools following the closure.
Key Features of Excel Academy’s Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Announcement Date | August 21, four days before school starts |
| Number of Students Affected | Approximately 500 |
| Education Program | International Baccalaureate |
| Reason for Closure | Financial challenges, enrollment shortfalls, budget changes |
| Support for Families | Placement in home schools and reassignment of staff |
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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
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