Citrus Heights Private K-12 School Abruptly Closes

(AP) - A private K-12 school near Sacramento sent emails to parents over winter break announcing its abrupt closure.

The Sacramento Bee reports that West Pioneer Academy in Citrus Heights won't reopen in the new year. Parent Rainey Butler says an email sent to families explained that the school was closing for financial reasons and will reimburse those who paid in advance.

Parent Melissa Eaker says the private school had about 45 students, half with special needs in preschool through eighth grade. California Department of Education data from the 2014-15 school year says West Pioneer Academy had about 62 students at the time.

West Pioneer Academy owner Theresa Del Biaggio didn't return phone calls and emails Wednesday.