Ascent Classical Academies (ACA) has terminated its Service Provider Agreement and ceased management and operations of Ascent Classical Academy of Fort Mill effective April 6, 2026.
ACA serves as the contracted operator of the school, responsible for day-to-day operations, staffing, and financial management. The school is governed by an independent board, which holds the charter and is authorized by the Charter Institute at Erskine. Under that agreement, ACA was responsible for managing the school’s accounts and financial operations, while the governing board exercised oversight through formal board action.
Over recent months, ACA had been engaged in discussions with the governing board regarding a planned transition at the end of the school year. These discussions were focused on identifying a responsible, long-term path forward that would support the school’s financial sustainability and ensure continuity for students and families.
During this same period, ACA was also responding to evolving directives and involvement from the Charter Institute at Erskine that affected the board’s actions and decision-making process. While those interactions were at times challenging, ACA remained engaged in good faith and continued to work toward a constructive and orderly transition.
In late March, prior to the events described below, ACA formally notified the governing board that it would withdraw previously deferred management fees that remained in the school’s accounts. These funds were earned by ACA and had been intentionally left in place to support the school’s cash flow in an effort to aid the school, with prior notice to the governing board of their planned withdrawal.
On April 2, 2026, a member of the governing board subsequently removed all funds from the school’s bank accounts without board approval. This action eliminated the school’s operating capital and made it impossible for ACA to meet essential obligations, including payroll and required expenditures.
These actions occurred immediately prior to a planned board meeting at which significant governance decisions were expected to be considered. Following these events, multiple board members resigned, leaving the board unable to function.
The combination of these actions – including the removal of funds without board approval and the resulting breakdown in governance – constituted a violation of the Service Provider Agreement and made it no longer possible for ACA to continue operating the school. Without access to operating funds and with no functioning governing board, ACA could not responsibly or legally continue operations.
Effective April 6, 2026, ACA has concluded its role as operator following termination of the Service Provider Agreement and no longer operates the school or acts on its behalf.
ACA recognizes the disruption this situation has caused for students, families, and staff. Throughout this process, ACA’s focus remained on supporting the school community and working toward a stable and sustainable path forward. Unfortunately, the conditions necessary to continue that work no longer exist.
Further information regarding the school’s status may be provided by the governing board or the Charter Institute at Erskine.