Sedbergh School filed the Canadian equivalent of a US chapter 7 bankruptcy, a “notice of intention,” which will allow the school to complete the current school year followed by an orderly unwinding of affairs and settling of its debt burden.

It’s very sad news.

I spent time on Sedbergh’s campus this summer (I want to thank them one more time for hosting my visit) and have developed a deeper understanding/appreciation of the school through the blog posts of the school’s Director of Admissions, Cory Awde.

Cory began contributing to onBoarding Schools this fall and over the course of the school year has thoughtfully educated readers about the value & unique opportunities available in a (Canadian) boarding school community. Nicely done, Cory.

Unfortunately, Sedbergh seems to have been caught in spiral from which the school’s trustees see no relief- high tuition, a small school with limited economies of scale, and a $1 million debt burden.

Patrick Trent, chair of Sedbergh’s trustees told the Ottowa Citizen (Dwindling enrolment, debt load forces Montebello school to shut after 71 years):

“Convincing parents to send their kids to boarding school might be a bit more difficult in the North American environment right now. Values change. People have different ideas about how they want to raise their children…Boarding school is a very different thing from what most people are used to these days…

…The school has a long and very proud history, and one of the reasons we want to close the school (in an orderly way) and announce the closing of the school to everyone, is to protect the reputation of the school.” (OC)

“Sedbergh has 71 year history of combining “academics with athletics and outdoor education on a 1,200-acre, wooded campus.” OC

We wish the very best to the Sedbergh community as it work through the emotions of  the June closing and as students, teachers & staff begin the search for new schools.