BURTON, Mich. - Valley Christian Academy in Burton has closed due to financial pressures caused by dwindling enrollment, The Flint Journal reported. An advertising campaign and tuition reduction did not bring in enough students to keep the 29-year-old school operating.
"Unless the economy comes back, any tuition-based school is in danger," Principal Sam Pace told The Journal.
The school had reduced tuition to $2,500, The Journal reported. While Valley Christian received financial assistance from area church congregations, it did not have a sponsoring church. School enrollment in 2008-2009 was 103, according to the report, with students coming from throughout the Flint and Burton area.
SOURCE:
The Flint Journal, "Leaving Valley Christian: Tears, goodbyes accompany close of Burton private school," Sept. 2, 2009
FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Report, "Painting the Private School Picture," May 12, 2000
The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government. Through our research and education programs, we challenge government overreach and advocate for a free-market approach to public policy that frees people to realize their potential and dreams.
Please consider contributing to our work to advance a freer and more prosperous state.