Arizona's Largest Online Charter School Avoids Shutdown After State Superintendent Intervention

Primavera Online Charter School kept open despite poor academic performance, raising concerns over state oversight

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:21am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a decaying school building in shades of grey, blue, and red, conveying a sense of instability and the clash between oversight and political influence in the charter school system.The controversial intervention by Arizona's top education official has cast doubt on the state's ability to hold underperforming charter schools accountable.Phoenix Today

Primavera Online Charter School, Arizona's largest virtual charter, faced the possibility of being shut down by the State Charter Board due to years of abysmal academic performance. However, in a surprising move, Republican State Schools Chief Tom Horne intervened and allowed the school to be reclassified as an 'alternative' institution, effectively reversing the Board's decision to revoke Primavera's charter. This has sparked frustration among board members who felt their authority was undermined by Horne's 'after-the-fact' actions.

Why it matters

The Primavera case highlights the ongoing debate over charter school accountability and oversight in Arizona, where lax regulations have allowed some operators to prioritize profits over student outcomes. The State Charter Board's efforts to hold Primavera responsible were seen as a test of the system's ability to enforce standards, but Horne's intervention has raised concerns that political influence can override the established process.

The details

For over a year, the State Charter Board had been working to revoke Primavera's charter due to the school's consistently poor academic performance, including three consecutive years of 'D' letter grades. The Board had formally initiated the shutdown process in March 2025. However, Primavera's owner, Damian Creamer, appealed directly to Horne, who then allowed the school to present new records and be reclassified as an 'alternative' institution. This change in status meant Primavera would have received 'C' grades instead of 'D's, effectively removing the Board's grounds for revocation. The Board accused Horne of an 'unprecedented' and 'after-the-fact' intervention that undermined their established authority.

  • In March 2025, the Charter Board formally voted to begin the process of shutting Primavera down after it received three consecutive annual 'D' letter grades.
  • In mid-March 2025, Primavera owner Damian Creamer appealed directly to Horne, saying 'We're so grateful for Tom Horne' for working to 'correct this administrative error'.
  • Also in March 2025, Horne initially said he would not intervene, stating 'It is important that charters and district schools alike are held accountable for the quality of education they provide.'
  • However, Horne later allowed Primavera to meet with his staff and present new records, leading to the school being reclassified as 'alternative'.

The players

Tom Horne

The Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Arizona, who intervened on behalf of Primavera Online Charter School to prevent its closure despite the school's poor academic performance.

Damian Creamer

The multi-millionaire owner of Primavera Online Charter School, who appealed directly to Horne after the State Charter Board initiated proceedings to revoke the school's charter.

James Swanson

A longtime member of the Arizona State Charter Board, who expressed frustration with Horne's intervention and the undermining of the Board's authority.

Jessica Montierth

The Chairwoman of the Arizona State Charter Board, who noted the significant time and effort the Board had invested in the Primavera case before Horne's intervention.

Kimberly Yee

The Arizona State Treasurer, who is currently running against Horne in the Republican primary for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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What they’re saying

“Our authority is based on following through with policy and procedure, and that's what we have done.”

— Jessica Montierth, Chairwoman, Arizona State Charter Board

“We're so grateful for Tom Horne, for working with us so that we can correct this administrative error.”

— Damian Creamer, Owner, Primavera Online Charter School

“My first priority for all public schools is academic success. It is important that charters and district schools alike are held accountable for the quality of education they provide.”

— Tom Horne, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

What’s next

The Arizona State Charter Board has stated it will ensure a structured operational plan is in place for Primavera and maintain oversight of the school going forward, despite Horne's intervention.

The takeaway

The Primavera case highlights the ongoing tensions between charter school accountability and political influence in Arizona's education system. While the State Charter Board attempted to hold the underperforming school responsible, the Superintendent's last-minute actions to reclassify Primavera raise concerns about the integrity of the oversight process and the ability of charter operators to circumvent consequences for poor student outcomes.