Charlotte Learning Academy to close after state votes to not renew school's charter

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte high school will close in a matter of months, leaving hundreds of students and staff in the lurch.

There are 264 students and 32 staff members who go to the school everyday and told Channel 9 the news was devastating.

"It hurt it really did. I still don't know how to cope with it because I really do love this school," senior Jordin Foucher said.

On June 30th, the school will close its doors after the State Board of Education voted not to renew the school's charter.

The state's vote was based on the school's performance.

According to recent report cards, Charlotte Learning Academy got an "F" three years in a row and fell just show of meeting academic growth.

Founder and Principal Stacey Rose said the school serves at-risk children.

"I get we haven't met growth and I get that we didn't meet that standard, but kids are more than test scores and so are my teachers," Rose said.

State statistics show just 11 percent of the students entering sixth grade at the school are proficient.

"This population usually is kind of left behind. We're trying to move them up and get them there and we have gotten close every year," Rose said.

She said they are seeing success and have a 93.5 percent graduation rate. Rose said with more time, the success would continue.

"Those kids are in college, they're in the military, they're out there living their best life," Rose said. "All we wanted them to do was look at a bigger picture."

Rose said the next step is to request a hearing on the decision, which she plans to do.

Cox Media Group