Overview
- Kacy Claassen, 28, was arrested April 27 after attending Westchester Square Academy for about two weeks under a false name and age.
- Principal Marques Rich identified her through a public Facebook profile that listed a 1997 birthdate and posts referencing a daughter.
- Police charged Claassen with criminal impersonation, trespassing, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a forged instrument, and she has pleaded not guilty with a June 15 court date.
- Investigators say she told them a friend pushed her to enroll to collect public assistance, and they are testing for links to a broader “ghost student” benefits scam.
- NYC Schools says it is reviewing how it verifies enrollment, and the episode mirrors college “ghost student” schemes that the Education Department says cost about $150 million in 2025.