An Atlanta charter school struggling with the disappearance of more than $600,000 is now dealing with a second financial blow.

Under the leadership of the school’s founder, who is under investigation in connection with the missing money, Latin Academy took out $600,000 in loans without the school board’s authorization, according to legal and school financial records.

The terms of the loan agreements with a California finance company call for penalties of up to nearly 25 percent if the school defaults.

Latin Academy, a middle school in south Atlanta, repaid some of the money, but the company is currently suing the school over unpaid debt in federal court.

School founder Chris Clemons is also a suspect in connection with the investigation of hundreds of thousands taken from the school to pay for dinners, non-work-related travel, bonuses to employees and "personal entertainment at local night clubs," according to a police report. An initial estimate put those losses at more than $600,000.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Featured

Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC