The Design Thinking Academy leaders have informed the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) that the Newark-area school will close its doors at the end of this school year and relinquish its charter due to low enrollment.
The school’s senior class will graduate as scheduled. About 216 students were enrolled for the next school year, below the 300 minimum required by the school’s charter. The academy worked to attract students with an interest in design fields.
Click here for a list of previously closed charter schools in Delaware.
The once promising high school won a $10 million grant in 2016, but despite a rebranding was unable to attract sufficient enrollment.
It is the second high school aimed at providing career paths for students that closed in the past two years. Earlier, an academy in the New Castle area focusing on public safety was shuttered after failing to attract enough enrollees.
Charter schools receive the state’s per-student aid formula but must come up with start-up costs. (See earlier story on the charter school).
(Video) Design-Lab charter high school wins $10 million grant
“Design Thinking Academy’s Board of Directors deserves credit for making the difficult decision to relinquish the charter now, recognizing that the low enrollment would inevitably lead to financial challenges that would make it impossible for the school to provide its students with the academic program they deserve,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “While this was not an easy decision, it was necessary, and the board’s resolve to make it now gives DTA’s students more time to make plans for next school year.”
DDOE, in coordination with district and charter schools, is assisting Design Thinking leaders as they help families enroll the students in new schools for the fall. The students may return to the district schools in their home feeder patterns or choice into other district or charter schools that are accepting students.
DDOE, in collaboration with the Delaware CharterSchools Network, also will engage with educators about job openings in other district and charter schools and benefit information.
Questions regarding Design Thinking Academy’s closure process should be directed to the school leadership. Families seeking assistance in enrolling their students in new schools can contact the school office at (302) 292-5450, according to a release from the State Department of Education.
