EPIC Academy, a charter high school on Chicago's South Side, is preparing for closure due to severe financial strain caused by a sharp decline in student enrollment. The school's board made the difficult decision, which could see the institution shut its doors before the end of the current academic year.
Students and staff attended a recent board meeting to advocate for the school, but financial realities have forced leadership to pursue a closure plan. The final timeline will be determined in coordination with Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Key Takeaways
- EPIC Academy, a South Chicago charter school, is on a path to closure due to financial unsustainability.
- Student enrollment has fallen by more than 53% over the last five years, from 520 students to just 242.
- The school has already invested $1.6 million in a new facility project that is now in jeopardy.
- Chicago Public Schools will be involved in determining the final closure date and transition plan for students.
Financial Pressures Force Difficult Decision
The board of EPIC Academy announced its decision following a somber meeting where students made emotional pleas to save their school. Despite the community's support, the financial situation has become untenable.
The primary cause is a dramatic drop in student numbers. According to school officials, enrollment has plummeted from 520 students during the 2021 school year to only 242 students this year. This represents a decrease of over 53% in a short period.
In Illinois, public school funding, including for charter schools, is largely tied to per-pupil formulas. A significant loss of students directly translates to a major reduction in operating revenue, making it difficult to cover expenses like teacher salaries, building maintenance, and educational programs.
Enrollment by the Numbers
- 2021 School Year: 520 students
- Current School Year: 242 students
- Total Decline: 278 students
- Percentage Decrease: 53.5%
Andrew Annacone, a member of the school's board, described the situation as heartbreaking for everyone involved.
"It’s brutal, this is not what anyone wants. Not the families, not the students, not the teachers, the board or even CPS. No one wants to see this school close down... The financial pressures are too great."
Annacone highlighted that the issue of declining enrollment is not unique to EPIC Academy, affecting many schools in the area. He emphasized the community's passion for the school, evident in the students' heartfelt statements about its importance in their lives.
Ambitious Expansion Plans Halted
The closure decision is particularly difficult given the school's recent investments in its future. EPIC Academy has been operating out of a building constructed in 1902, located at 4638 West Diversey Avenue. The historic facility lacks many modern amenities considered standard in contemporary education.
The current building does not have a dedicated library, a proper kitchen, or modern computer labs. To address these deficiencies, the school's leadership had developed a plan to build a new, state-of-the-art facility.
Challenges of an Aging Facility
Operating in a building over a century old presents numerous challenges. These include higher maintenance costs, outdated infrastructure for technology, and limitations on space for specialized programs like science labs or arts studios. These factors can impact the overall student learning experience.
EPIC Academy had already committed significant resources to this vision. The school invested $1.6 million into the project. This investment included the purchase of a former Archdiocese facility and several adjacent properties, which were intended to form the campus for the new school.
However, the loss of funding tied to the enrollment decline has made it impossible to secure the financing needed to move forward with construction. The funds already spent now represent a significant financial loss for the institution, complicating its current fiscal crisis.
Chicago Public Schools' Role and Response
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will play a crucial role in the next steps. While EPIC Academy operates as a charter school, it does so under a contract with CPS. The district is responsible for overseeing the school's performance and managing transitions if a charter school closes.
In a statement, CPS clarified its position on the matter, noting that the financial challenges are specific to EPIC Academy. The district stated, "Epic Academy leadership has acknowledged that financial pressures may even force the school to close sooner than June 2026. These challenges are unique to Epic Academy and are not connected to the budget adjustments CPS has made this year."
This statement distances the district from the school's financial woes, attributing them to internal factors rather than broader CPS budget policies. The district's involvement is now focused on ensuring a smooth transition for the 242 students who will need to find new schools.
Contract Renewal and Financial Oversight
An interesting aspect of the situation is that the Chicago Board of Education approved a two-year charter renewal for EPIC Academy as recently as May. CPS explained that these renewal decisions are based on an examination of past financial activities and performance, not on projections of future fiscal health.
This suggests that the severity of the enrollment drop and its financial impact may have accelerated more rapidly than anticipated, even just a few months ago. The process highlights the complexities of financial oversight for charter schools, which operate with public funds but are managed by independent boards.
What Happens Next for Students and Staff
The immediate future for EPIC Academy remains uncertain, but the path is set toward closure. The key question is timing. While the school's charter was renewed until June 2026, the board has indicated that a closure could happen much sooner, potentially even before the end of the 2024-2025 school year.
A meeting scheduled for September 25 is expected to provide more clarity on the future of the school and the specific timeline for its closure. CPS officials and the EPIC Academy board will likely discuss the logistics of the shutdown, including:
- Student Placement: Developing a plan to help all 242 students enroll in other Chicago public or charter schools.
- Staff Transitions: Providing support and resources for teachers and staff who will lose their jobs.
- Asset Liquidation: Determining the process for managing the school's assets, including the properties purchased for the new facility.
For students, the closure represents a significant disruption. They will have to adapt to new environments, new teachers, and new classmates, leaving behind the community they fought to preserve. The coming weeks will be critical in ensuring they receive the support needed to navigate this challenging transition successfully.