The Alabama Charter School Commission will meet Monday with its two newest members, State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) and Terry Lathan, as it considers five new charter school applications and four contract amendments. Among the items being considered is the expansion of the Magic City Acceptance Academy.
According to the agenda, the Commission will consider "New Charter School Applications and Resolutions" for the following schools:
- Time Leadership Academy (Dothan)
- XS.T.R.E.A.M. Minds Academy (Birmingham)
- Florecer Community School (Birmingham)
- Pathways in Education (Tuscaloosa)
- C.A. Fredd, Jr. Career and Technical Academy (Tuscaloosa)
1819 News requested copies of each new school application, but Commission staff said that they were unable to provide them to the public or media.
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The Charter School website has not had any additional documents updated during the first six months of 2026.
The agenda notes that Commission staff require seven days' advance notice for anyone wishing to give public comment at a meeting. Commission staff did not respond to a request for clarification on how members of the public or lawmakers should weigh in on applications or amendments that are not available to them.
Charter school amendments will be considered for the following schools:
- Magic City Acceptance Academy
- I Dream Big Academy
- Freedom Prep
- Independence Preparatory Academy
1819 News reviewed the amendment request for Magic City Acceptance Academy. The school is making a request to expand into the second and third floors of the building next door to the current school.
Though the application incorrectly states that "In 2024-2025, BAO and Farris Properties presented to the City of Homewood permits, planning department, zoning committee, and City Council the expansion plans for 85 Bagby Drive," the actual request was presented to the City of Homewood in September 2023.
The request to the Charter School Commission differs from the comments made to the City of Homewood in several ways.
First, the request to the commission calls for an expansion to 400-450 students, whereas Dr. Karen Musgrove, CEO, CFO/Superintendent of the school, stated that the goal was 550-600 students and that there was potential to add a fifth-grade level.
The change may be related to the ongoing decline in the student population. According to the school's March 2025 Board Meeting minutes, the school projected 2025-2026 student enrollment to be 350-400 students. The application for expansion states that the school currently has 285 students. A review of meeting minutes available on the school's website indicates a steady decline in enrollment since February 2025.
The application for expansion specifically states that the school will seek additional grant funding from the Charter School Commission.
The school's application for amendment relies in part on a mental health survey of its students. That survey was conducted by Magic City Research Institute, with which Musgrove is closely associated and listed as a member of the team. That association with Musgrove or potential conflict in their research and results is not clear in the application.
In her presentation to the City of Homewood, she described their research as "connected to the population we serve." A review of their research shows a heavy emphasis on LGBTQ+ populations.
In her remarks to the Homewood City Council, Musgrove said that the Research Institute would occupy some of the first-floor office space in the expanded building.
The application specifically states, "The future plan for the first floor is to move all BAO and Magic City Wellness Center mental health services into this space."
Both organizations serve adult populations. Magic City Acceptance Center offers services that include chest binders and gender-affirming hormone therapy consultations and support for adults.
Magic City Acceptance Center also has programs intended to bring together LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13-20.
The expansion request would house parts of Magic City Acceptance Center, Magic City Acceptance Academy, Magic City Research Institute and the umbrella organization Birmingham Aids Outreach all in one building yet Charter School Commissioners are supposed to believe that the direction and purpose of the school has changed following the removal of a few words from their mission and a few cosmetic changes to their building.
The expansion application highlights some of the developer's additional projects, including residential units on the property adjacent to the building that the school seeks to expand. According to three presentations given to the city, the community will focus on the needs of 55+ LGBTQ+ and affirming individuals and developmentally disabled adults it will be home to a healthcare facility, Magic City Wellness Center.
Musgrove explained in her speech to the City Council that her goal was for the "kiddos" and new residents to interact and potentially even share the school's cafeteria in the evenings.
The Charter School Commission meeting begins at 3 p.m. and is available by Zoom for those unable to attend in person.
Editors Note: This story has been updated to add the video of the remarks at the Homewood City Council meeting and the relevant portion of the application for resources on the first floor of the proposed location.
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