Birmingham, Alabama, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Alabama public schools have experienced a substantial drop in enrollment, losing nearly 6,000 students. The decline is largely due to the implementation of the Choose Act, which allows parents to select non-public school options for their children. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey noted that many students have moved to private schools or opted for homeschooling. Despite this trend, Legacy Prep, a public charter school in Birmingham, has seen growth and expanded its facilities, though it faces financial challenges that necessitate state support.
Birmingham – Alabama public schools are facing a significant decline in enrollment, losing nearly 6,000 students this year. This drop is largely attributed to the recent implementation of the Choose Act, which enables parents to choose from a variety of non-public school options for their children, thus enhancing educational flexibility.
State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey reported that approximately half of the 5,800 students who departed from public schools have transitioned to private schools or have chosen to be homeschooled. The educational status of the remaining students is unclear, as the state does not have data on how they are currently being educated. Some families may be opting to homeschool their children without formally withdrawing from their respective local school boards, which complicates tracking these outcomes.
Despite the overall decline in enrollment within Alabama public schools, certain institutions have bucked the trend. Legacy Prep, a public charter school located in Birmingham, is witnessing growth and has recently expanded its facilities to include a new intermediate campus that accommodates grades 4 through 8. This campus was established at the former A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club, aiming to provide its students with customized curriculum offerings, including career exploration opportunities in fields like media production and law enforcement.
Legacy Prep has plans to further expand by adding a high school in the near future. However, the school has faced financial hurdles leading to an audit. Reports disclosed that Legacy Prep had allegedly misallocated as much as $311,000 over a two-year period, prompting school officials to reach out to Superintendent Mackey for assistance in meeting payroll obligations.
To help the school navigate its financial challenges and avoid layoffs, the state advanced Legacy Prep $250,000 in state funding in November 2021. The first CEO and founder of Legacy Prep, Jonta Morris, resigned in 2021; however, an inquiry by the state Department of Examiners of Public Accounts ultimately cleared him of financial mismanagement.
While discussions were held regarding the potential revocation of Legacy Prep’s charter due to these financial issues, the state ultimately decided to support the school to prevent disruption for its students. Mackey highlighted the need for a thorough audit after compliance monitoring revealed several issues within Legacy Prep’s financial records. Consequently, the Alabama Public Charter School Commission issued a letter requesting a written compliance plan from the school.
In response, Legacy Prep’s officials reported that they had rectified the compliance issues and submitted a revised budget and financial plan by January 26, 2022. They presented progress updates to the Alabama Public Charter School Commission in a virtual meeting on March 10, underscoring their commitment to improving their operational standards.
Financial expert Tyler Barnett noted that charter schools typically receive about 30% less revenue than traditional public school districts, placing heightened financial risks on them, particularly in their formative years. Furthermore, many charter school founders may lack expertise in Alabama school finance, which can lead to significant operational challenges.
Understanding the Current Educational Landscape in Alabama
The unfolding scenario within Alabama’s public education system raises questions about the future of public schools in the state. As school choice becomes more prevalent, traditional public schools may need to reassess their appeals to families in order to retain and grow their student populations.
Enrollment Trends
The reported decline in public school enrollment marks a pivotal shift that could influence policy decisions and funding for educational initiatives moving forward, spotlighting the ongoing debate around school choice and public versus private education in Alabama.
Legacy Prep’s Journey
Legacy Prep’s path illustrates the complexities faced by charter schools and the importance of adhering to financial regulations and compliance measures to sustain operations and foster student success. With its growth amid the backdrop of a wider decline, Legacy Prep could serve as a case study for future education reforms in the state.
FAQ Section
What is the reason for the decline in enrollment in Alabama public schools?
The decline is attributed to the implementation of the Choose Act, which provides parents with more flexibility for non-public school options.
How many students left Alabama public schools this year, and what are their new statuses?
Approximately 5,800 students left public schools. Roughly half transitioned to private schools or homeschooling, while the educational status of the other half is unknown.
Which charter school in Birmingham is experiencing growth?
Legacy Prep, a public charter school in Birmingham, is experiencing growth and has expanded its facilities.
What educational offerings does Legacy Prep provide?
Legacy Prep is customizing its curriculum to provide career exploration opportunities, including programs related to media production and law enforcement.
What financial challenges has Legacy Prep faced?
Legacy Prep had reportedly misspent as much as $311,000 over a two-year period, leading to an audit and state support to prevent teacher layoffs.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Decline | Approximately 6,000 students left Alabama public schools this year. |
| Choose Act | Legislation providing parents with flexibility for non-public school options. |
| Legacy Prep Growth | Legacy Prep has expanded its facilities and offers career exploration opportunities. |
| Financial Challenges | Legacy Prep faced mismanagement of $311,000 and received state assistance. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Schools Experience Enrollment Crisis as Thousands Go Missing
Birmingham City Council Approves Initiatives for Public Spaces
Governor Ivey Celebrates Success of Alabama’s CHOOSE Act
Birmingham City Council Allocates $1 Million for School Mental Health Support
Auburn University Achieves High Rankings in U.S. News Report
Antwon Womack Secures Seat on Birmingham City School Board
Alabama Leads in Academic Recovery at A+ Opportunity Summit
Alabama Universities Shine in Latest U.S. Rankings
Alabama Colleges Achieve Notable Rankings in U.S. News
Magic City Acceptance Academy’s Charter Renewed
Additional Resources
- Alabama News Center: New Legacy Prep Intermediate School Opened
- WVTM13: Alabama Public School Enrollment Decline
- WBRC: Ribbon Cutting for Legacy Prep Intermediate
- AL.com: Legacy Prep Needs $250,000 to Stay Afloat
- 1819 News: Legacy Prep Charter School Renewal
- Wikipedia: Charter School
- Google Search: Alabama Public School Enrollment Decline
- Google Scholar: Legacy Prep School Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational System in the United States
- Google News: Legacy Prep Charter School
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
