Stamford charter school Trailblazers Academy closing

Trailblazers Academy
Alissa Siegal, an art classroom volunteer at Trailblazers Academy. Photo courtesy Domus

The board of directors of Stamford charter school Trailblazers Academy has voted to close the school in the face of financial difficulties.

“We will work closely with each individual student and their family during this transition period to assist with next steps,” according to a letter posted on the school”™s website by board chair Steve Baker and director Miguel Pickering. “We will also collaborate with the Stamford Public Schools and any other receiving schools to support students and families as they transition.”

The school was founded in 1999 and operated by Stamford nonprofit Domus, which also runs the city”™s remaining charter school, Stamford Academy. Domus”™ website describes Trailblazers as “an alternative charter middle school in Stamford serving 130 students who have not been successful in their previous schools or need a small, more personal learning environment.” The school also served students from Bridgeport and Norwalk.

Trailblazers had a projected state grant payment of just under $1.3 million for 2017-18, according to the latest biennial report from the state Department of Education.

Its closing leaves Fairfield County with nine charter schools: six in Bridgeport, one in Norwalk and the aforementioned Stamford Academy.