Hi! My name is Emily and I’m a parent at the beloved Croft School in Providence, RI. As you may have seen in the news, we are facing the possibility of an imminent shutdown of the school we love. The potential layoffs of dedicated teachers and staff who know and nurture our children deeply. A devastating disruption to learning, friendships, and community for 220 students - with only three months of the school year left.
This is a crisis we didn't create. And yet, we are being asked to absorb the consequences as it threatens what we cherish most - our kids and their school.
Additionally, the broader community will have to absorb over 200 students if Croft closes in the next few weeks - at a time when our public schools are over-capacity and neighboring independent schools have limited spots.
Croft is a special place. Not only does it offer financial aid for 60% of students, but it serves a diverse student body, including a significant number of children with learning differences in the Providence area (my own included).
Despite knowing my son’s struggles in previous educational settings, Croft welcomed my child to Kindergarten this year with open arms. They inclusively took him into their joyful community, and my child now wakes up every morning happy to go to school. This is the gift that Croft gives to all of its students.
What this community has built is special, vital, and worth preserving for all. Our families are not ready, or willing, to give up.
Through a collective, community effort, we are looking to raise $1M before April 14 to close the financial gap and allow our kids to end the school year together.
An anonymous donor has already committed a generous anchor gift to fund the next payroll and will further match our fundraising dollar-for-dollar up to a total gift of $500,000.
All funds raised through the campaign will be held in a court-mandated separate account, completely independent from the entity that owns the school, Oxford Street LLC, and managed in coordination with parents. Funds will be used exclusively for payroll and essential operations in Providence through June. No funds will be spent unless sufficient capital is secured to complete the school year. If the goal is not reached, all donations will be fully refunded.
With your help, we know we can reach our goal of allowing our children to finish the school year where they belong- with their Croft community. Thank you for giving them the chance to continue that journey, together.
Please check out the stories of many other passionate Croft families here.
With gratitude,
Emily
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Student art - Ms Ava shared: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A5Ga3Qyx8afON0fts1g2gGcv0UGxNCfy/view?usp=sharing
Amid Croft School financial crisis, R.I. parents demand answers https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/23/metro/croft-school-parents-uncertain-future-ri/
‘Betrayed’ parents say Croft School needs $1M to stay open in Providence https://www.wpri.com/target-12/betrayed-parents-say-croft-school-needs-1m-to-stay-open-in-providence/
Parents blindsided as Croft School founder suspended over misreported finances https://turnto10.com/news/local/parents-blindsided-as-croft-school-founder-suspended-over-misreported-finances-parent-advisory-committee-march-23-2026






