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VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - Tuesday, April 28, Valdosta City Schools Board of Education voted to discontinue the Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA) program effective June 30.

The program has been a part of the district for almost 18 years. Serving as one of 10 early college academies in the state, giving students the opportunity to earn up to five high school credits by 8th grade and meeting the state requirements of 30 credit hours for dual enrollment. Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and internship opportunities that will help them excel after graduation.

The condition of VECA’s facility located on Azalea Drive in Valdosta was cited as the rationale for this decision. Adding that students would now be able to fully participate in extracurricular and specialized programs.

Parents like Deron Johnson say that after moving from out of state and finally finding the right fit for his son — this decision is blindsiding.

“We wanted something stable and once we landed VECA, again, we were prepared to do the work to make sure our son stayed focused, stayed on task,” Johnson said. “And now there is no school choice. There’s only Valdosta High. Valdosta Middle School — Valdosta High . That’s all that we have. There are no options there. As a parent now, what is our next step?”

Both Tara Diaz and JaTaryia Thomas’ children have attended VECA since 6th grade and now they are in their last years of high school.

Diaz says her daughter was very upset when she received the news.

“It was a hard conversation to have, while we are adults and we understand. The children understand, the building does need to be closed but the program doesn’t need to be closed,” she said.

Meanwhile, Thomas says her son was physically ill following the news.

“We bought into VECA. Those that are there and bought into it. We’ve seen it. We’ve seen the success. We’ve seen the kids that came through there,” she said. “We know what it is and we understand the value of a VECA education and to just put it from under us is wrong.”

In a statement to WALB, Valdosta City Schools said:

“Valdosta City Schools has made the difficult decision to discontinue the Valdosta Early College Academy (VECA) program effective June 30, 2026.  

VECA was originally created to expand access to early college opportunities, and over time, those opportunities have grown significantly across our district. Today, students can access advanced and accelerated learning beginning in middle school and continuing through high school, including STEM-focused programs, honors coursework, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment, and the IB Programme all without leaving their home campuses.

The decision also reflects the condition of the VECA facility, which was built in 1963 and requires significant repairs that are not eligible for state funding. As a program, all operating and facility costs are supported by local funds, creating an increasing strain on district resources.

All students will continue to have access to a wide range of academic pathways, and Valdosta City Schools will work closely with families to support a smooth transition.”

Tuesday, April 29, Valdosta City Schools plans to hold meetings with 6th through 12th grade families about the transition.

Former students, educators, and parents shared their concerns and memories over the last 18 years on social media marking this the quote “end of an era”

The plan is to demolition the current building.

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