The Alexander Robertson School was founded in 1789 by the Second Presbyterian Church, with a specific mission in mind.

“It was going to educate the children of what they called common folk. It was not an elitist, independent school, which made it very different than the other independent schools in the city. And interestingly, because it was started that way, it has always maintained not only that mission, but that composition,” Brinton Parson, the head of school, said.

But now, more than 230 years later, the Upper West Side school will close after this academic year. 

The school separated from the church it shares a building with in 2020 and was given five years to operate rent-free. But the two parties have been unable to reach terms on a new lease, with Parson saying the reasons are more logistical than financial.

The church, which shares some common spaces and doorways with the school, rents out some common or connected spaces to outside groups.

“It's been difficult to maintain a level of security and insurability with the need for the church to rent to outsiders,” Parson said.

In a written statement, the church said the school had asked for a substantial change to their existing agreements, and that their ability to rent to groups that pay to use the space during after-school hours is essential to their mission and financial stability.

Second Presbyterian Church said they offered to let the school operate for another year rent-free in order to continue negotiations, but said the school declined the offer in September, when Parson told faculty and families it would close.

The change is difficult for some faculty and families, given the small size of the school. It serves about 60 students from junior kindergarten through fifth grade, offering small class sizes where children get individual attention from their teachers.

“You get to know the children deeply because they are very few. You get to meet their families,” said fourth grade teacher Elsie Juwayeyi.

“I like the school a lot because when I first came here, everyone was so kind and welcoming,” student Wudasae Kidane said.

The school has been assisting families in finding new placements for next year, but it will be a bittersweet change for students.

“All of my friends are not going to go be at the same school as me. But I could still call them or visit them,” student Soul Choi said. “Also, when I go to a new school, I can make a lot more friends.”

“I feel sad because I was hoping to go from junior K to fifth, but I have to stop at fourth,” student Graham Gettinger said. “And applying to all the schools, it's pretty difficult, but I'm also a little sad and a little happy because I've been here a lot of years, and I feel like it's time for a change.”