East Bank private school suddenly shuts door

Mar 29, 2014 News

– Parents, students contemplate next move
The Academy of Professional Studies; a private secondary school located at 21 Public Road, Mc Doom, East Bank of Demerara suddenly closed its doors yesterday, leaving its students and their parents wondering about their next move.
Yesterday the parents expressed frustration and bewilderment with the situation. Among the concerns aired were that they had already paid school fees for the term as well as for the students scheduled to sit the Caribbean

The private school that closed9

Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
The parents questioned what would happen to their children sitting the CSEC examinations. One fifth form student told this newspaper that they (students) were given letters informing that the school will “be closing on the 28th March, 2014 and will not be reopening again due to unforeseen circumstances.”
She said that the Administrator of the school informed her that they would be able to write the CSEC examinations, but beyond that she “doesn’t know anything else.”
She added that she cannot call the school since the telephone numbers are out of order. The student lamented that she doesn’t know her candidate number and has no idea how she will acquire her timetable.
When contacted by this newspaper to give a comment on the issue yesterday, owner Patricia Sanasie said the matter is a private one and Kaieteur News should not be “instigating her.”
Administrator of the establishment who identified herself as ‘Ms Hussein’ however explained that the school, which has been in operation since 2003, catered for nursery, primary and secondary students but due to competition, rebranded itself as a secondary school in 2012.
She explained that the secondary school had been suffering ever since one of its teachers acted inappropriately with a student from the school.
When rumours of the indiscretion got out the Administrator said the student population dwindled significantly to the point where approximately 15 students were in attendance.
The institution could no longer operate viably and the decision was made by the owner to close the school, she said.
According to her, an arrangement has been brokered with someone from Queens College to have the children sit the CSEC exams.
She added that all of the syllabuses have been covered and if the students need further guidance this could be provided privately by teachers. Additionally their School Based Assessments (SBA’s) will be marked by a teacher from another school, the Administrator said
When questioned why a Parent Teachers Meeting (PTA) was not convened to formally inform of the school’s closure, the Administrator said they were acting on instructions from the owner.
One of the parents said that she will be taking the matter up with the Education Minister Priya Manickchand.