Huntsville, Alabama, October 7, 2025
News Summary
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission has declined a request for a 30-day extension from Under the Oaks Charter School in Huntsville. The school, set to open in August 2026, aims to serve Pre-K through eighth-grade students while focusing on desegregation compliance. The denial leaves concerns about the school’s future, though it has secured $250,000 in startup funding and seeks a balanced demographic composition. The situation reflects ongoing challenges regarding educational equity in the region.
Huntsville, Alabama – Charter School Extension Denied
The Alabama Public Charter School Commission (APCSC) has denied a request for a 30-day extension made by Under the Oaks Charter School, a prospective charter school in Huntsville, which plans to open in August 2026. The school is set to serve students from Pre-K through eighth grade. Currently, Under the Oaks functions as an enrichment center providing childcare for Pre-K students and offering after-school programs.
Evelyn Hambrick, the school’s executive director, expressed that the aim is to replace the existing facility with the charter school. The extension sought was intended to allow Under the Oaks the opportunity to seek a ruling from a federal judge regarding compliance with a longstanding school desegregation order.
No reason was given by the APCSC for the denial of the extension request. Following this decision, Hambrick highlighted her uncertainty concerning the implications of not receiving the extension. She indicated that the extension was primarily for a ruling from the judge, as research had already been completed on local schools to support their findings.
Under the Oaks charter school aspires to achieve a 50/50 split of white and Black students, and has plans to include the Hispanic community to ensure compliance with desegregation requirements. The charter school aims to accommodate Hispanic families from Triana, Alabama, by providing transportation.
The approval of Under the Oaks charter school was conditional upon securing funding, which has been confirmed as $250,000 in startup funds. An attorney representing Under the Oaks stated that they believed their enrollment would not disrupt compliance with the Huntsville City Schools desegregation order that dates back to 1963.
The charter school concept is relatively new to Huntsville, where currently, there are no charter schools operating in the area. The APCSC had previously granted a 90-day extension in June to allow the school to meet several approval conditions. However, the recent denial of the extension effectively revoked the school’s conditional approval.
In related developments, the commission also removed a corrective action plan from Freedom Prep Academy in Birmingham, which enrolled 178 students this fall. The Alabama Public Charter School Commission oversees 14 charter schools statewide, with two new schools slated to open this fall.
Background of Desegregation Compliance
The compliance with desegregation orders in schools traces back to historical efforts in the United States to ensure equal education for all students, regardless of race. In Huntsville, the desegregation order established in 1963 remains a significant legal framework affecting school operations and approvals, including new charter schools.
Recent Actions by the Alabama Public Charter School Commission
- Denied extension request for Under the Oaks Charter School.
- Previously granted a 90-day extension for meeting conditions.
- Revoked conditional approval following the denial of the extension.
- Removed a corrective action plan from Freedom Prep Academy.
Key Features of Under the Oaks Charter School
- Target Opening: August 2026
- Grade Levels Served: Pre-K through eighth grade
- Current Function: Enrichment center for childcare and after-school programs.
- Funding: $250,000 in startup funds secured.
- Desegregation Compliance Goal: 50/50 split of white and Black students.
- Community Support: Transportation for Hispanic families from Triana, Alabama.
- No existing charter schools operating in Huntsville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Alabama Public Charter School Commission’s decision regarding Under the Oaks Charter School?
The APCSC denied a 30-day extension requested by Under the Oaks Charter School in Huntsville.
When is Under the Oaks Charter School scheduled to open?
Under the Oaks Charter School plans to open in August 2026.
What is the charter school’s funding amount?
The charter school has secured $250,000 in startup funds.
What desegregation compliance goal does Under the Oaks aim for?
Under the Oaks charter school aims for a 50/50 split of white and Black students.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville Receives $4.2 Million from Toyota for STEM Education
University of Alabama Sees Surge in Out-of-State Enrollment
University of Alabama Sets Record Enrollment
Toyota Invests $4.2 Million in STEM Education in Huntsville
Alabama Charter School Commission Denies Extension for Huntsville School
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
Additional Resources
- Alabama Reflector: Charter School Extension Denied
- Alabama Daily News: Charter Commission Denies Extension
- Rocket City Now: Parents Left in Limbo
- AL.com: Alabama’s Choose Act and Schools
- Wikipedia: Charter School
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.
