In Madrid, the Innova academy, which specialized in preparation for state exams, suddenly ceased operations. More than a thousand students and teachers were left without access to classes and without answers about refunds. Staff and clients faced closed doors and disconnected phones, while the virtual campus posted a message about the immediate cessation of activities due to an “extremely difficult financial situation” inherited from the previous owners.
Unexpected Shutdown
Many students who had paid for their studies in advance learned about the closure only after the announcement appeared on the website on April 10. In the message, the administration stated that it had tried to stabilize the situation but was forced to shut down. No individual notifications were sent, and attempts to contact academy representatives were unsuccessful. Among those affected are residents of various regions, including Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalusia, where Innova had another location in Seville.
Money and Stress
Students such as Yulisa Garcia and Ana Baranco lost significant sums—from 1,300 to 1,700 euros for annual and multi-year courses. Some had paid for their studies just weeks before the closure. Outrage is growing over the fact that the recruitment of new students continued even as the situation deteriorated. One student, Anji Carvajal, said she learned of the closure not from the administration but from a teacher who asked her to pass on the information to others.
Lost Opportunities
Many students tried to save accessible learning materials, fearing they might disappear. However, part of the content became unavailable, and live classes, as well as the ability to ask questions, were completely lost. Some instructors, despite not receiving their salaries, offered voluntary assistance to students. One of them, Roberto Regal, reported that he had not been paid since January, and that the academy owed him €1,600. According to him, management kept assuring everyone that the situation was under control until they eventually stopped responding.
Collective action
Affected students and teachers have joined messenger groups and are discussing the possibility of filing a class action lawsuit. Many have already turned to the Organization of Consumers and Users. According to the contract, Innova was obligated to provide services for the entire paid period, and the closure may be considered a breach of obligations and grounds for a refund. In addition, the academy still has outstanding debts to suppliers of educational materials.
