Fulton Science Academy Middle School vows to go private now that it's been denied charter status at the county and state level. 

The Georgia Board of Education rejected the school's charter application, citing concerns about its construction debt and school leadership. 

Brian Burdette, a state board member, tells the AJC,  "None of us take this decision lightly.  This department has been working for at least the last four to six months with the petitioner to try to convey what is required for a high-quality charter. Thirty more days isn't going to change a thing."

Parents pleaded for more time, but the board wanted to give families the whole summer to decide where their kids will go this fall. 

"We have had a 10-year history of excellence," FSA governing board member Angela Lassetter tells the AJC. "We want to work with the state. We will do anything that the state wants us to do."

FSA-Middle acknowledges some kids won't be able to afford private school tuition, even with grants and scholarships.