Everything was set for Pamela James’ granddaughter to transfer to Franklin Towne Charter High School in Bridesburg. School officials gave a start date and a locker combination for the ninth grader. James paid fees for activities and uniforms.
But hours after James handed over the young woman’s Individualized Education Program — the document that spells out the support and services that special-education students must by law receive — the school rescinded the girl’s admission. There was no room for her after all, a Franklin Towne employee told James.
Denying admission to a student on the basis of special-education status is illegal, but the nonprofit Education Law Center says its staff has seen “a pattern” of such discrimination from charters.