Palm Valley School Faces Uncertainty in Rancho Mirage

A local private school in the Coachella Valley is facing uncertainty.

Parents provided NBC Palm Springs with an email stating that Palm Valley School in Rancho Mirage plans to file for Chapter 11 restructuring bankruptcy protection.

The email says the contract rescission deadline, the date families can withdraw from enrollment agreements, has been pushed back to May 15.

School leaders say enrollment is currently much lower than expected, with about 150 students enrolled.

One option being explored to avoid bankruptcy is securing an agreement with a third-party operator.

Palm Valley School is a private college preparatory school serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The school has also faced controversy in recent years. Last May, former third-grade teacher Stephen Michael was charged with 21 felonies tied to an alleged long-term sexual abuse relationship with a then-16-year-old girl.

NBC Palm Springs reached out to school officials for comment. In a statement, the school said it has “no comment at this time.”