Seneca Academy has gone out of business and will be closing its school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

Say, aren’t you the principal who was brave enough to post here by name back in the “old days”? I remember you! You took every question head on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not go public? Much better education and free.

Depends on your public school and child.

They keep asking for donations everywhere and are blaming it on COVID when there is no way this could have just happened with COVID and they are still getting paid through the year. Its a bit gross to blame bad finances on the virus when they were going to have to shut down either way.

I'm not sure what you're even talking about. This school year is still going, it's just online--like literally every other school. Families had started pulling their kids out for next school year, plus other lost income from other programs that can't run this spring and summer have contributed to the situation that the school is in--which are all symptoms of COVID-19. The pledged money is to help the school to be able to run next year, tuitions have NOT been collected for next year. If you have any questions because you're actually interested in the school, there are available ways to contact, but bashing a wonderful school online that's being affected just like all companies and families is just plain gross. Be better!

Tuition should have been fully paid this year and if the managed properly they would have had reserves. COVID isn't the reason why the school is shutting down. It may be a wonderful school but clearly there are issues when other schools are thriving. We were at a similar small private. We loved it but lots of issues. I wouldn't be surprised if it shut down too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

I am making myself perfectly clear here. I was a parent while you were HOS at Barnesville.

1. Academics no where near public school or other local privates. I should know as my other children went to MCPS and other private schools.

2. While we were there the flight of students leaving was quite apparent.

3. Fifth grade teacher my child had literally did not grade a thing the whole year. Presented us with a folder, that included three items in it for a conference? Total waste of a year.

4. Current HOS has zero experience in school administration and it shows.

5. Spanish teacher was horrible did absolutely nothing. Social Studies teacher could not write an email. Math teacher in the high math for MS was a bully. While these teachers are no longer there, the good ones are not either. Staff turnover has been a lot.

6. Barnesville can barely field a MS currently.

7. Bullying was crazy bad when we where there. Particularly the girls. (No my child was not bullied) Watching the others and how the school did nothing was gross. Yes, I complained while we were there.

8. Because turnover was so high during our time Barnesville took on some students that clearly needed counselors with knowledge of their learning abilities. That did not happen.

9. Our first year at Barnesville was fourth grade. We had a lovely teacher who is no longer there. That year was amazing. After that completely downhill.

As a parent I can say with confidence I would not recommend Barnesville for any grade past third. Yes, this is very personal for me. While Poolesville Magnet is great that's not telling the whole story at all.

What did we love about Barnesville recess, every day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

I am making myself perfectly clear here. I was a parent while you were HOS at Barnesville.

1. Academics no where near public school or other local privates. I should know as my other children went to MCPS and other private schools.

2. While we were there the flight of students leaving was quite apparent.

3. Fifth grade teacher my child had literally did not grade a thing the whole year. Presented us with a folder, that included three items in it for a conference? Total waste of a year.

4. Current HOS has zero experience in school administration and it shows.

5. Spanish teacher was horrible did absolutely nothing. Social Studies teacher could not write an email. Math teacher in the high math for MS was a bully. While these teachers are no longer there, the good ones are not either. Staff turnover has been a lot.

6. Barnesville can barely field a MS currently.

7. Bullying was crazy bad when we where there. Particularly the girls. (No my child was not bullied) Watching the others and how the school did nothing was gross. Yes, I complained while we were there.

8. Because turnover was so high during our time Barnesville took on some students that clearly needed counselors with knowledge of their learning abilities. That did not happen.

9. Our first year at Barnesville was fourth grade. We had a lovely teacher who is no longer there. That year was amazing. After that completely downhill.

As a parent I can say with confidence I would not recommend Barnesville for any grade past third. Yes, this is very personal for me. While Poolesville Magnet is great that's not telling the whole story at all.

What did we love about Barnesville recess, every day.

They've got no lifers in next year's 8th grade. I will be surprised if there is an 8th grade class, actually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

I am making myself perfectly clear here. I was a parent while you were HOS at Barnesville.

1. Academics no where near public school or other local privates. I should know as my other children went to MCPS and other private schools.

2. While we were there the flight of students leaving was quite apparent.

3. Fifth grade teacher my child had literally did not grade a thing the whole year. Presented us with a folder, that included three items in it for a conference? Total waste of a year.

4. Current HOS has zero experience in school administration and it shows.

5. Spanish teacher was horrible did absolutely nothing. Social Studies teacher could not write an email. Math teacher in the high math for MS was a bully. While these teachers are no longer there, the good ones are not either. Staff turnover has been a lot.

6. Barnesville can barely field a MS currently.

7. Bullying was crazy bad when we where there. Particularly the girls. (No my child was not bullied) Watching the others and how the school did nothing was gross. Yes, I complained while we were there.

8. Because turnover was so high during our time Barnesville took on some students that clearly needed counselors with knowledge of their learning abilities. That did not happen.

9. Our first year at Barnesville was fourth grade. We had a lovely teacher who is no longer there. That year was amazing. After that completely downhill.

