POWELL, Ohio – Village Academy in Powell announced they will be closing its doors on Friday.
In a letter sent to parents and staff, the board of trustees said they worked to improve enrollment and minimize expenses, but they are no longer able to operate.
Holly Tong’s daughter Nadia has attended Village Academy in Powell since kindergarten. Nadia is now going into the fourth grade.
“We have loved it and loved the teachers. It has been a wonderful experience,” Tong said.
“When you have a child, who is in love with school and in love with learning, it just makes it wonderful. Now to have this happen weeks before school starts. We are just devastated.”
Parents want answers, especially what happens to the tuition they've already paid.
“Their tuition is locked up, I don't know if they will get it back,” said Anita Burke.
Burke's friends live in China and send their son here to go to school. He was supposed to arrive in a matter of days.
“These families need to know where these kids are going. There are at least 15-20 kids who are international students, and no one is addressing this issue,” Burke said.
There was supposed to be a meeting Tuesday to get answers, but no one from Village Academy apparently showed.
So far school officials haven't answered questions about tuition refunds, or if they will help place students in other programs.
“You close your school down, figure this out, be kind to the people who are coming here who have been here. Do the right thing. Place these kids,” Burke said.
We reached out to Village Academy for comment, they have not responded to our requests.
You can read the full letter from Village Academy below.
Dear Griffin Community,
It is with a heavy heart to announce that Village Academy Schools will not be able to have another academic year due to a decline in enrollment and withdrawal of contracts.
Over the past years, the School has worked to increase enrollment, minimize expenses and bolster giving by our supporters in the community. Yet our overall enrollment and giving have not reached the level needed for us to continue to operate.
Village Academy is no longer able to provide educational services that support its mission, therefore the Board of Trustees has decided that Village Academy will be closing its doors, effective Friday, July 19, 2019.
We wish our community future success,
Village Academy Board of Trustees