First year closures, when a school opens and then closes during its first year of operation, is incredibly disruptive for students, families and communities. While there is a risk that any new venture may not succeed, a school opening and closing during its first year should be extraordinarily rare—unfortunately it is not.
This project will define the features of this trend by analyzing the reasons and extent to which first year closures occur. This research will also provide evidence-based recommendations for what authorizers can and should look for in order to avoid first-year closures from occurring in their communities.