Sequoia Pathway Academy will shift to new ownership next year, with the embattled Mesa-based charter school network Edkey Inc. announcing this afternoon that the local campus will be taken over by Heritage Academy Maricopa.

Edkey will continue running the school through the end of the 2025–26 year. Heritage Academy will assume control afterward, launching a new K–5 program on the campus beginning in fall 2026, according to a release issued by Edkey late today.

Heritage Academy Maricopa currently serves grades 6–12.

The addition of elementary grades marks a significant expansion of its footprint in the city as the public school district makes expansions of their own.

Heritage plans to open four sections per grade level and will host a Monday open house for current Sequoia Pathway families. Hiring has already begun, too. Existing Pathway employees may apply for positions within Heritage’s network, said a press release this afternoon.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said Assistant Superintendent Chris McComb in the release.

“As Edkey continues to strengthen its statewide network of schools, this step supports the long-term sustainability of the organization while honoring the legacy of Sequoia Pathway in the Maricopa community,” McComb continued. “This transition allows the campus an opportunity to thrive with a new partner that shares a deep commitment to academic excellence and student development.”

The transition comes as Edkey contends with steep enrollment declines, a dwindling cash-flow and the threat of state financial oversight. In recent months, Edkey leaders have detailed multimillion-dollar budget cuts, reconciled accounting errors that reduced reported cash on hand and acknowledged that payroll timing remains a week-to-week challenge. The network is relying on a $1 million bondholder loan, coming due in February, to remain operating.

Despite those pressures, Edkey officials emphasized the importance of maintaining educational continuity in Maricopa. Middle and high school students currently enrolled at Sequoia Pathway will be encouraged to explore Heritage Academy’s existing 6–12 campus, which offers a broader slate of academic and extracurricular programs.

“We’re proud of the work done at Sequoia Pathway over the years and believe Heritage Academy is well-positioned to continue serving the Maricopa community with excellence,” Edkey CEO Nick Strange said in the announcement.

No information is posted on the Heritage Academy website about absorbing the school, although registration applications are now open for students K-12. InMaricopa reached out to Heritage Academy and will update this story with more details once we’ve gathered them.