As a parent I can say with confidence I would not recommend Barnesville for any grade past third. Yes, this is very personal for me. While Poolesville Magnet is great that's not telling the whole story at all.

What did we love about Barnesville recess, every day.

They've got no lifers in next year's 8th grade. I will be surprised if there is an 8th grade class, actually.

+1


.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not go public? Much better education and free.

Depends on your public school and child.

They keep asking for donations everywhere and are blaming it on COVID when there is no way this could have just happened with COVID and they are still getting paid through the year. Its a bit gross to blame bad finances on the virus when they were going to have to shut down either way.

I'm not sure what you're even talking about. This school year is still going, it's just online--like literally every other school. Families had started pulling their kids out for next school year, plus other lost income from other programs that can't run this spring and summer have contributed to the situation that the school is in--which are all symptoms of COVID-19. The pledged money is to help the school to be able to run next year, tuitions have NOT been collected for next year. If you have any questions because you're actually interested in the school, there are available ways to contact, but bashing a wonderful school online that's being affected just like all companies and families is just plain gross. Be better!

Tuition should have been fully paid this year and if the managed properly they would have had reserves. COVID isn't the reason why the school is shutting down. It may be a wonderful school but clearly there are issues when other schools are thriving. We were at a similar small private. We loved it but lots of issues. I wouldn't be surprised if it shut down too.

As previously stated, tuition was already paid for this year and school is in session for the rest of this school year--online. Without getting into all the specifics, the school had the reserves to start next school year, they just weren't confident that they would have the money to finish out the year and didn't want to do that to the families enrolled. Small privates tend to charge less than bigger privates with some of the same expenses. Are you blaming restaurants for having to close within a month of this mess? Are you hollering about "they need to have reserves"? In a perfect world the school would have millions in reserves, but this is far from a perfect world, eh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not go public? Much better education and free.

Depends on your public school and child.

They keep asking for donations everywhere and are blaming it on COVID when there is no way this could have just happened with COVID and they are still getting paid through the year. Its a bit gross to blame bad finances on the virus when they were going to have to shut down either way.

It wasn't just covid, you're right.

Not familiar with Seneca but I'm sure that fewer parents enrolled for 2020-2021 school year because of COVID. There is probably a down tick everywhere.

Sure, but if you look at Seneca's 990s (which I did because we were considering it), you'll see they had very little money to begin with. They don't have a dedicated development director, which I'm sure didn't help either.

My point is they had been in a very tough financial situation for awhile. COVID was far from the sole reason they are in such a terrible spot.

Do your taxes explain all that's going on in your life?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:THIS SITUATION IS NOT SPECIFIC TO SENECA ACADEMY! Tons of small privates are having issues--this is a horrible situation and a huge hit to a lot of small business's pockets.

Which other schools are at risk?

Have you been living under a rock? There are even colleges completely closing down. Google is your friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why not go public? Much better education and free.

Depends on your public school and child.

They keep asking for donations everywhere and are blaming it on COVID when there is no way this could have just happened with COVID and they are still getting paid through the year. Its a bit gross to blame bad finances on the virus when they were going to have to shut down either way.

I'm not sure what you're even talking about. This school year is still going, it's just online--like literally every other school. Families had started pulling their kids out for next school year, plus other lost income from other programs that can't run this spring and summer have contributed to the situation that the school is in--which are all symptoms of COVID-19. The pledged money is to help the school to be able to run next year, tuitions have NOT been collected for next year. If you have any questions because you're actually interested in the school, there are available ways to contact, but bashing a wonderful school online that's being affected just like all companies and families is just plain gross. Be better!

Tuition should have been fully paid this year and if the managed properly they would have had reserves. COVID isn't the reason why the school is shutting down. It may be a wonderful school but clearly there are issues when other schools are thriving. We were at a similar small private. We loved it but lots of issues. I wouldn't be surprised if it shut down too.

As previously stated, tuition was already paid for this year and school is in session for the rest of this school year--online. Without getting into all the specifics, the school had the reserves to start next school year, they just weren't confident that they would have the money to finish out the year and didn't want to do that to the families enrolled. Small privates tend to charge less than bigger privates with some of the same expenses. Are you blaming restaurants for having to close within a month of this mess? Are you hollering about "they need to have reserves"? In a perfect world the school would have millions in reserves, but this is far from a perfect world, eh?

Restaurants are a different situation but yes I blame poor management if you don’t have reserves and you have been open a few years or a chain.

[Anonymous]

Hi all! My name is Jen Vo and I am a Seneca Academy parent. Yes, due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, it was announced that the school would be closing permanently at the end of May. The families were devastated, and quickly jumped into action, determined to save the school. We have been fundraising (over $68,000 in only two days!) Tonight Fox 5 ran a segment ( link here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/677304 ) and the response was unbelieveable! I am more optimistic than ever that we will save the school! We have some really big moves in the works... you can follow our progress, learn more, and make pledges at www.savesenecaacademy.com and/or by following the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/savesenecaacademy/

Seneca Academy is an extraordinary school and I would really encourage any of you who were looking forward to sending you children in the future to not give up hope ❤ My family has been there for 7 years (my daughter is currently in 3rd, my son in K, they started in preschool) and I honestly do not believe there is a better school out there ❤

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:THIS SITUATION IS NOT SPECIFIC TO SENECA ACADEMY! Tons of small privates are having issues--this is a horrible situation and a huge hit to a lot of small business's pockets.

