PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Due to declining enrollment, the board of Universal Vare Charter School in South Philadelphia has decided not to seek a five-year charter renewal, putting the future of the school in question.
Kenny Gamble’s Universal Companies has operated the charter since 2011, but the upcoming school year will be Vare’s last, operators said.
CEO Dr. Penny Nixon said in press conference Thursday that Vare’s charter authorized it to have 400 fifth-to-eighth grade students, but there were only 150-two years ago and 130 this past year.
“We believe that based on gentrification, again, low birth rates across the city, that the enrollment would have continued to decline,” said Nixon.
She said only about 20 students a year were coming from Stephen Girard Elementary, Vare’s feeder, and that wasn’t sustainable. Principal Karen Howell-Toomer called each parent to tell them next year would be the school’s last.
“Not one parent said, ‘Oh, I’m taking my kid out. Oh, I’m going to do this.’ There was zero negativity,” said Howell-Toomer.
State Senator Anthony Williams said the action was a reflection of demographics, not the quality of the charter school. With no incoming fifth grade class next year, Nixon said the move will affect 59 students.
Although the charter was not recommended for renewal in 2016 due to academic reasons, it was renewed in 2021.
In a statement, the Philadelphia School District’s Charter Schools Office said it supported “the school’s responsible and student-centered decision.”
Universal Vare could return to district control after next year, but the district is also in the process of a citywide facilities review that could result in building closures.
The school, located at 23rd and Mifflin streets, has about 150 fifth- through eighth-grade students. Universal Companies said it will ensure they are supported through the transition.
Universal Companies operates three other charters in Philadelphia.
