Dear Bay Farm Community,
As we navigate the evolving landscape of education and community building, we continually face decisions shaping our beloved school‘s future. Today, we address one such decision that, while challenging, is made with the utmost consideration for the long-term health and vibrancy of Bay Farm Montessori Academy.
Closure of the Middle School:
After meaningful analysis and heartfelt discussions, the Board and administration have decided to close the Middle School at the end of this academic year (June 2024). This decision is not made lightly; after productive and robust debate, the administration and board determined it is in Bay Farm’s and our families’ best interest to make this decision now.
Key Considerations:
Timing and Transition: We are mindful of the need for timely decision-making to support our current middle school students and families in planning their next educational steps.
Financial Health: The Middle School has been a financial challenge, especially with enrollment steadily declining, with significant losses projected in the coming years. Redirecting resources to strengthen other areas of our school is a responsible and necessary step.
Community and Quality of Education: Our focus remains on enhancing the educational experience for all students. This decision allows us to reallocate resources to enhance areas where we excel while strategically planning for our growth and continued development.
Accreditation: Our commitment to maintaining our full Montessori accreditation is paramount. The current certification challenges in the Middle School pose a risk to this accreditation, which is integral to our identity and reputation.
Future of the Middle School Building:
Closing the Middle School enables us to reallocate resources to strengthen other programs. This space will enrich our students’ learning experiences and support Bay Farm’s overall mission.
Looking Ahead:
This closure does not signify a permanent end to middle school education at Bay Farm. We remain open to revisiting this, should it align with our future strategic goals and community needs. In the interim, we are committed to ensuring that our current Middle School students receive the support they need during this transition.
Gratitude and Commitment:
We sincerely thank our Middle School staff for their dedication and excellence and hope that their journeys at Bay Farm are not over. We also thank you, our Bay Farm families and donors, for your understanding and support as we make these challenging but necessary decisions.
We are moving forward with a renewed focus on strengthening the foundations of our school, strengthening ties within our community, and enhancing the educational experience for our students. We appreciate your trust and partnership in this journey.
Sincerely,
On behalf of BFMA Leadership,
Kelley Collins
Interim Head of School
On behalf of the BFMA Board of Trustees,
Michael Christiano
Chair, Board of Trustees
