Important Announcement
The Board of Trustees of St. Elizabeth’s School has announced its decision to conclude school operations at the end of the 2025–2026 academic year.
Our funding model—requiring significant philanthropy alongside growing enrollment—has always been bold and challenging. Operational costs continue to rise, and despite ongoing generosity from donors, and creativity and determination from leadership, we have not been able to offset these growing costs or build an endowment large enough to sustain the school long-term. This was a financial decision and not a reflection on our excellent programs or our extraordinary faculty, staff, and leadership team.
St. Elizabeth’s will remain fully operational through June 2026, providing the hallmark program our community cherishes. This final year will be marked by dignity, gratitude, and celebration, and we are committed to supporting every student, family, and faculty member through the transition.
See our FAQs below for more details. Contact the Head of School Adriana Murphy ([email protected]) or Board Chair Sara Yelpaala ([email protected]) with questions.
Current families, please find additional resources in the Blackbaud resource section.
THE DECISION
- Why is St. Elizabeth’s School closing?
- Who made the decision to close the school?
- When will the school close?
- How much would need to be raised for the school to remain open?
- Why is St. Elizabeth’s School closing?
- This decision reflects our financial realities, including philanthropic and enrollment challenges that could not be responsibly overcome. Our funding model has always been ambitious, requiring us to raise approximately 70% of annual operating costs. In recent years, costs in Denver have continued to rise, and despite our best efforts, fundraising and enrollment have not kept pace. We do not have the reserves to responsibly continue beyond June 2026. In addition, we do not have the confidence in the current landscape, which shows both a decreasing school-aged population and an increasing number of non-profits seeking philanthropic support, that circumstances will change. Return to Top
- Who made the decision to close the school?
- The Board of Trustees made this decision after extensive analysis and careful deliberation. In an independent school, the board holds the ultimate fiduciary and strategic responsibility for the institution. Consistent with the standards of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and best practices in independent school governance, it is the board—not the school’s leadership team or staff—that is charged with making decisions of this magnitude. Return to Top
- When will the school close?
- The school will continue operations through the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, closing in June 2026. Return to Top
- How much would need to be raised for the school to remain open?
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While the school’s annual fundraising need is currently about $2.5 million—depending on enrollment and other variable costs—true long-term sustainability would require significantly more. Specifically, St. Elizabeth’s would need both:
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a large endowment—approximately $25 million—to generate at least $1 million annually to offset some of the fundraising burden, and
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consistent growth in enrollment.
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THIS FINAL YEAR
- What can families expect for this final school year?
- What support will faculty and staff receive as they look for new roles?
- What can families expect for this final school year?
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Classes and programs will continue as planned, with the same high-quality academics and caring community that have always defined St. Elizabeth’s.
We will also:
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support families through school transitions, including guidance for applications and placements,
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provide faculty and staff with outplacement support, and
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plan opportunities to celebrate our history and community.
Our goal is to transition with dignity—modeling for students how to say goodbye with grace; to honor how far we’ve come; and to carry forward the connections and values we’ve built together.
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- What support will faculty and staff receive as they look for new roles?
- Our faculty and staff are the heart of St. Elizabeth’s mission, and supporting them through this transition is a top priority. We are providing comprehensive job-placement assistance, including professional references, networking connections, and resources for career transitions. We will also ensure clear communication, appropriate compensation, and recognition of their dedication to our students and community. Return to Top
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
- Should I continue or start giving this year?
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Yes! Your philanthropy is more meaningful than ever this year. Every gift directly supports our students and programs today, helps ensure our faculty feel valued and stable through the transition, and allows us to sustain the St. Elizabeth’s experience through June.
Your generosity also makes it possible to provide families with robust transition support and to celebrate our community’s legacy with the dignity and joy it deserves. In many ways, giving this year is your most immediate and powerful investment in our students—and a statement of faith in the strength and spirit of the community we have built together.
If you want to thank a teacher, a family, or a colleague from St. Elizabeth’s who has made a difference, make a gift today! Return to Top
RECORDS & LEGACY
- How will the school celebrate and honor its legacy?
- Plans are underway for community gatherings and events to commemorate St. Elizabeth’s history and impact. We will share details as these celebrations are finalized. Return to Top
- Who can I talk to with questions?
- Please contact the Head of School Adriana Murphy ([email protected]) or Board Chair Sara Yelpaala ([email protected]) with questions. Return to Top
