On Thursday, October 10, the Utah State Charter School Board (SCSB) voted to close the Saint George Academy (SGA) charter school at the end of this school year. Their reasoning is low enrollment and finances. The Academy (as it is affectionately known) currently has 250 students, the SCSB wants it to have 350. The Academy is only in its third year of operation. It is growing, though slower than expected, but should reach the 350 goal within a few years.

The SGA is a college preparatory charter school in Washington, Utah, serving grades 8 - 12. Its academics are excellent: over 90 percent of its graduates are enrolled in college and the students average ACT scores are above Utah state average. Importantly, the Academy attracts a population of students who don't necessarily "fit in" with the standard school district culture. Many of these students are thriving at the SGA, their creative and intellectual desires are set free here.

The Saint George Academy is doing well as a school. Its students, faculty, staff and parents love it. Its enrollment will grow as it becomes known in the Washington County educational community. To shut it down is a harsh penalty. Please keep the Academy open.