On May 1, 2020 the families of Natural Science Academy (NSA) were notified that Audubon Center of the Northwoods (ACNW), the Authorizer of the school, had made the decision to not continue the contract for the 2020/2021 school year.

The primary purpose of charter to schools is to improve all student learning and is meant to be the most important factor in the decision to renew a school.

This is not about academics: For our authorizer to renew the school we had to earn a minimum of 50% of points on their academic evaluation. NSA surpassed that and earned 60.7%.

Through some research it has been determined that ACNW wishes to reduce its portfolio and we believe as a small school we have been caught up in that political situation.

NSA requested ACNW release the school to find a new authorizer but that request was denied.

The staff, students, and families that are a part of Natural Science Academy are a committed, close-knit family that is focused on the common purpose of fostering academic achievement and the social/emotional well-being of the children in our school.

ACNW was not justified in making this decision based on academics. Making it for any other reason, in light of the trauma our kids have already experienced because of the pandemic, is inhumane and unconscionable.

Like all students right now, the children who attend NSA are going through a once in a lifetime experience, and are leaning on our staff now more than ever. They will not get closure for the end of this year, please do not allow ACNW to take away their ability to come back next year. Our students need us now more than ever, and we need them just as much.