Arts Charter School In Bensalem Withdraws Application

BENSALEM, PA — A proposed charter school for the arts in Bensalem has withdrawn its application, citing difficulties securing the building the school was set to occupy.

TLC Bucks Arts Charter High School was seeking to open for the 2019-20 school year at 1000 Northbrook Dr. in Bensalem — at the site of TruMark Financial Credit Union near Neshaminy Mall.

Bensalem's school board had been set to vote soon on whether to approve the charter school, which planned to offer majors in the areas of dance, figure skating, music, theater, literary arts and visual arts.

Last month, the board held an hours-long public hearing on the topic, at which some local residents spoke against the plan, saying the school district already offers quality arts curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Thomas Lubben, the founder and CEO of TLC Arts which already has four campuses in the Lehigh Valley area, said he is seeking another suitable location in Lower Bucks County. He now hopes to open for the 2020-21 school year.

Lubben said the developer of the property near Neshaminy Mall was unable to come to terms with the building's current owners.

The arts school would draw students from across the area, not just the district in which it is located. Like traditional public schools, charter schools are tuition-free and open to the public. Interested students would apply and their admission would hinge on a successful audition.

Those who live within 10 miles of the school would be eligible to ride a school bus. Others may attend, but would be responsible for their own transportation.

Photo courtesy TLC Arts, LLC