Private school in California, United States
Donda Academy is an unaccredited Christian private school for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, located in Simi Valley, California, United States. It was founded in 2022 by American rapper Kanye West. During the admissions and hiring process, parents, faculty and staff are required to comply with the following stipulations: a non-disclosure agreement must be signed, the school's location must be kept secret and all members of the school community must refrain from publicly discussing the school's existence, practices and any other non-public details.[1] All students, faculty and staff are required to adhere to the school dress code of black Balenciaga uniforms designed by West.[2][3][4]
On October 27, 2022, it was reported the school closed "abruptly" after West made antisemitic comments in interviews and on social media.[2][1] It was reopened hours later. Its current operating status is unknown.
History
In September 2022, West revealed that he opened a Christian private school named Donda Academy after his late mother Donda West,[5] on the site of the defunct Simi Valley Stoneridge Preparatory School.[6] Rolling Stone was told that parents are required to sign a non-disclosure agreement to register their children.[7] The founding executive director was Brianne Campbell, a Masters student at Pepperdine University, who resigned because of Kanye West's anti-semitic statements.[8] A 2023 lawsuit states that the principal is Moira Love.[9] The school enrolled about 100 students and employs 16 teachers, with a number of celebrities' children in attendance.[10] West's four children with Kim Kardashian do not attend the school; they attend Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles instead.[11]
In October 2022, Tamar Andrews, a Jewish educator who worked at the academy, resigned after West's antisemitic comments.[12]
On October 27, 2022, the school notified parents that it had canceled the remainder of the 2022–23 school year and would reopen at the beginning of the 2023–24 school year.[2][13] Hours later, the school notified parents that the school would reopen on October 28, 2022.[14][15] On the same day, singer Keyshia Cole pulled her son out of the school.[16] When a fan asked on Twitter if she had signed an NDA, Cole responded, "And there was no NDA signed. Idk who may have but that wasn't brought up to us."[16]
Two former teachers filed a lawsuit against the school in April 2023, alleging that they were unjustly fired without any reason after complaining of health and safety violations.[17][9] The teachers allege that the academy had unusual rules and requirements. Crossword puzzles, coloring sheets, utensils, and chairs were disallowed. Students could not wear jewelry and clothing made by Nike and Adidas. No color or artwork was allowed in classrooms, and all cups and bowls were required to be gray. West did not allow classes on the second floor of the school building because of a fear of stairs.[17] Students were only allowed to eat sushi on the floor, as the school did not have tables; outside food was disallowed.[9] There was no janitorial services and no school nurse; West banned the use of cleaning chemicals and trash cans, and one student's EpiPen was stored above a microwave.[9]
Academics
The school curriculum includes Christianity, language arts, mathematics, and science. It also includes enrichment courses, such as world languages, the visual arts, film, choir, and parkour. The school has a 10:1 ratio of students to teachers, and no class exceeds 12 students.[18]
The school has not sought accreditation by the private Western Association of Schools and Colleges,[19] as private schools in California are not required to be accredited or licensed, though they do have to register with the state.[20]
Basketball team
The school's basketball team is named the Donda Doves.[21] The team was featured on the January 2022 cover of Slam, a basketball-focused publication.[22] In order of appearance, the players who appeared on the cover along with West were Bryce Baker, Brandon White, Jalen Hooks, Chuck Bailey III, Javonte "JJ" Taylor, Jahki Howard, Robert Dillingham, Seven Bahati, Braeden Moore, Omarion Bodrick, and Zion Cruz.[22]
Their inaugural game was held in February 2022 at the Credit Union 1 Arena, playing against Chicago Prep.[23] The Doves won the game 85–62.[23]
The team was scheduled to appear at the Hoophall Classic and Kentucky Play-By-Play Classic showcases in 2022, but the invitations were rescinded in late October.[24] ESPN rated player Robert Dillingham number 8 on their ESPN 100 list; speculation surrounding Dillingham continuing with the team began in late October after West's antisemitic remarks, the abrupt school closure and reopening, and the showcases being rescinded resulted in a "fallout" for the school.[24][25] Dillingham later left Donda Academy to play for the Cold Hearts team in the Overtime Elite.
After the showcase invitations were canceled, players JJ Taylor (small forward) and Chuck Bailey III (reserve guard) left the school, with Taylor transferring to San Ysidro High School.[26]
