Premier Arts and Science Charter School
A Harrisburg charter school will soon close.
Premier Arts and Science Charter School in Allison Hill announced that it will not reopen for the 2024-25 school year, opting to not oppose charter non-renewal proceedings issued by the Harrisburg School District.
In March, the district commenced proceedings to not renew the school’s charter, which was originally granted in 2013. During a renewal evaluation period, district officials found issues such as students underperforming academically, low staff retention and non-compliant programs, among others.
According to a statement by Premier’s president of its board of directors, Pamela Spencer, the board voted at a June 27 meeting to cease opposition to the proceedings and immediately begin its dissolution, or “winding down,” period.
“Due to the timing of the non-renewal proceedings, the board of directors determined that it would be in the best interest of our families to cease our opposition and assist them in finding a new school for the 2024-2025 school year,” Spencer’s statement said.
Under Pennsylvania Charter School Law, Premier must follow a “winding down” process. The school will create a transition team consisting of a representative from the administration, teaching faculty and support staff, a student transition team to assist families in finding new schools and a staff transition team to help staff find employment elsewhere.
Premier’s prior charter term expired in June 2023, but the school was legally allowed to continue operating while the district conducted its review.
This was the second time that the district initiated non-renewal proceedings against Premier, the first being in 2018. However, at that time the district reached an agreement with the school to renew its charter with certain conditions like transitioning from a K-5 school to K-3 school.
While the school begins the closure process, Premier’s office hours will remain the same for now. Additionally, its summer enrichment program and extended school year services (ESY) will continue as scheduled.
School officials will also work with internal and external resources to support students’ social-emotional health and wellness, according to Spencer’s statement.
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