The Academy for Sciences and Agriculture (AFSA), a Twin Cities charter serving students from pre-K through 12th grade, will shut its doors at the end of this school year, leaving families in Little Canada and Vadnais Heights scrambling for new schools.
Parents say the announcement came out of nowhere. Several told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS they had little warning. "Yes, it was sudden," parent Kevin Cedeno said, adding that his son is having a hard time with the news. Jennifer Weingarth said she was "shocked" and noted that her daughter, who is on track to graduate next year, has been thriving academically. Families said they chose AFSA for its smaller class sizes, personalized learning, and agriculture-and-STEM curriculum.
AFSA's executive director, Sam Wakefield, declined an on-camera interview. In a written statement, he said "a plan is in place and that additional details will be provided in the coming weeks," according to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. Wakefield also told reporters the school has dealt with declining enrollment since the pandemic.
Campuses and Student Body
The school lists elementary and high school campuses in Little Canada and Vadnais Heights and describes itself as a K-12 program focused on science, environmental education, and agriculture, according to the school's website. The site directs families to enrollment and contact pages if they need records or transfer information.
Funding and Oversight Pressures
Leaders and advocates say a mix of declining enrollment, tight per-pupil funding, and oversight gaps has put financial pressure on smaller charters across Minnesota. Investigations and state records have flagged procurement and contracting practices as recurring trouble spots for some schools, contributing to operational strain. Sahan Journal's reporting on statewide contracting issues outlines how budget and oversight challenges can cascade into closures.
Earlier this month, an Edina charter, Agamim Classical Academy, announced it will also close at the end of the school year, a development that left families racing to find fall placements.
Where Families Can Turn
Families should expect direct communications from AFSA and the school board about transition plans, and they can contact their resident district about enrollment windows or open-enrollment options for next fall. The Minnesota Association of Charter Schools, which represents charter schools statewide and works with schools on transitions and advocacy, is listed among state education partners. The Minnesota Office of Higher Education's P-20 leadership page includes contact details and partner listings for that group and others; see the Minnesota Office of Higher Education for more.
AFSA's board listed a regular meeting for May 19 on its agenda, and school leaders have said they will share additional details with families in the coming weeks. Parents say they are watching those updates closely as they weigh what comes next.
