August 22, 2025
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — EXCEL Academy Public Charter School announced today that it will not open for the 2025–26 school year.
On August 21, EXCEL Academy’s CEO informed PGCPS that it would not be prepared to open and serve students for the start of the school year. EXCEL Academy surrendered its charter after determining the school could no longer sustain the financial stability needed to provide the quality education students deserve. Despite earnest efforts, EXCEL was unable to close critical funding gaps or demonstrate long-term financial viability.
PGCPS is working with EXCEL families to support their transition into new school communities across the district. Students will be assigned to their home schools and families will be given additional options that may include charter schools and neighborhood schools where seats are available. Families will receive additional communication with enrollment details and next steps.
All PGCEA, ASASP and AFSCME 2250 staff will be placed in other PGCPS schools.
“Our goal is always to support all of our charter schools to be successful,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Shawn Joseph. “EXCEL has been a strong partner and served families well for nearly two decades. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, they could not overcome the financial challenges they faced. While this is a deeply unfortunate situation, closing now prevents greater disruption for students. PGCPS will continue to stand with families and staff to make this transition as smooth as possible.”
PGCPS remains committed to strong school choices for families, including charter schools, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, language immersion and career and technical education programs, as well as expanded pathways in STEM, the arts and career readiness. The district remains confident that EXCEL students and staff will continue to thrive as they join new school communities across Prince George’s County.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions to assist families and the public during this transition can be found below.
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1. Did PGCPS close EXCEL Academy?
No. EXCEL Academy’s governing board made the decision to close and voted to surrender its charter. On August 21, the EXCEL board informed PGCPS it would not be prepared to open for the 2025–26 school year.
2. Why is EXCEL Academy closing?
EXCEL faced ongoing financial challenges, including enrollment declines and the impact of the pandemic. Despite months of support from PGCPS, external partners and potential funders, the school was unable to resolve critical funding gaps or demonstrate long-term financial viability.
3. Why did this happen so close to the start of the school year?
PGCPS learned on the evening of August 21 that EXCEL’s board had determined the school could not open. PGCPS did not close the school. The timing reflects EXCEL’s final efforts to stabilize its finances. Once it became clear that opening was not possible, the board made the decision to surrender its charter rather than risk further disruption for students.
4. What is PGCPS doing to help students and families?
PGCPS is working directly with EXCEL families to ensure smooth transitions into new school communities. Options may include charter and other schools where space is available. Families will receive direct communication with enrollment details and next steps.
5. What will happen to EXCEL Academy teachers and staff?
PGCPS is collaborating with EXCEL leadership to connect staff with placement opportunities in district schools, so their expertise continues to serve Prince George’s County students.
6. How does this affect school choice in Prince George’s County?
PGCPS remains committed to strong school choice for families. The district continues to expand International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, language immersion, career and technical education, STEM, arts, and career readiness programs.
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