Fewer than 15 people have signed up for Toronto's first Africentric school, according to the school board chair.
The Toronto District School Board has held three enrolment sessions, all of which were well advertised, said John Campbell. The sessions were meant for parents who had questions about the school and who wanted the opportunity to sign up their children for the specialized education.
The idea of an Africentric school came out of a report tabled in January 2008. The report suggested that a school curriculum focusing on black culture be implemented in three schools in the city's north-west end.
The notion sparked heated discussions among school trustees and parents. Those who oppose the plan say children should learn together and not be segregated according to their race.
Supporters of the plan say the curriculum -- which would be open to all students - could help reduce the high drop-out rate among black students in the city.
Campbell told CTV Toronto Wednesday night that while trustees eventually voted to support the alternative school, the plan can't work without public interest.
"Ultimately, at the end of the process, if there is not enough interest from the public to populate the school, the school board will not go forward," he said.
The Africentric school was expected to open in September 2009. The board has said it will only open the school if it has at least 40 students enrolled in the program.
