News | Port St. Lucie

Creative Learning Lab Academy Closure and Reopening in Fort Pierce

September 15, 2025
8:17 pm

Uncertainty surrounds the Creative Learning Lab Academy closure and reopening in Fort Pierce, as families and staff face confusion over the school’s financial struggles and operational status. The situation has also highlighted broader concerns about the stability of educational institutions in the region, especially as other facilities, such as Port St. Lucie assisted living facilities, have recently announced closures due to financial challenges.

Creative Learning Lab Academy Closure in Fort Pierce

Creative Learning Lab Academy (CLLA), an independent private school in Fort Pierce, recently announced its closure, leaving parents, students, and staff in a state of confusion. The closure was attributed to ongoing financial difficulties, according to official information provided to WPTV.

The school serves students from VPK through 12th grade and has become a critical educational option for many families in St. Lucie County School District. For parents seeking guidance on navigating local school options, the comprehensive guide to Port St. Lucie schools can be a valuable resource during this transition.

Financial Difficulties and Delayed Funding

According to a preliminary report from school co-owners Christopher and Balanga Madison, CLLA faced a delay in receiving funds from Step Up For Students, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit Step Up For Students that distributes scholarship funding. The delay was expected to last until November, making it difficult for the school to meet payroll obligations.

In an email to staff, the owners explained that they were seeking alternative financial support to cover teacher pay. However, Christopher Madison told WPTV that their backup plan failed, which led to the decision to close the school over the weekend.

Impact on Teachers and Staff

Teachers at CLLA reported not receiving their paychecks, with some considering legal action if payment is not received soon. One teacher, who requested anonymity, told WPTV that bills are piling up for many educators, increasing the pressure on the school’s leadership to resolve the situation. This issue is further detailed in the recent coverage about teachers remaining unpaid amid the financial crisis at Creative Learning Lab Academy.

Despite the lack of compensation, staff members were present at the school on Monday morning to assist families in collecting students’ belongings and to provide clarity to parents who had not been informed about the closure.

Parental Concerns and Community Reaction

Families affected by the closure expressed frustration and concern for their children’s education. Oketo Elliot, a parent of a 16-year-old student, questioned whether his son’s academic credits would transfer to other institutions and highlighted the disruption caused by the closure six weeks into the school year.

Another parent, Angela Coderre, described the challenges of finding a new school, managing work obligations, and dealing with the financial loss of recently purchased uniforms. She told WPTV, “I’m just very frustrated actually.”

Uncertainty About School Reopening

During WPTV’s coverage on Monday, Christopher Madison indicated by phone that community leaders and private investors were working to secure new funding. He stated that these efforts could allow CLLA to resume operations as early as the following week.

According to Madison, staff and students were told they could return to campus on Tuesday. He also told WPTV, “We are in the process of speaking with our teachers to give them a firm timeline in regards to their paychecks to compensate them for any disruptions that have occurred in their lives.”

Ongoing Concerns Over Trust and Stability

The abrupt closure and subsequent reopening announcement have led to skepticism among both parents and teachers. Some parents told WPTV that their trust in CLLA has been shaken, while teachers remain uncertain about whether they will be paid for their work.

Despite these concerns, some families remain hopeful. Melanda Dickenson, a parent, expressed optimism about the school’s future, stating, “I hope that they are able to stay open. Despite everything that they’re going through, they created a great environment in there.”

Commitment to Student Education

Teachers at CLLA asked WPTV to inform parents that classroom lessons would continue on Tuesday, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to students’ education despite the recent upheaval. The situation remains dynamic, and details may be updated as the investigation continues, according to official sources from the Florida Department of Education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creative Learning Lab Academy Closure

What caused the Creative Learning Lab Academy closure in Fort Pierce?

According to school officials, the closure was due to financial difficulties and a delay in receiving scholarship funding from Step Up For Students. The lack of funds made it impossible to pay teachers and maintain operations.

How much notice did families receive about the school closing?

Families were notified over the weekend, giving them very little time to make alternative arrangements. Many parents learned about the closure only after arriving at the school on Monday.

Are teachers at Creative Learning Lab Academy being paid?

According to WPTV, teachers reported not receiving their paychecks and some are considering legal action if payment is not received. The school owners stated they are working on a timeline to resolve unpaid wages.

Can students transfer credits from CLLA to other schools?

Parents expressed concerns about whether credits from CLLA will transfer to other institutions. Each school district or private school may have its own policies, so families should contact the new school for specific guidance.