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The Nurses Middle College Charter School in Rensselaer, New York, will close at the end of the current academic year due to declining enrollment. The decision was made by the Board of Directors on Tuesday (March 25) after years of challenges, including staffing issues and the inability to secure a permanent facility in Albany. The school, which aimed to create an early pipeline for nursing careers, has struggled to meet its enrollment targets, with only 70 students enrolled this year and just 15 registered for the next school year. This shortfall has resulted in a significant operational gap.
Board Chair Susan Birkhead stated that the closure was unavoidable, saying, "Without the necessary student enrollment numbers, we do not see a path to sustain operations without compromising the integrity of our mission and the quality of education our students deserve." The school had hoped to enroll 180 students to remain viable.
The school's closure will affect students like Nahnah Conyers, a 10th grader and founding student, who expressed mixed feelings about her experience. She noted the lack of consistent support from staff but appreciated the opportunities to tour hospitals and explore nursing careers.
To assist with the transition, representatives from local charter schools, including Green Tech, Albany Leadership, and KIPP Capital High School, will help students find new educational opportunities. The school is also offering career counseling to staff to aid in their professional transitions.
Despite the impending closure, the school's leadership remains committed to providing a meaningful learning experience through the end of the school year, with plans for students to visit local hospitals and nursing schools for hands-on insights into healthcare careers.