COLUMBIA, SC — A small charter school in Columbia is scrambling to survive.

The Midlands Math and Business Academy faces closure for what Richland 1 officials said Wednesday is unsatisfactory student performance.

The nine-year-old academy at the Midland Shopping Center uses innovative as well as traditional instruction for its 72 elementary and middle school students.

Academy officials are fighting Richland 1’s decision to withhold money, after an appellate court agreed the school should shut down. The aid for the academy is nearly $587,000 currently, fluctuating with enrollment.

Parents of some students hope to raise money to keep the academy going while the battle over its fate moves to the state Supreme Court.

“We’ll work together as a family, doing whatever we can to keep our school open,” Monica Smith said.

Academy director Michelle Spradley declined comment Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Richland 1 is welcoming students who want to transfer from the academy it oversees.

“We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible,” superintendent Percy Mack said.

Reach Flach at (803) 771-8483.