What is Donda Academy? Kanye West’s private school and fees explained
Kanye West’s Donda Academy announced that it was closing its doors last week for ‘the remainder of the 2022-23 school year’ in an email to parents.
However, within just four hours, the school sent out another email to state that the academic year would be going ahead as planned.
The email, which was obtained by TMZ, read: “Join us tomorrow morning in worship for the return of Donda Academy. With the help of our parents and community, we are back and returning with a vengeance!” The news comes following Kanye’s anti-Semitic comments on the podcast Drink Champs.
The comments have led some of the world’s biggest brands cutting ties with Kanye, who is now known as Ye, including adidas which makes his Yeezy trainer brand.
But what is Donda Academy and where is the private school?
Here’s everything you need to know. Donda Academy has enrolled 100 students so far and those ᴀssociated with the school were allegedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements.
The school’s website states: “Using an ethic of integrity and care, Donda Academy prepares students to become the next generation of leaders, thinkers and innovators by providing them with a world-class education that includes a rigorous core curriculum, and an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving.”
Donda Academy reportedly charges $15,000 (£12,916) in tuition per year, according to Forbes. However, according to the school’s website, financial aid and scholarships are available for students who qualify.
Balenciaga provided the uniforms for the students of Donda Academy, but due to Ye’s anti-Semitic comments, the fashion designer has cut ties with the rapper.
Kering, Balenciaga’s parent company, said in a statement to WWD: “Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist.” Other brands that have cut ties with the rapper include sportwear brand adidas, fashion magazine Vogue and talent agency CAA.