Which other schools are at risk?

Have you been living under a rock? There are even colleges completely closing down. Google is your friend.

Can you provide a link to information about other local private schools shutting down?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi all! My name is Jen Vo and I am a Seneca Academy parent. Yes, due to the economic downturn caused by COVID-19, it was announced that the school would be closing permanently at the end of May. The families were devastated, and quickly jumped into action, determined to save the school. We have been fundraising (over $68,000 in only two days!) Tonight Fox 5 ran a segment ( link here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/677304 ) and the response was unbelieveable! I am more optimistic than ever that we will save the school! We have some really big moves in the works... you can follow our progress, learn more, and make pledges at www.savesenecaacademy.com and/or by following the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/savesenecaacademy/

Seneca Academy is an extraordinary school and I would really encourage any of you who were looking forward to sending you children in the future to not give up hope ❤ My family has been there for 7 years (my daughter is currently in 3rd, my son in K, they started in preschool) and I honestly do not believe there is a better school out there ❤

I hope you all are able to save the school, but it's clear from the 990s that it wasn't just COVID. The school was having a lot of financial problems prior to that. I hope you're able to put together a lasting strategic plan that provides for long-term financial stability.

You need a development office, for one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

Say, aren’t you the principal who was brave enough to post here by name back in the “old days”? I remember you! You took every question head on.

Thank you for remembering me! Tried my best to be honest. I stumbled back onto this when I heard about Seneca Academy closing. Would have logged on so that it wouldn't be "anonymous", but couldn't find my old password!

Be well,
John

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hello all -

I had the pleasure of serving as Head of School at Barnesville for nine years, and my three sons attended, with the older two successfully matriculating to Poolesville Global Magnet and St. Andrew's for 9th grade, and the youngest attending until the time I departed. I also had the pleasure of working with Brooke Carroll when she was head at Seneca.

There are too many opinions, assertions, and allegations in this thread to address, but I did feel compelled to wade back into this forum to offer a few non-anonymous thoughts from my limited perch:

1. Seneca was a lovely school with a strong academic program. It was a gem of upcounty, and it will be missed.

2. Barnesville enjoyed partnering with Seneca over the years, and it felt to me like there was much more in common than different between the two schools. Would that we could have partnered more.

3. Barnesville, though smaller in enrollment than it has been in the past, continues to deliver an outstanding education to its students. I would without hesitation reenroll my children there. While a school can't be all things to all people, I particularly cherished its whole-child approach, the green and nature focus of the curriculum, and the community size that allowed for a sense of togetherness.

4. Smaller schools by their very nature are less tolerant of budget and enrollment swings, but I can say with certainty that the resources of my former school were, and are, well-managed.

Should Seneca families consider Barnesville? Yes, I think so, along with other local options, as cost and commute will allow. It may not be the perfect match for everyone, but I believe it has a great deal to offer.

I wish all Seneca's families the best in this time of transition and uncertainty.

- John

I am making myself perfectly clear here. I was a parent while you were HOS at Barnesville.

1. Academics no where near public school or other local privates. I should know as my other children went to MCPS and other private schools.

2. While we were there the flight of students leaving was quite apparent.

3. Fifth grade teacher my child had literally did not grade a thing the whole year. Presented us with a folder, that included three items in it for a conference? Total waste of a year.

4. Current HOS has zero experience in school administration and it shows.

5. Spanish teacher was horrible did absolutely nothing. Social Studies teacher could not write an email. Math teacher in the high math for MS was a bully. While these teachers are no longer there, the good ones are not either. Staff turnover has been a lot.

6. Barnesville can barely field a MS currently.

7. Bullying was crazy bad when we where there. Particularly the girls. (No my child was not bullied) Watching the others and how the school did nothing was gross. Yes, I complained while we were there.

8. Because turnover was so high during our time Barnesville took on some students that clearly needed counselors with knowledge of their learning abilities. That did not happen.

9. Our first year at Barnesville was fourth grade. We had a lovely teacher who is no longer there. That year was amazing. After that completely downhill.

As a parent I can say with confidence I would not recommend Barnesville for any grade past third. Yes, this is very personal for me. While Poolesville Magnet is great that's not telling the whole story at all.

What did we love about Barnesville recess, every day.

I am sorry to hear that your family's experiences were so disappointing. Clearly an anonymous message board isn't the place to try to redress past concerns, but please know that it pains me to hear that this was your family's pathway. I wish you and your alumna well wherever the future may lead.

John

[Anonymous]

So John, with Seneca probably closing and Barnesville having administration problems, what would be your choice for a down to earth, relatively affordable (say, $30K or under per year) Montgomery County private school?