Press Release: A Community in Crisis – McDowell Elementary's Heartbreaking Closure
Last week, we received devastating news: McDowell Elementary, a cherished institution owned by Cadence Education, will shut its doors in just two months—long after the school year has already begun. This abrupt and heartless decision leaves our children—some as young as infants—and our dedicated teachers in an unbearable situation.
Who is McDowell? For nearly 50 years, McDowell Elementary and Preschool in Laguna Niguel has been a sanctuary of learning, nurturing, and growth. We are a small school that has proudly fostered generations of students with enriching programs in Art, Music, Theater, and Spanish. We have always believed that education is not just about academics but about nurturing the whole child—mind, heart, and soul.
Who is Cadence and Why is This Happening? Cadence Education, which operates over 300 schools across the U.S., is owned by Apax Partners, a New York City hedge fund managing over $80 billion in assets. Their decision to terminate our lease—set to expire in 2026—early, purely for tax savings, is nothing short of corporate greed at its worst. They even paid an early termination fee to make this happen. This decision rips apart the fabric of our school, disrupting the education of over 100 students, shattering friendships, and jeopardizing the livelihoods of teachers—some of whom have dedicated over 30 years of service to McDowell. Local private schools and other child care centers are already full and cannot accommodate such a sudden influx of displaced students. Parents are left scrambling for alternatives with precious little time, while teachers are given no severance, no support, and no acknowledgment of their years of dedication. Cadence's response? Silence, save for a poorly worded email sent by someone far removed from the heartache they’ve caused. Even our school’s website and social media were taken down, leaving parents in the dark, only to be restored after significant backlash. And this isn't an isolated event—Cadence similarly shuttered an elementary school in Folsom, California, in 2019. https://sacbee.com/news/local/education/article232208347.html…
A Cautionary Tale for All Families and Staff - If you are an employee of a Cadence-owned school, beware: your job is not as secure as you might think. If you are a parent with a child enrolled in one of their schools, know that your child’s education may be abruptly interrupted with no notice—just a cold, impersonal email as warning.
A Glimmer of Hope - Another local school has generously stepped forward, offering to purchase the McDowell property and continue its operations. Yet Cadence, driven by greed, is holding the transfer of licensing hostage as a bargaining tool. This delay endangers our youngest children, as the process of obtaining state licenses is time-consuming. Cadence’s ruthless tactics put our community’s most vulnerable at risk.
We Need Your Help - Now More Than Ever we cannot let this happen without a fight. Our children’s futures hang in the balance. We urgently need the community's support to keep McDowell open and pressure Cadence to do the right thing and allow a smooth and orderly transfer, ensuring all classes can remain open through the end of the school year. Let’s come together to protect our children and their futures. Please share this, spread the word, and tag local news outlets. Time is running out, but with your support, we can make a difference. Let’s stand up for what’s right and ensure that McDowell’s legacy continues for generations to come.
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