Huntsville, September 18, 2025 News Summary The Alabama Public Charter School Commission has denied a request for an extension from the proposed Under the Oaks charter school in Huntsville, revoking its previously granted approval. This decision affects the school’s planned opening for Pre-K through eighth-grade students in 2026. The commission’s decision follows concerns over desegregation issues that date back to a civil rights case. Meanwhile, Freedom Prep Academy in Birmingham reports an increase in enrollment, highlighting the ongoing developments within charter schools in the state. Huntsville The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) has denied a request for an extension from the proposed Under the Oaks charter school in Huntsville, effectively revoking the school’s previously granted approval. This decision was made during a recent commission meeting and means the charter, which planned to begin operations in 2026 for Pre-K through eighth-grade students, will not move forward as intended. Under the Oaks currently operates as an enrichment center, providing childcare for Pre-K students and an after-school program. The school’s organizers had requested an additional 90 days to fulfill certain conditions required for their charter approval. This included obtaining a federal court order to ensure that the school would not interfere with the Huntsville City Schools desegregation case, which dates back to a 1963 civil rights case, as well as demonstrating proof of $250,000 in startup funds. The APCSC had previously granted a similar 90-day extension in June. However, after questioning the attorney representing Under the Oaks, the commission opted to deny the new extension request. The attorney, Nash Campbell, had asserted that funding was secure and that the school’s proposed enrollment would not threaten existing desegregation orders. Nevertheless, the commission ultimately found the desegregation issue to be complex and unprecedented in their review. With no existing charter schools in Huntsville, the initiative for Under the Oaks marks a significant step towards expanding educational options in the area. The organization has been reviewing decades of court filings related to the desegregation case and was preparing to make a formal request to a judge within a month of the commission meeting. In addition to the denial of Under the Oaks’ extension request, the APCSC also made changes to its oversight of another charter entity, the Freedom Prep Academy in Birmingham. Recently, Freedom Prep Academy has been noted for its enrollment numbers, which increased to 178 students in kindergarten through second grade this fall, despite starting with fewer students than anticipated. During this meeting, the commission re-elected Sheila Austin as chair, selected Cynthia McCarty as vice chair, and re-elected Ryan Kendall as treasurer. The APCSC currently oversees 14 charter schools across the state, which includes two newly opened schools: Independence Prep in Fairfield and I Dream Big in Tuscaloosa. The commission comprises 13 members, who are appointed by various state leaders, including the governor and legislative figures. Key Features of the News Feature Details School Name Under the Oaks Location Huntsville Proposed Opening Year 2026 Grade Levels Offered Pre-K through eighth-grade Current Operation Childcare enrichment center Funding Required $250,000 Current Enrollment at Freedom Prep Academy 178 students FAQ Section What was the decision made by the Alabama Public Charter School Commission regarding Under the Oaks? The Alabama Public Charter School Commission denied an extension request for the proposed Under the Oaks charter school in Huntsville, effectively revoking the school’s previously granted approval. What is the current operation of Under the Oaks? The school currently operates as an enrichment center providing childcare for Pre-K students and an after-school care program. What additional requirements did Under the Oaks need to fulfill for charter approval? To receive full approval, Under the Oaks needed a federal court order confirming it would not interfere with Huntsville City Schools’ longstanding desegregation case and proof of $250,000 in startup funds. What are some recent developments regarding Freedom Prep Academy? Freedom Prep Academy reported having 178 students enrolled in kindergarten through second grade this fall, despite initially opening with fewer students than expected. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Alabama Public Charter School Commission Denies Extension for Under the Oaks Charter School University of Alabama Names College of Arts and Sciences University of Alabama Renames College of Arts and Sciences University of Alabama’s College of Arts and Sciences Renamed Texas House Advances Bill for Ten Commandments in Classrooms University of Alabama Faculty Senate Defends Academic Freedom Huntsville Unveils New Spirit Coach Theme-Wrapped Bus Refugees in Alabama Face Uncertainty Amid Immigration Changes Alabama Launches CHOOSE Act School Choice Program Winter Weather Disrupts Schools in North Alabama Additional Resources Alabama Reflector: Charter School Commission Denies Extension Alabama Daily News: Charter Commission Denies Extension Rocket City Now: Parents Left in Limbo After School Closure WAFF: Huntsville Police Investigate Fraud Claims AL.com: Alabama’s Choose Act and Education Vouchers Wikipedia: Charter School Google Search: Alabama Public Charter School Commission Google Scholar: Huntsville Education System Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in the United States Google News: Huntsville Charter School
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