Six charter schools in Minn. shutting down
Six charter schools across Minnesota have closed in recent weeks -- the largest number of closings in a decade.
The closings include Long Tieng Academy in St. Paul; Richard Allen Math and Science and Prestige Academys in Minneapolis; and Studio Academy in Rochester. Low enrollment and finances are among the reasons cited for the closures.
Lake Superior High in Duluth and Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy also closed last week, after the state Department of Education refused to grant them new sponsors.
The state has moved to close a seventh school, BlueSky Online, but those proceedings are on hold, and the school remains open.
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The actions represent the largest number of closings since 2001, when seven charter schools shut their doors.
More than 900 students attended the six charter schools this year. State officials say their resources to help families find a new school won't be available until after the state government shutdown is over.
LIST OF CLOSED CHARTER SCHOOLS
• Lake Superior High School, Duluth; 93 students
• Long Tieng Academy, St. Paul; 102 students
• Prestige Academy, Minneapolis; 68 students
• Richard Allen Math & Science Academy, Minneapolis; 49 students
• Studio Academy, Rochester; 89 students
• Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy, Inver Grove Heights; 521 students