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 next school year, below the 300 minimum required by the school’s charter.
“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 Charter Schools 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 should contact the school office at (302) 292-5450.
Media Contact: Alison May, alison.may@doe.k12.de.us, 302-735-4006