Efforts to Save Roycemore School

Parents organized fundraisers and board members sought alumni donations to preserve the 111-year-old institution. Despite these efforts, significant enrollment decline and financial instability led to the decision to close the private preK-12 school in Evanston.

Financial Challenges and Enrollment Decline

Roycemore School’s Board of Trustees announced the closure, effective prior to the 2026-27 academic year. Although initial fundraising success provided hope, unexpected enrollment drops dashed efforts to sustain operations.

Trustees highlighted the importance of achieving necessary enrollment levels to support the school’s academic and financial sustainability. Unfortunately, enrollment numbers fell short.

Financial and Structural Requirements

An anonymous donor initially enabled the school to complete the 2025-26 year. However, ongoing financial support required criteria such as selling the building and retaining tuition contracts from families.

These stipulations went unmet, contributing to the school’s financial shortfall.

Closure Confirmed by Trustees

The Board explored all options before confirming the closure. Providing high-quality education required resources that were not available, necessitating the difficult decision.

Administrators are facilitating the transfer of student transcripts and addressing tuition reimbursement for payments made.

Community Response

Interim Head of School Paul Druzinsky expressed sadness about the closure. He praised the community’s efforts to save the school but acknowledged a lack of time and resources to achieve a better outcome.

Leadership Changes

Druzinsky’s appointment followed previous leadership transitions involving interim heads and changes in board chair and finance operations leadership.

Support for Affected Families

Roycemore administrators are assisting families in finding new schools. Local institutions offer potential pathways for remaining students.

Future of the School

Reopening after closing is unlikely due to irreversible closure steps. While different iterations may emerge, the process to reopen remains challenging.

Roycemore School’s closure marks the end of an era for a respected community institution.