Parents at Midtown International School say they are scrambling for backup plans after the small private campus in Atlanta’s Druid Hills neighborhood told families it will permanently close this Friday, April 3. The abrupt decision affects roughly 158 students at the tight knit school, many of whom said they found out only days before spring break.
Board Cites Enrollment Drop And Rising Aid Needs
In a statement posted on the school’s website, the Board of Trustees said a combination of shrinking reenrollment and “a significant increase in demand for scholarships and financial aid” left Midtown unable to keep its doors open. According to the letter, “the attrition of more than 20 full‑pay students across grades K–7 created a financial gap that the school was not positioned to absorb,” and the board voted to cease operations effective this Friday.
The board directed families with questions to email [email protected], and noted that the full statement is posted online.
Families Say The News Landed Like A Bombshell
Parents and students told Atlanta News First the notice felt jarringly sudden. “This sucks, this really sucks,” parent Stefanie Anderson said, summing up the mood in the parking lot. Sixth grader Aaron Lazarus described classmates as “shocked” and “abandoned,” while a ninth grader who relies on the school’s specialized supports called the closure “heartbreaking.”
Tuition, Aid And The Math Behind The Shutdown
Midtown International School’s tuition page lists annual costs of about $27,354 for grades K–5 and $28,112 for grades 6–8. The site also says the school awarded financial aid to roughly 20% of students, a level of support the board said became harder to sustain as full‑pay enrollment slipped. The school appears on the Georgia Promise list of participating private schools, a reminder of how scholarship programs factor into the independent school landscape in the area.
Parents Race Spring Break Clock To Find New Schools
With the last day of class looming, parents say spring break will now be spent on school tours and application forms as they try to secure seats before classes resume elsewhere. The school said it is “working with families and staff on next steps and school placements.”
Families told Atlanta News First they were previously told in September that only the high school program would close, which made news of a full shutdown feel especially blindsiding. Several parents also raised worries about tuition refunds and what happens to teachers who will lose their jobs on short notice.
Next Steps And Open Questions
The school’s official statement promises “detailed guidance on questions related to final grades, refunds, upcoming trips, student devices, graduation, and other matters,” and says it will offer resources to help students with new placements. For families now weighing options, the Georgia Promise list and other nearby independent schools are likely starting points, though availability depends heavily on grade level.
Midtown International School’s campus is located at 1575 Sheridan Rd NE. Families with questions can call the school’s listed main number or email the board at [email protected]. In its closing note, the board thanked educators, families, and alumni for their commitment and said the school’s legacy will live on through its students.
