Schools
Capo OKs Expansion of Charter School to Keep Siblings Together
Oxford Preparatory Academy gets the nod to add 32 more students at its campus and 60 more to its independent study program.
Originally posted at 11:15 a.m. Aug. 15, 2013.
A popular charter school is expanding.
After hearing the plea of an emotional mom, the Capistrano Unified school board on Wednesday gave Oxford Preparatory Academy the go-ahead to add another 32 students to its on-campus program at former Barcelona Hills Elementary in Mission Viejo, as well as 60 students to its independent study program.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The move will cap attendance at the Barcelona campus at 704, said Julie Hatchel, assistant superintendent of elementary schools. The total number of students enrolled at OPA would grow to 864.
Mom Erin Piller, whose older daughter attends Oxford, said she was shocked to learn that the sibling class – which has preferential enrollment over a public lottery – outnumbered the seats for next year’s kindergarten. Piller has a younger daughter who wants to join her sister at school.
Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I will never forget the look on her face and the tears that she and I have shed,” Piller said, urging the Capo school board to allow families “to be made whole.”
The Board of Trustees approved change to the agreement between the charter and CUSD 7-0.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
