Dear Stratford School Leadership and Financial Department,

We, the parents and families of Stratford School San Francisco (14th Avenue campus), write to express our deep disappointment, anger, and loss of trust following the sudden announcement that our campus will close in May 2026.

This news—delivered without warning or prior community engagement—has shocked and dismayed families and staff alike. Many of us have made life-changing decisions based on our commitment to this school: purchasing homes in the Richmond District, enduring long commutes, and investing years of loyalty and tuition in the Stratford educational model.

Stratford’s decision calls into question the financial health, leadership transparency, and long-term credibility of the Stratford brand. Families entrusted Stratford with our children’s education, only to learn—via a short email—that the school is walking away from a thriving community and a beloved Mandarin immersion program that represents years of effort, culture, and identity.

This is not acceptable.

We demand immediate action from Stratford’s leadership and financial department to:

1. Halt the closure of the SF14 campus and actively engage with San Francisco city officials to address lease negotiations and permitting challenges.
2. Organize a public town hall meeting—including Stratford ownership, leadership, and financial representatives—open to all Stratford families and staff to discuss the reasons for closure, financial realities, and potential alternatives.
3. Provide a concrete and transparent transition plan that includes:

                a. A retention incentive for ALL currently enrolled families to transition to other Stratford campuses, if relocation is unavoidable.

                b. A fair compensation and retention plan for ALL teachers and staff, ensuring job security and recognition of their dedication.

            c.   A continuity plan for the Mandarin immersion program, incorporating it into another Stratford campus.

This community deserves honesty, respect, and genuine problem-solving—not a corporate email and quiet withdrawal. The lack of transparency and accountability has deeply eroded trust, but we believe it is not too late for Stratford to demonstrate integrity and leadership by engaging with families and finding a solution together.

We urge Stratford leadership to act swiftly and in good faith to restore confidence, protect teachers, and uphold the promise of educational excellence that the Stratford name stands for.

Sincerely,
Parents and Families of Stratford School