Huntsville, Alabama, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission has denied Under the Oaks Charter School’s request for a 30-day extension to comply with a school desegregation order, causing uncertainty for the prospective school scheduled to open in August 2026. The executive director expressed concerns about how the denial would impact efforts to establish a diverse student demographic ahead of the opening. Plans for student transportation from nearby areas are also in place to aid compliance with desegregation goals.
Huntsville, Alabama – The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) has denied a request for a 30-day extension from Under the Oaks Charter School, a prospective charter school preparing to open in August 2026. The extension was sought to address compliance with an existing school desegregation order before the federal courts.
Under the Oaks Charter School is designed to serve students from Pre-K through eighth grade, and currently operates as an enrichment center offering childcare and after school programs for Pre-K students. The executive director of Under the Oaks, Evelyn Hambrick, aims to transform the facility into a full-fledged charter school that aligns with the de-segregation requirements within Huntsville City Schools.
The denied extension would have allowed Under the Oaks to present its case before a federal judge regarding issues of diversity and compliance related to the city’s desegregation case. The APCSC did not provide any explanation for its decision to deny the request, leaving Hambrick uncertain about how the refusal could affect the school’s future.
Hambrick stated that the extension was critical for receiving necessary findings based on research of potential student demographics. The goal of Under the Oaks Charter School is to establish a balanced student demographic with a targeted “50/50 split” of white and Black students. Additionally, the school plans to prioritize the enrollment of Hispanic students to further comply with the desegregation order.
To facilitate diverse recruitment, Under the Oaks intends to bus students from nearby Triana, Alabama. This strategy is aimed at helping families from those areas without disrupting local school districts. A message seeking comment from the APCSC regarding the extension request was left unanswered.
The history of this case emphasizes the ongoing challenges that schools within the Huntsville district face in complying with federal desegregation mandates, which have been in place for several years. Despite the obstacles posed by the commission’s decision, Hambrick remains focused on the goal of opening Under the Oaks Charter School as planned, though the path forward remains unclear following the extension denial.
Background on Huntsville’s Desegregation Case
The desegregation case involving Huntsville City Schools has historical significance, reflecting broader issues of segregation in schools across the country. The court orders are intended to ensure equitable access to education for all students, irrespective of race. The situation surrounding Under the Oaks Charter School is a reminder of the complexities involved in fulfilling these legal requirements while striving to provide quality education.
Current Developments
As Under the Oaks moves forward, the focus will be on addressing the issues raised by the desegregation order and meeting the diverse needs of the community it serves. The commission’s refusal for an extension casts uncertainty on how the charter will ensure compliance and demographic goals while preparing for its opening in 2026.
Key Features of Under the Oaks Charter School
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Opening Date | August 2026 |
| Student Range | Pre-K through eighth grade |
| Current Operation | Enrichment center for childcare and after school programs |
| Demographic Goals | 50% white and 50% Black students, with a focus on Hispanic students |
| Student Transportation | Busing students from Triana, Alabama |
| Extension Request | Denied by APCSC |
FAQ
What is Under the Oaks Charter School?
Under the Oaks Charter School will serve Pre-K through eighth grade students and currently operates as an enrichment center offering childcare and after school programs for Pre-K students.
Why did Under the Oaks seek an extension?
The extension was sought to determine compliance with an existing school desegregation order and to allow the school to appear before a federal judge to address issues of diversity and compliance.
What is the demographic goal of Under the Oaks?
The school aims to create a balanced student demographic with a “50/50 split” of white and Black students and is also targeting the Hispanic community to help maintain compliance with the desegregation order.
What was the APCSC’s response to the extension request?
The commission did not provide a reason for denying the extension request.
How will Under the Oaks accommodate students from Triana?
The school plans to bus students from Triana, Alabama, to accommodate families from those areas without affecting local school districts.
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Additional Resources
- Alabama Reflector: Charter School Extension Denied
- Rocket City Now: Parents Left in Limbo After School Closure
- WAFF: Investigation into Fraud Claims Against Preparatory School
- Alabama Reporter: Legislative Wins and Space Command HQ Relocation
- Alabama Daily News: Teacher Unit Cuts in Public Schools
- Wikipedia: Education in Alabama
- Google Search: Charter Schools in Alabama
- Google Scholar: Desegregation in Huntsville Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Desegregation
- Google News: Huntsville Alabama Schools
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
