New Morning School Announces Permanent Closure

News Summary

New Morning School in Plymouth Township will close permanently after over 50 years due to low enrollment projections. Founded in 1973, the school has served the community with a focus on cooperative learning and personalized education. Despite efforts to sustain operations, the challenges posed by the pandemic and competition led to this difficult decision. The school’s closure will impact current students, alumni, and families who valued its nurturing environment. A Summer Science Camp and an Alumni Walkthrough are scheduled as farewell events.

— New Morning School, a well-established K-8 tuition-based institution located at 14501 N. Haggerty Road, will permanently close its doors at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after over 50 years of operation. The decision comes as a result of significantly low enrollment projections, with estimates indicating that only 39 students will enroll for the upcoming school year.

The closure marks the end of an era for the school, which was founded in 1973 by Elaine Kennedy. Kennedy envisioned a learning environment that catered to children whose needs were not being met by traditional educational models. The school has since prided itself on fostering a strong community and a cooperative learning approach, where parents play an active role in classroom activities.

A combination of factors has influenced this decision, including pandemic-related disruptions, financial pressures impacting families, and heightened competition from other educational institutions. Throughout the years, New Morning School made numerous efforts to recruit new students, but projected numbers remained insufficient to sustain daily operations.

Head of School Pauline Nagle expressed deep sadness over the school’s impending closure, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes on families who have been part of the New Morning community. Nagle’s family has a long-standing association with the school, underscoring the emotional connections that many in the community hold.

Despite the impending closure, the school will still hold a Summer Science Camp from June 23 to July 10, providing students with an opportunity for enrichment activities before the school officially shuts down. Additionally, an Alumni Walkthrough is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. This event will allow former students, families, and staff to revisit the campus and share memories one last time in a farewell gathering.

The board of New Morning School released a statement expressing pride in the school’s legacy, acknowledging the contributions of students, staff, and families over the years. To help offset the costs associated with the final expenses related to the school’s closure, donations are being accepted to support initiatives such as a farewell luncheon for staff and the alumni event. Contributions can be made through their website.

New Morning School has long been recognized for its dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive educational environment. The school distinguished itself with its innovative curriculum designed to meet diverse learning styles, ensuring that each child received the attention and support they needed to thrive academically and socially.

The impact of the school’s closure will extend beyond the students currently enrolled; it will also resonate deeply with alumni and families who have appreciated the school’s commitment to personalized education. Over the years, many families have found a sense of belonging and community at New Morning School, which has been characterized by a collaborative and engaging atmosphere for learning.

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, the closure of New Morning School serves as a reminder of pressing challenges facing private educational institutions, including fluctuating enrollment numbers and external economic factors. The effective management of these challenges has proven increasingly difficult, leading many schools to make tough decisions regarding their futures.

As New Morning School prepares to conclude over half a century of service to the Plymouth Township community, the focus will remain on honoring its legacy while also navigating the practical implications of closing its doors. Community members are encouraged to come forward with their support, honoring the memories created over the years while ensuring the transition is as smooth as possible for all involved.