After 50 Years, We Say Goodbye – With Heavy Hearts
 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the permanent closure of Montessori House of Children after serving the San Francisco community for five decades. This closure was not voluntary - it was the direct result of our landlord’s refusal to address multiple long-standing defects in the premises, including replacing an obsolete and faulty heating system and repairing malfunctioning thermostat controls, which they operated remotely from external locations in contravention of commercial building code standards.
 

Despite our repeated written requests and warnings, critical repairs and essential maintenance were ignored for years. As a licensed preschool subject to Title 22 and other strict regulatory standards, we consistently pressed for these issues to be resolved to ensure the safety and compliance of our classrooms. Instead of working with us to remedy the problems, the landlord chose to pursue escalating legal tactics to remove us from the premises.
 

Over the decades, Montessori House of Children contributed significantly to the landlord’s financial stability - in recent years funding more than 30% of their annual operating budget through rent payments that were over 40% above market rates. Our eviction stands as a rare and troubling example of a faithful and long-term tenant being forced out, not for failing to serve the community, but because legitimate safety and compliance concerns were raised and disregarded.
 

To the parents, children, and staff who made this school a place of warmth, learning, and growth for 50 years - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The bonds and memories we created together will endure long after these doors have closed. To those parents who had planned to entrust us with their children in the coming months, we extend our sincere regrets in our inability to be of service to you.
 

When we began operations back in 1976, our relationship with the landlord was cordial, cooperative, and rooted in mutual respect. Over time, the climate changed. Sadly, we have learned that some who speak of love, compassion, and community concern from the pulpit on Sunday mornings do not always carry those values into their daily dealings. We leave with no ill will, but with financially costly and deeply emotional lessons learned.
 

Farewell, and our warmest regards to all.