"While our intent was to remain open to all cadets throughout the year, ongoing staff turnover and higher-than-expected cadet attrition have created challenges that make it increasingly difficult to provide the full educational and leadership experience that every cadet deserves," the academy's chairman said in the letter.
Anthony Ortiz Rivera, who is in 7th grade, dreamed of becoming a cadet since the 5th grade.
"It's just a big disappointment for me... I really wanted to join the military in life. I wanted to get a perspective of how the military was," said Ortiz-Rivera, who worked hard to earn a scholarship to attend the academy.
Ortiz-Rivera and his mother say they were blindsided by the announcement since officials initially said the academy would shut down after the current school year.
"We thought we still had the rest of the school year to try to get our ducks in a row," says Samiha Ortiz-Rivera. "It's just heartbreaking that finally he's able to go to that school, and we're financially finally able to afford it with scholarships and the help of his grades."
Former lead TAC officer Master Sgt. Marc Lopez resigned on Nov. 7 due to program cuts, staffing shortages and longer shifts.
"I think they failed," said Lopez, who focused on military instruction and mentorship. "I actually loved working there. I loved the boys. A lot of them needed a mentor, a father-figure."
Ortiz-Rivera and his mother say now they're desperate to find the next best educational option in Philadelphia in just days instead of months.
Academy leaders say they'll help students through their transition.
As for prepaid tuition, parents will be refunded for semesters beyond the fall.
Only the senior class will be allowed on campus for the spring semester, the academy says.