Kingsley School will be closing in June to a rent dispute with a local church.
Some South Etobicoke parents and students are saddened by the closing of a private elementary school that has served the community for 43 years.
Staff at Kingsley School, at 3962 Bloor Street W., said it will shut down in June after the landlord St. Matthew’s Anglican Church raised the rent by more than 100 per cent.
The school, which has been renting the church for 10 years, said it has taught thousands of students since opening in 1981.
“This increase is not only detrimental, but also impossible for our small, not-for-profit school to meet,” school officials said on its website. “Despite our sincere efforts to negotiate and present alternative proposals, the church refused and decided to terminate our lease.”
Kingsley School students in a promotional photo. The school is closing in June.
The school said it was founded on the principles of providing an inclusive and affordable independent education accessible to all families without the elite price tag.
St. Matthew’s officials said they had run a deficit for many years and the church had a long history of using its building to run other charitable programs at below market rates.
“We need to make hard decisions so that the church will still be standing in the years to come,” it said.
Parent Jennifer Stachowski wrote on social media that Kingsley is an outstanding school and an alternative to consider.
“It is very sad to hear Kingsley is forced to close doors and I encourage those who will begin exploring options,” she added.
“This school was so special for my child,” said Georgina L-Pez. “She went from hating school to thriving and loving school. Thank you for everything “
“Kingsley may be small, but it has always had a great big heart,” the school said, adding there will be community events to bid the school farewell.