Fulton Science Academy Middle School Plans to Go Private

announced this evening that it has a plan to open as a private school in August.

Earlier today, the state Board of Education denied the school's application

“This is [the] best way for our school doors to remain open for our students, families, teachers, and staff,” said Ayhan Korucu, FSA Governing Board President, in a statement.  “We believe our plan to become a private school is achievable for the 2012-2013 school year; however, we know that sadly some of our student body will be unable to attend our school due to the financial implications of this plan."

"We intend to use donations and grant funding to provide scholarships to help off-set tuition costs for applicants in need of financial assistance.  Our primary goal is to continue providing to our students the same quality, innovative, STEM focused education that we have offered to our families for the past decade.”

The new FSA private school will serve students with no geographic residency limitations, the announcement said. The school will continue to offer a wide variety of free after school clubs and tutoring as well as numerous competitive academic teams.  Inquiries regarding applications can be emailed toacoaloa@fultonscience.org

FSA officials pointed out "extraordinary CRCT test results worthy of the Governor’s Platinum Award" on the same week the school's application was rejected. "Teachers and students alike cannot imagine losing this remarkable school that this year was the only middle school in Georgia to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award," the announcement said.

The state had called FSA's governance and financial stability into question in rejecting the application, particularly regarding the issuance of $19 million in bonds and the construction work on a new school campus.

Come back to Alpharetta-Milton Patch for further developments on this story.