Parents upset after Little Red School House abruptly shuts doors in Zellwood

ZELLWOOD, Fla. — Families in northwest Orange County are scrambling to find a new school for their children now that a private school suddenly closed.

Dozens of children attended the Little Red School House in Zellwood.

About 70 students thought they would start school on Monday, but just days before the first bell, the school was shut down.

"None of us ever expected this. We didn't see this coming," said parent Laurie Staples.

Staples said she had found the best learning environment at the Little Red School House for her daughter, who has special needs.

Caitlyn Staples went to the school on a scholarship for children with disabilities.

"You put it down to the last minute and most of your private schools are already filled up. So now what do we do?" asked Laurie Staples.

The school rented space from Rolling Hills Community Church, but in a letter Channel 9 obtained, the school's owner, Lottie Smith, did not agree with the church's vision, therefore the church did not renew her lease.

Parents said they saw a note on the door, but Smith never called to let anyone know.

"Other parents haven't even been contacted yet that there's no more school. Others just found out from word of mouth from other parents," said Laurie Staples.

A nearby private school that accepts the same scholarships told Channel 9 it has to wait on the owner to give the students' records before any child can enter the classroom.

"Kids are crying. The devastation's there," Laurie Staples said.

Smith has not returned Channel 9’s calls for comment.

Parents said the church wanted the school to be accredited before continuing the lease partnership.

Cox Media Group