Closure of Roycemore School After 111 Years: A Community’s Struggle and Transition

The announcement of Roycemore School’s closure marks the end of the long history of the 111-year-old private school in Evanston. Various community-driven efforts were made to keep this legacy institution operational, including fundraisers organized by parents and appeals for donations from board members to alumni, alongside administrators seeking potential benefactors.

Despite these efforts, the school’s enrollment activities took a hit due to financial instability, leading to the eventual decision by Roycemore’s Board of Trustees to cease operations. On July 15, a message was sent to the community, announcing that Roycemore would not open for the 2026-27 academic year, following a significant drop in confirmed student enrollment.

Although earlier fundraising progress gave administrators hope for the school year, the trustees acknowledged the unforeseen decline in enrollment numbers. The school community had rallied remarkably to retain current families and attract new ones, yet enrollment fell well short of sustainability requirements.

Financial challenges deepened as an anonymous donor provided temporary relief to complete the 2025-26 academic year. However, further funding was contingent on specific criteria being met, including potential property sales and school mergers. Parents were also asked to commit half of their tuition fees by May 25.

Reports highlighted the necessity to retain 165 of 177 tuition contracts signed by families as another condition for donor support. Nevertheless, enrollment continued to dwindle below necessary numbers.

The Board communicated that their decision followed exhaustive exploration of alternatives, stating, ‘Ultimately, we could not responsibly open the school without the resources necessary to provide the high-quality educational experience our students deserve.’

Efforts are underway to assist students in transitioning to new schools, with dedicated processes to handle transcripts and records. Families who have paid fees for the forthcoming school year will receive communications detailing reimbursement plans.

Interim Head of School Paul Druzinsky expressed deep sadness regarding the closure, acknowledging the community’s extraordinary effort. Brought in from Wichita, Kansas, Druzinsky’s prior experience in similar situations underscored his leadership amidst upheaval.

The initial leadership adjustments began with Christopher English’s removal as the head of school, followed by shifts in Board and finance leadership roles.

A community rallying around the school, creators of initiatives like volunteer communications, demonstrated unwavering dedication. Yet, ongoing uncertainties led to the decision to transition students to alternate institutions.

Druzinsky confirmed communication with area schools to offer support for families seeking placement for their children. Attempts to reopen Roycemore after the forthcoming academic year’s closure are deemed unlikely due to irreversible factors in shutting down operations.

Despite the challenges, the Roycemore community retains hope for the possibility of future educational efforts.