Struggling Highland Park (Mich.) district is closing its only high school (with Video)
The struggling Highland Park (Mich.) School District, under state-imposed emergency management since 2012, is shutting down its only high school because of low enrollment numbers.
WDIV-TV reports that Highland Park Renaissance Academy, which is operated by the Leona Group, a charter school management company, has only 160 students, and the district's emergency manager, Don Weatherspoon, has concluded that the school could not offer academic programs comparable to larger high schools in the area.
"I have determined it is better for children to close Highland Park High School and help families find new opportunities in these nearby programs," Weatherspoon said in a letter to parents.
The Detroit school district will become the home system for students in Highland Park. Students may attend schools there, as well as area charter schools or campuses run by the Education Achievement Authority, the state-run recovery system for some Detroit schools.
"Everyone will be guaranteed a spot somewhere," Weatherspoon promised.
Weatherspoon stressed that Highland Park's K-8 programs will remain in operation.
VIDEO from WDIV-TV:
About the Author
Mike Kennedy
Senior Editor
Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.