Midtown Church Closes Preschool, Cites High Costs And Fewer Kids

MIDTOWN, NY — After nearly 50 years, the St. Bartholomew Community Preschool is closing.

The historic Episcopal parish announced Thursday that due to rising costs and lower enrollment, Midtown parents will have to find another school to send their toddlers to starting in May.

“After careful consideration, we were forced to make this difficult decision, and while disappointing to the entire St. Bart’s family, it is an important step toward ensuring the long-term resiliency of our parish,” said Tara Marlovits, Chief Operating Officer of St. Bart’s. “We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the entire preschool community, including long-time director, Allison O’Melia, as well as the faculty and staff who worked tirelessly to deliver a school experience rooted in meaningful relationships, active learning, play, creativity, and joy.”

The church, located at Park Avenue near East 51st Street, cited the pandemic as one of the main causes behind declining enrollment and rising costs and will work with currently-enrolled families to help them find new schools for the fall.

In August, the church opened its facilities for public use, allowing New Yorkers to rent out their basketball court or their 60-foot-long pool by using an app in response to the lost of rental income during the pandemic.

Additionally, the church's announcement notes how St. Bart's approved a strategic plan in 2021, with boosting church engagement and financial stability listed among the top priorities.

“The strategic plan is furthering our mission of transformation by prioritizing resources that will deliver a vibrant and meaningful experience for our parishioners," Marlovits said. "We will continue to be responsible and faithful stewards of our resources as we seek to strengthen St. Bart’s for generations to come.”

The news comes while another organization, City Hall, is also considering major cuts to its early childhood education budget, also citing declining enrollment.