Families at Agamim Classical Academy, a small K–8 charter in Edina, are suddenly searching for new schools after learning the campus will close at the end of this school year. According to a letter later shared with families, the board had already voted at a March 30 meeting to end operations effective June 30, 2026, a decision that has left many parents confused and worried after what they describe as a brief and unexpected notice.
Board Cites Funding, Enrollment And Staffing
In a March 31 letter to families, Agamim’s board said it had determined there was “no viable path forward” for the school, pointing to funding uncertainties at the state and federal levels, declining enrollment after COVID, rising operational costs and a smaller pool of licensed teachers, according to the school’s letter. Board members said closing now would allow the school to finish the year “on a high note” while still meeting obligations to students and staff. Read the board’s full message in the letter to families.
Parents Say They Were Blindsided
Some parents say the timing and delivery of the news caught them off guard. Parent Iola Kostrzewski told reporters she “realized I missed a call from the school and then we got a text message and was like ‘this must be something serious,’” as reported by KSTP. Agamim declined an on-camera interview but sent a written statement saying it will continue to support students, staff and the broader community through the transition. The school directed families with questions to [email protected] and said it plans to publish a Q&A for parents while it works on coordinating placements.
Policy Backdrop: Budget Fights In St. Paul
Agamim leaders and other charter advocates have tied the school’s challenges to wider budget pressures and legislative proposals in St. Paul. Lawmakers considered a K–12 finance omnibus bill this session that included changes to charter aid and other adjustments that advocates say could further tighten margins for small charter schools. For a breakdown of what was on the table, see the finance committee analysis on the Minnesota Senate.
Transition Plan And Next Steps For Families
School officials say they have drafted a transition plan to guide families through the shutdown. The board has urged parents and guardians to send transition-specific questions to [email protected] and to use the school’s main contact channels for everyday issues. Families can also reach out to the Minnesota Department of Education and their resident school districts to ask about enrollment timelines and available seats for next fall. More details are listed on Agamim’s contact page and in the school’s record on the MDE site.
Agamim’s Local Footprint
Founded in 2015, Agamim grew from an initial 70 students into a metro-area K–8 program that the school says has graduated more than 120 scholars and served over 1,000 students from dozens of communities. The March closure letter was signed by Founding Executive Director Miranda Morton and Board Chair Ben Maurer, who thanked families and staff for years of support. With many enrollment windows already open across the region, parents now face a tight timeline to lock in new classroom spots for fall.
