KIPP Sol Academy, a charter school in East Los Angeles known for its mariachi program, will remain open following a narrow 4-3 vote by the Los Angeles County Board of Education on Tuesday. The decision came after the Board rejected the L.A. County Superintendent of Schools’ recommendation to deny the school’s charter renewal application. Previously, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education had also denied the renewal application earlier this year.
The school, which serves approximately 460 students, was at risk of closure due to being classified as a middle-performing school without significant progress. However, the County Board decided to allow KIPP Sol Academy to continue operating as a charter school under its supervision. The school will collaborate with the L.A. County Office of Education to create a plan with specific benchmarks, which will be reviewed annually by the Board.
The decision to keep the school open was supported by a significant turnout of students, parents, and staff, who traveled to Downey to advocate for the school. Buses were provided to transport families to the meeting, where they made a passionate plea to save the school.
In addition to the Board’s oversight, the KIPP Southern California system is expected to provide full support to KIPP Sol Academy to ensure its success. The school’s mariachi program has been a notable feature and a source of pride for the community.
NBC Los Angeles reported on the vote, highlighting the community’s involvement and the school’s importance to its students. The Eastsider LA also covered the event, noting the Board’s decision to allow the school to operate under new supervision and the support required from the KIPP network.
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