Financial constraints force closure of Quest Preparatory School

As uncertainty looms for the reopening of the island’s schools faceto-face learning, at least one privately run institution has decided to close its doors.

Quest Preparatory School, which is located at Mannings Hill Road in Kingston, told members of staff and parents that challenges with the collection of school fees from delinquent parents/guardians; a consistent reduction in new student intake; an increase in operational expenses; and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are the main reasons for the impending closure.

The 25- year- old institution has began offering redundancy letters to members of staff and has pledged to support students who may require recommendation letters to get placed in other schools.

Fay Smith, director of Quest Preparatory School, in a correspondence to parents and staff, said the announcement of the impending closure is being done “with a heavy heart”.

HEARTBREAKING

One staff member, whose position is being made redundant, described the development as “heartbreaking”.

“I am disappointed because the school has a lot of potential and the academic staff have been good teachers, dedicated teachers, excellent teachers, and we have had a lot of success in both the academic and sporting arena,” the educator said.

A parent, whose child would be entering the first grade in September, said the abrupt announcement has significantly affected plans for the school year. Fees had increased from $51,000 to $61,000 during the past year, and the school had adopted a dual modality, with both face-to-face and online classes. The parent said that she is now unsure of her plans.

“I have to be thinking now where to find school for my daughter. If we had gotten in advance that something like this is pending, it wouldn’t be so difficult. But it is really today that I learnt that the school is closing, the school closed today like literally a few hours ago,” the parent said on Monday.

Smith, in her message to staff, said Quest Preparatory School had a profound impact on the lives on countless number of persons.

“We are proud of all the achievements we have made throughout the 25 years of operations and we know that the service we have provided to the community, the country and the world through our graduates will have a lasting impact,” the director told staff.