News Summary
Excel Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington, Maryland, unexpectedly announced its closure four days before the new school year, impacting nearly 500 students and their families. The school’s management cited financial difficulties and low enrollment as key reasons for the closure. Parents and students are facing challenges in finding new schools and adjusting to this sudden change. In response, local school officials are working to reassign teachers and facilitate smooth transitions for affected students. The unexpected decision has raised concerns about the stability of charter schools amid changing educational dynamics.
Fort Washington, Maryland – Excel Academy Public Charter School, located in Prince George’s County, has announced its closure only four days before the commencement of the 2025-2026 school year. This sudden decision has left nearly 500 students and their families shocked and disappointed, as they were preparing for a return to the classroom.
The school surrendered its charter on August 21, which has sent ripple effects through the community. Parents had recently purchased school uniforms and supplies, expecting their children to continue their education at Excel Academy, which is known for its rigorous International Baccalaureate program focused on academic excellence.
Families have expressed deep concern and frustration. One mother, whose eighth-grade son has attended Excel since kindergarten, raised the issue of transitioning to a new school amidst critical last-minute preparations before high school. Another parent voiced worries about the looming deadline to find new schools for her children, who are in middle and elementary grades.
In response to the closure, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) confirmed that teachers from Excel Academy would be reassigned to other district schools. Students will be placed into their designated home schools, aimed at ensuring minimal disruption to their education.
The SEED/Excel nonprofit organization, which operated the school, cited a combination of challenges leading to this decision. Key factors included financial difficulties stemming from an insufficient enrollment number, costs linked to relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic, and adverse budget changes that have disproportionately affected charter schools.
Leadership from SEED/Excel expressed regret over the abrupt closure and committed to working with affected families to identify alternative educational placements for their children. This has had a significant impact on both current students and staff who were part of the community for many years, contributing to the school’s mission since its inception in 2005.
Excel Academy was one of the earliest charter schools established in Prince George’s County, emphasizing a pathway toward higher education through its college-preparatory curriculum. Its closure marks a substantial change for families who have relied on its specialized education model.
Alumni and parents of former students have expressed their own uncertainty and distress regarding the sudden announcement, underscoring the deep connections that families have built within the Excel Academy community. The disappointment is palpable as parents grapple with the implications of having to make new arrangements for their children in a limited time frame.
PGCPS has announced that further communications will be sent to families to clarify placement details and outline next steps for affected students. School officials stated that they will make concerted efforts to ensure a smooth transition for both families and staff who are impacted by the sudden closure of Excel Academy.
This unexpected turn of events highlights the vulnerabilities faced by charter schools amidst financial strains and changing educational landscapes, leaving many in the community hoping for resolution as the school year approaches.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, 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 Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
