Legends Academy Charter school to close after nearly 25 years

More than 200 students at Legends Academy Charter School are facing uncertainty after the school’s board voted to close the Orlando campus just weeks before students are set to return from winter break.The school’s board of directors voted 4-2 Monday to shut down the charter school, citing unsustainable financial challenges. Legends Academy has served the community for nearly 25 years.Parents say the timing and lack of notice made the decision especially difficult for families.“Disgraced is the only word that I have,” said Saleena Simmons, whose son attended the school for four years.Simmons said her son was devastated when he learned he would not be returning to Legends Academy.“He was sobbing. My son does not cry,” she said. “He couldn’t even enjoy his Christmas because the only thing he’s thinking about is he won’t have his friends from school.”Simmons said parents received notice of the board meeting just before winter break, leaving little time to process or prepare for the closure. With her son just one semester away from high school, she worries about how quickly students will be placed elsewhere.“They’re going to help us with withdrawal paperwork, but nothing was based on getting these kids into classrooms immediately,” Simmons said.According to the school’s website, Legends Academy had 214 students enrolled. As of our check on Monday, the website no longer lists academic or enrollment information, displaying only a notice about Monday’s board meeting.In the meeting, board chair Frank Mitchell said the decision was made due to ongoing financial issues.“We do have the financial issues ahead of us, and we do have to make a decision,” Mitchell said. “We need to act so we can provide for the transition period and the next steps.”The school’s board of directors sent this statement to WESH2 News: “For nearly 25 years, Legends Academy has been a place of learning, growth and community for students and families, made possible by the dedication of its educators and staff. After careful review of the school’s financial condition and long-term viability, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close the school due to unsustainable financial challenges. This decision was not made lightly and does not diminish the impact the school has had on generations of families. The Board is working closely with the School District to complete the required closure process and support families as they plan next steps.”Simmons said the closure impacts more than just students.“It’s 200-plus students. It’s all of the staff,” she said. “These people are displaced. They don’t have a job.”The school said it is working with Orange County Public Schools to complete the closure process and plans to support families as they determine next steps.

ORLANDO, Fla. —

More than 200 students at Legends Academy Charter School are facing uncertainty after the school’s board voted to close the Orlando campus just weeks before students are set to return from winter break.

The school’s board of directors voted 4-2 Monday to shut down the charter school, citing unsustainable financial challenges. Legends Academy has served the community for nearly 25 years.

Parents say the timing and lack of notice made the decision especially difficult for families.

“Disgraced is the only word that I have,” said Saleena Simmons, whose son attended the school for four years.

Simmons said her son was devastated when he learned he would not be returning to Legends Academy.

“He was sobbing. My son does not cry,” she said. “He couldn’t even enjoy his Christmas because the only thing he’s thinking about is he won’t have his friends from school.”

Simmons said parents received notice of the board meeting just before winter break, leaving little time to process or prepare for the closure. With her son just one semester away from high school, she worries about how quickly students will be placed elsewhere.

“They’re going to help us with withdrawal paperwork, but nothing was based on getting these kids into classrooms immediately,” Simmons said.

According to the school’s website, Legends Academy had 214 students enrolled. As of our check on Monday, the website no longer lists academic or enrollment information, displaying only a notice about Monday’s board meeting.

In the meeting, board chair Frank Mitchell said the decision was made due to ongoing financial issues.

“We do have the financial issues ahead of us, and we do have to make a decision,” Mitchell said. “We need to act so we can provide for the transition period and the next steps.”

The school’s board of directors sent this statement to WESH2 News:

“For nearly 25 years, Legends Academy has been a place of learning, growth and community for students and families, made possible by the dedication of its educators and staff. After careful review of the school’s financial condition and long-term viability, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close the school due to unsustainable financial challenges. This decision was not made lightly and does not diminish the impact the school has had on generations of families. The Board is working closely with the School District to complete the required closure process and support families as they plan next steps.”

Simmons said the closure impacts more than just students.

“It’s 200-plus students. It’s all of the staff,” she said. “These people are displaced. They don’t have a job.”

The school said it is working with Orange County Public Schools to complete the closure process and plans to support families as they determine next steps.