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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Hawes

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.

What is Donda Academy?

There are around 100 children at Donda Academy (MEGA)

Donda Academy is a non-accredited private school that opened in August 2021.

According to Rolling Stone, Donda Academy has enrolled 100 students so far and those associated 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."

According to The Sun, the daily schedule for students consists of the following:

  • Full school worship
  • Core classes of language arts, math, and science
  • Lunch and recess
  • Enrichment courses including World Language, Visual Art, Film, Choir and Parkour.

Where is Donda Academy?

Donda Academy is based in California (@CelebCandidly / MEGA)

Donda Academy is located in Simi Valley, California.

The Christian private school educates children from the age of four up until the age of 18.

Donda Academy is named after Ye's late mother, who died in 2007 following a battle with coronary artery disease.

How much does it cost to attend Donda Academy?

Balenciaga, which created the uniforms for Donda Academy, recently cut ties with Kanye (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

Do Kanye West's children attend Donda Academy?

Kanye West with his four children (Instagram)

Kanye shares four children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian - North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.

Currently, the West children do not attend Donda Academy, despite Ye's desire to get his kids enrolled at the school.

During an episode of ABC News Live Prime in September, Ye said: “I want my kids to go to Donda and I have to fight for a say so."

He has also previously shared his concerns over his children's education on social media.

Before his appearance on ABC News Live Prime, Ye shared messages reportedly exchanged between himself and his ex-wife in a series of now-deleted images.

According to The Independent, in one of the messages Ye referred to where the children live and The Kardashians' TV show.

He said: “It’s not up to Calabasas or Hulu where my kids go to school.

“I’m not the crazy one here. It’s up. I won’t stop until I have a say so on my kids no matter what it legally takes.”

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