Save Circle School

Circle School is a beloved cooperative nursery school that has been a longstanding part of the Croton on Hudson community for over 40 years. The school that we know and love is being closed for the 2020/2021 year.

As many of you have heard by now, the teachers at Circle School have been told by Our Saviour Lutheran Church council members that they can no longer work there and to leave behind all the materials, equipment, furniture, toys, books and supplies. All of these tangible items have largely been gifts from community members, staff and families as well as purchased with monies raised in the name of Circle School from years of great efforts in fundraising. 

In addition, the money that Circle School has saved over the years to support the school as well as provide scholarships for families in need has been held by the church. 

Circle School is not a name, a building, a landlord, or a church...it is a community built by the heart, soul and efforts of dedicated teachers making a difference in young lives for over 40 years.

As one supporter on Facebook recently said, “One of the best things about Croton is Circle School.” We couldn’t agree more. The doors of the previous location of Circle School may be closed for now, but Mrs. Willimann, Mrs. Downey, Mrs. Barillaro, Mrs. Eberhardt, Mrs. Leon, Mrs. Cirino, the many former teachers, students, and parents will not let the beloved Circle School community slip away. 

As parents of current students, parents of alumni, school alumni and members of the Croton community, we want to do everything in our power to save the school and find a new location so that the school will continue to make a difference in young children's lives for many more years to come.

We have many immediate expenses and since the church considers all the money given to Circle School from our parents and community as "the church's money", we have nothing!

Your generous contributions are needed for the following:

Legal Fees- Although we have excellent pro bono attorneys assisting us in this fight to recover what is ours, court filings require fees.

Application costs-  Attorneys and volunteers are working on setting us up with our own 501(c)(3) so we are independent of the church, and there are many application costs and filing fees associated with this.

Furniture and supplies- Because the church claims "furniture, school supplies, equipment, and files are the property of the church and may not be taken", we have to start fresh.

Facility costs- We are currently homeless and need to spend money to find a new location, which will most likely include security deposits and other down payments.

Insurance- Once we have our 501(c)(3) established, we need the proper insurance coverage for our school, teachers and students. 

Any help you can give us will be greatly appreciated. If all goes well, the money that the church has that is Circle School’s money will be given back to us. We will then have Circle School in a very healthy position to begin the next 40 plus years! We are certain the teachers will continue to care for and love your children for many more years to come! 

Please help us to Save Circle School!