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St. James' School for Little Folks to close

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 26, 2020

Parishioners, parents and generations of graduates will be saddened to hear the news that the School for Little Folks, school founded in the home of two sisters 88 years ago, will soon close.

 

"It is with great sadness and regret that the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville announces the imminent closure of the St. James School for Little Folks," the church said Sunday. "The difficult decision to close the preschool was made after a continuing pattern of declining enrollment and increased costs demonstrated that the school operation was not sustainable."
“As this ministry comes to an end, St. James will take time to remember the teachers and students that have come through SFLF, and to reflect on all the memories that have been made there,” said Teri Smith, the director of the preschool.
Parents of current students were alerted in mid-January that the school would remain open until the current class of 4-year-old pre-K students graduates in early June. The School for Little Folks School Board will decide the actual closing date, which will be no later than Aug. 31.
The school was founded in 1932 by Miss Elizabeth Hughes and her sister, Miss Carrie Hughes. They operated the school in their home until 1962, when the school moved to the St. James Episcopal Church campus. Throughout its history, the school was known for its nurturing and compassionate teaching staff and its kindergarten readiness programs.

Miss Elizabeth and Miss Carrie were granddaughters of the first rector of St. James Church. The school was organized under the Vestry and operated by a school board. The school’s mission over the decades has been to provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment for the children of the church and community, embracing Christian values and principles while educating and preparing students for future academic endeavors. A celebration to honor the history of St. James School for Little Folks is being planned for this spring, the church vestry said in the news release.