Closure of Roycemore School

Parents, board members, and school administrators exerted efforts to save Roycemore School, yet their attempts proved insufficient. The school, a private preK-12 institution respected for its 111-year legacy, will close due to declining enrollment and financial instability. On July 15, Roycemore’s Board of Trustees announced to community members that after a rigorous review of enrollment data and financial projections, the decision was made to suspend the school’s operations.

Efforts to Save the School

Initially, Roycemore School’s administrators assured parents of its operation for the upcoming academic year, citing progress in fundraising efforts. However, the situation changed as significant declines in student enrollment emerged. Despite extraordinary efforts from faculty, staff, and the community, enrollment numbers fell short.

“After carefully reviewing our enrollment data and financial projections, the Board of Trustees has made the heartbreaking decision to suspend Roycemore School’s operations,” trustees stated.

An anonymous donor allowed the school to complete the 2025-26 academic year but did not cover future operations. Conditions were set for further funding, including possible sale of the building and a merger, along with specific conditions for parents.

Financial and Operational Challenges

According to Kevin Foote, a board member, the donor’s conditions included maintaining at least 165 of the 177 tuition contracts already signed by families by April 27. Unfortunately, enrollment did not meet expectations to secure future funding. As such, trustees were compelled to ensure responsible school operations, putting closure as the only viable decision.

Families who made prior payments for the upcoming year will receive communications addressing reimbursements. Efforts to transfer official student records and assist families in finding new schools are underway.

Leadership’s Remarks

Interim Head of School Paul Druzinsky expressed sadness, stating that trustees and school leaders did everything possible to keep the institution afloat. Druzinsky, experienced in managing schools facing similar challenges, was appointed in place after a series of leadership changes, including Christopher English’s removal from the head position.

“I feel [the Board] did everything they possibly could…the sad reality is that there was not enough time or resources remaining to secure a better outcome,” Druzinsky said.

Druzinsky emphasized that the closure stemmed from various factors, with enrollment as a critical element causing uncertainty among parents concerned about the school’s future.

Impact on Families and Community

Parents and community members expressed their heartbreak over the closure. Jessica Risker, a parent, praised the efforts of those who tried to save the school, describing it as an extraordinary institution supportive of her child.

“We are heartbroken. Roycemore was extraordinary — a school that saw and supported our child in ways that are genuinely hard to find,” Risker stated.

Volunteers like Tilden Katz appreciated the community’s attempts, valuing the school as a reflection of Evanston’s best. Efforts to assist families without alternative schools are actively pursued, with neighboring schools offering support.

Future Prospects

While enduring closure tasks, Druzinsky acknowledges the challenging possibility of reopening the institution. Despite the finality of shutting down operations, he remains hopeful about future prospects in education.