SSA PORTAL
ABOUT OUR HIBERNATION
Dear Community,
We have always prioritized the safety of our students and their families, and in these uncertain times, this is no different. The current safety recommendations limit our ways of providing a safe space for our students and their families. That is why we have decided to remain closed for the remainder of 2020.
We encourage you to stay safe. This includes practicing safe social distancing, wearing masks when in crowded spaces, avoid leaving your house if you have any symptoms, and remain aware and in check of your mental and emotional health. We are thinking about all your families, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.
Until then, please connect with us virtually via our website and social media channels. Here is where you’ll find any updates and information related to events and dates for reopening. We’ll also share tips on how to continue to stay healthy and well, and we will share stories about how our students and their families are living new experiences unschooling at home!
There is no telling when things will be “back to normal” in any sense. However, we hope to reopen SSA’s doors in January 2021. The most important thing is to make sure opening in the future happens in a safe environment. We’re all in this together, learning together, and adapting together.
Rest assured that we’re doing our best to keep you informed of any changes or developments. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates of upcoming Open House events, information sessions, reopening, and financial assistance.
You can also continue to support SSA in various ways. In addition to subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media, tell a friend or family member about us, or share your stories with us to be featured in our blog (no matter where in the world you are!)
We’re working diligently to adapt to new circumstances while planning for the future. Our students and their families have always been the heart of our little school. We’re grateful to you, your ongoing support, and that you’re doing your part as well.
Sincerely
Sudbury School of Atlanta
FAQs
What does our Hibernation mean?
The SSA Board of Trustees has been working for the past several weeks to determine our plan for the next semester. During this time we’ve spoken with SSA families and worked to put together a plan for the Fall that would be good for the school, our families, and our staff. We’ve considered physical options, virtual options, and hybrid options.
After going through this process, we have decided to not offer a Fall semester this year. We are calling this the “Hibernate” option. Our goal is to stay closed (or hibernate) for the Fall and put ourselves in a good position to open back up next Spring.
We are sad and disappointed but feel that this is the best option at this time.
We will continue to stay in touch and provide updates to families during this time both through email and our Facebook group. It is possible that we will still be able to organize some activities during the Fall.
Why did we decide to hibernate?
The reduced tuition income from reduced attendance along with higher demands on staff would make any option difficult or impossible to make it financially viable for the school while also being workable for staff and families.
Also, there are still many open questions around what policies and procedures would be necessary to ensure the safety of our staff and families (without overly restricting the students), reduce liability and other risks for the school, and deal with any outbreak in our community if it were to happen.
We feel it is best to make the decision now to hibernate versus prolonging any longer.
Will the school be okay financially? Will it be able to re-open in the Spring?
Yes, the school has adequate reserves to hibernate for the Fall and re-open in the Spring. We will be taking measures to reduce our expenses to help with this and will be exploring fundraising options as well.
Will the school be able to re-open at its current location?
Yes, we believe that we will be able to re-open at the current location at the church. We have been in contact with the church and are working with them to reduce our expenses while hibernating until we are able to re-open.
You can ask any additional questions in the Facebook group or via email to board@sudburyschoolofatlanta.org.
Please stay in touch, we look forward to welcoming you again!
