Full Breakdown
Midtown International School Announces Sudden Closure
4/2/2026, 9:50:29 AM
Overview of the Closure
Midtown International School (MIS), a private institution in DeKalb County, Georgia, is set to permanently close its doors on April 3, 2026, following a sudden announcement to parents just four days prior. The school's administration cited "considerable financial strain" and declining enrollment as the primary reasons for this abrupt mid-semester shutdown. The decision has left families and staff scrambling to find new educational arrangements and employment opportunities.
Financial Strain and Enrollment Decline
The board of trustees indicated that the decision to close was made after an extensive review of the school's financial health and enrollment trends. They reported a significant drop in applications across the independent school sector, estimating a decrease of 20% to 30% this year. MIS specifically noted the loss of over 20 full-pay middle and elementary students, which contributed to its financial difficulties. The school's Head of School, Ashley Scott, and Principal Munib Rezaie were not involved in the voting process for the closure.
Community Reactions and Support Efforts
The announcement has elicited emotional responses from the school community. Parents expressed shock and concern for their children's educational futures. Anne Cohen, a parent, described the frantic efforts of families to find alternative arrangements for their children to complete the academic year. Some parents are attempting to organize classes for their children with their current teachers, while others are exploring options at nearby schools.
Capstone Academy has stepped in to assist displaced students by offering prorated tuition for those from MIS to finish the current school year. However, many parents remain uncertain about the logistics of transferring their children and whether they will receive refunds for tuition already paid for the upcoming academic year.
Official Statements and Future Uncertainties
In a letter to families, the MIS board acknowledged the difficulties of the situation and promised to provide detailed guidance on various matters, including final grades and refunds. However, specific details regarding the long-term future of the school's campus and the total number of displaced students have not been disclosed.
Parents have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clarity from the school administration. Sarah Lazarus, another parent, noted that while there were signs of instability, the sudden closure was unexpected, especially given that the school had previously announced plans to close its high school at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the school has committed to providing resources for the transition, it remains unclear when or if parents will receive refunds for tuition already paid. Additionally, the total number of students affected by the closure has not been released, leaving families in a state of uncertainty as they navigate the challenges posed by this sudden decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Midtown International School (FOX 5) What they're saying: "We recognize this news will be difficult to receive, and we have made every effort to communicate it as promptly as possible.” — MIS Board of Trustees
- “There’s no other place for [her oldest daughter]. This school works with brains like the one that she has, a kid who is on a quest and thirsty for knowledge and in every which way possible,” — Anne Cohen, MIS Parent
- “We have been given zero answers,” — Anne Cohen, MIS Parent
