School serving Volusia families faces uncertainty

A nonprofit special education school in South Daytona is scrambling to find a new location after its landlord declined to renew the lease, creating uncertainty for dozens of students and staff from across Volusia County. While the campus is not in Edgewater, the issue has practical relevance for local families who rely on countywide education options for children with specialized needs.

Chase Academy, which serves autistic and neurodivergent children and young adults, has operated from South Daytona Plaza for more than 15 years. According to the report, the school has 73 students and 30 staff members. Founder Miriam Lundell said the organization had been preparing for expansion, not an unexpected move, making the financial challenge especially difficult.

Why the move is a major problem

Lundell said the school has already invested tens of thousands of dollars into its current facility and does not have the kind of fundraising in place that would normally support a full relocation. She described the difference between a planned expansion and starting over in a new building as significant, especially for a nonprofit that needs customized space for students with specific educational and sensory needs.

The report says a new company, Pinnacle Leasing and Management Group, took over the shopping plaza about two years ago. News 6 reported that it reached out to the company for comment but did not receive a response. Lundell said the landlord has allowed the school to remain through mid-June so the current school year can be completed.

Why Edgewater families should pay attention

For Edgewater residents, this is the kind of county-level education story that can have direct consequences even outside the immediate city. Families often cross city lines for specialized programs, therapies and school placements, especially when options are limited. A disruption at one school can affect transportation, enrollment decisions and the availability of services for students throughout Volusia County.

The story also highlights a broader issue facing nonprofits and schools in commercial spaces: sudden lease changes can create instability for families who depend on continuity. In special education settings, that continuity can be especially important because students may rely on familiar routines, trained staff and adapted classrooms.

What happens next

As of the latest report, Chase Academy’s future location remains uncertain beyond the end of the school year. Lundell said the school is trying to determine its next steps while continuing to serve students through June.

For Edgewater-area parents and caregivers, this is worth watching if your family uses countywide special education resources or may need them in the future. Any relocation plan, fundraising effort or enrollment update could become important quickly for Volusia families making summer and fall school decisions.